It differs from most species of Cattleya by having inflorescences which arise from the rhizome instead of from the apex of the pseudobulb[nb 1].

In its native habitat (the Brazilian Central Plateau) it grows as either an epiphyte or a lithophyte, sometimes in full sun, at elevations up to 2000 meters[1][nb 2].

Pseudobulbs are relatively short, bulbous or fusiform, with one or two ovate leaves at the apex.

[2][3] Genetically, C. walkeriana is close to bifoliate Cattleyas.

[4] The diploid chromosome number of C. walkeriana has been twice determined as 2n = 40; the diploid chromosome number of the variety C. walkeriana var.