Dendrobium discolor is an epiphytic or lithophytic herb with cylindrical green or yellowish pseudobulbs 1–5 m (3 ft 3 in – 16 ft 5 in) long, 30–60 mm (1.2–2.4 in) wide and occasionally over 8 cm (3 in) thick.

The flowers are 30–80 mm (1.2–3.1 in) long and wide with wavy and twisted sepals and petals.

[2][4][5][6] Dendrobium discolor was first formally described in 1841 by John Lindley and the description was published in Edwards's Botanical Register.

[7][8] The specific epithet (discolor) is a Latin word meaning "of different colours" or "variegated".

[9] The following subspecies and varieties are accepted by Plants of the World Online as of March 2023: Antler orchid grows in coastal scrub and on mangroves, in coastal rainforest, and woodland, sometimes on rocks.