The leaves are waxy coated, clear blue-green, oblong-elliptic and narrow, about 30 centimetres (12 in) long.

The labellum reaches 4.5 centimetres (1.8 in) and its shape resembles a bag or women's shoes (hence the common name of Tropical Ladys-Slipper).

This species is endemic to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, East and Southwest Java (Mount Semeru, Lumajang) and in Central Sumatra).

Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum has its natural habitat in rainy volcanic mountain slopes and moist limestone cliffs.

It prefers sun to partial shade and calcareous soils with mosses, at an altitude of 200–700 metres (660–2,300 ft) above sea level.