A spectacular species with strongly crinkled leaves, C. bullosa is found in sandy river bottoms in the Saribas and lower Rajang river basins of southern and central Sarawak.

Reaching over a foot long in optimal conditions, the plant produces very dark, almost black leaf blades on long pale petioles. Precise identification from the similar C. keei and C. hudoroi is achieved by the scarce inflorescences, which have extremely short tubes (about 4 cm high) with a deep red limb. This species appears to favour neutral or slightly alkaline conditions as well as good water current. As befits its natural environment of sheltered, fast-flowing streams, moderate lighting and relatively cool temperature are recommended.