Cymbidium insigne is a terrestrial orchid with oblong pseudobulbs. The leaves are oblong, 70 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. The flower stalk is erect, up to 80 cm high, with flowers in a many-flowered loose raceme. Flowers are large, 7-9 cm in diameter, gathered by 10-15 pieces in an inflorescence. Petals and sepals are white or pale pink, with red spots at the base and near the central vein. Lateral lobes of the lip with purple spots, the anterior lobe with a pointed tip and wavy margin, strongly curved backwards and covered with purple spots.