Name: Masdevallia constricta Poepp. & Endl.
Synonym: Masdevallia urosalpinx Kraenzl.
Etymology: constricta = constricted / narrowed — refers to the characteristic narrowing of the calyx tube near the base.

First description: 1838 by Eduard Friedrich Poeppig and Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher in Nova Genera ac Species Plantarum (2: 6, t. 108).
Origin / Distribution: Peru and Ecuador.
Location / Habitat: Growing epiphytically in moist mountain and cloud forests of the Andean region at elevations of approx. 1,200 to 1,800 meters. It thrives in shaded to partially shaded places with high humidity and constant, cool air movement.
Description & Notes: Masdevallia constricta is a small, clump-forming miniature orchid without pseudobulbs. The upright, thick-leathery leaves are obovate and taper into a short petiole. The upright inflorescence bears a single, strikingly large flower. The waxy, mostly pure white to cream-colored sepals (sepals) are fused into a characteristically bulbous tube that narrows at the base and ends in long, intensely yellow to orange-colored, thread-like tails.

In cultivation, this species requires intermediate to cool conditions and is sensitive to extreme summer heat without nighttime cooling. Since it has no storage organs, the substrate (e.g., fine bark mixed with Sphagnum moss) must never dry out completely, but must remain extremely airy. Consistently high humidity of over 75% and continuous, gentle air circulation are essential for care in pots or baskets.

In vitro culture: You will receive a bottle with 4 young plants. The plants are usually already large enough to be potted. After opening, carefully remove the nutrient medium completely from the fine roots with lukewarm water and plant the young plants in fine, very airy, and slightly moisture-retaining substrate with some Sphagnum. In the first few weeks, we recommend very high humidity, cool to intermediate conditions, and protected light. Keep the substrate evenly slightly moist, avoid complete drying out, and at the same time ensure gentle, continuous air movement.