There is a nice pic. of the Tolumnia on Jay's species site and a description of the habitat. Not even going to attempt to tell you how to grow the plant in NY except to say that the usual reason for the death of the little beauties here is overwatering and over-potting.
Suggest you contact Parkside for detailed growing hints. Though i have hundreds of hybrids, i have nil species because they are as rare as hen's teeth over here.
Lovely Masdevallia.

Strange, I posted a reply last night and now it seems to have disappeared. Right now, I have the Tolumnia in a greenhouse under T5s. From what I understand, it needs bright light. Since it is mounted, I don't think over-watering will be a problem, rather I have to make sure I mist it each day.

Sarah

Your sylvestris also has a different growth pattern than most Tolumnias. They shoot off the new growths, like a Phal stem keiki and they don't attach to the mount. The little growths are sooooo tight it is much more difficult to lose them to rot than most Tolumnia.

A good totally submerged fertilizer soak once a week will also be helpful.

Brooke

Great info Brooke. Thanks!

Sarah