It was first collected by Józef Warszewicz in Colombia in 1848-49 and formally described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1855.

[1] C. warscewiczii exhibits a typical Cattleya sympodial habit.

Pseudobulbs are 8-16" (20-40 cm) long, unifoliate, cylindrical or cigar-shaped, grooved.

Strong light and good air movement are required.

[4] C. warscewiczii hybridizes naturally with C. aurea / dowiana[nb 1], producing C. x hardyana.