It is a pseudobulbous epiphyte found from Himalaya to south-central China.

[2] Cymbidium iridioides is native to Assam, south-central China, Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet, Vietnam.

[2] Under natural conditions, it is found on trees or rocks, and on shaded cliffs at elevations of 900–2800 meters from sea level.

The sepals and the petals are yellowish green, with 7–9 brownish to reddish brown longitudinal stripes.

The lip is yellowish, with red or brown stripes on the lateral lobes and on the mid-lobe.