Name: Porroglossum muscosum (Rchb.f.) Schltr. 'Short Cauds'

Synonyms: Masdevallia muscosa Rchb.f.; Masdevallia xipheres Rchb.f.; Porroglossum xipheres (Rchb.f.) Garay; Scaphosepalum xipheres (Rchb.f.) Schltr.

Etymology: The genus name Porroglossum refers to the shape of the lip of the genus. The epithet muscosum means "mossy" and refers to the appearance of the plant. "Short Cauds" refers to the short form of the tail-like flower spikes of this cultivar.

First description: The species was described in 1875 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach as Masdevallia muscosa; the combination Porroglossum muscosum was published in 1920 by Rudolf Schlechter.

Origin / Habitat: Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, as an epiphyte in moist mountain forests. In Colombia, it is known from altitudes of approximately 1800–2700 m.

Description & Notes: Compactly growing Pleurothallidinae with small, striking flowers and short, tail-like flower spikes in this cultivar. We cultivate it in bright to slightly shaded conditions, with high humidity and good air circulation. We keep the substrate evenly moist and avoid complete drying out. We keep it cool, at approximately 12–20 °C.