HISTORY  The first Kefersteinia species was described in 1852, but the majority of the 60 or so species of this genus have been published within the last 20 years. However, not all of these are newly found species; some have been in cultivation for many years but mislabeled because many species of Kefersteinia are similar and easily confused. A case in point is Kefersteinia koechlinorum, which is illustrated here. I purchased a division of this plant in 1987 as Kefersteinia lojae from a nursery in California and grew it as that until 2000 when Eric Christenson, PhD, described the species from a plant growing at 6,562 feet (2,000 m) on the property of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in the Department of Cusco, Peru.

CULTURE  A moisture-retentive medium that does not become soggy is ideal for potted Kefersteinias. A fine-grade epiphytic bark mix such as four or five parts washed and sifted fine fir bark and one part perlite will work. I also usually add some tree-fern fiber and charcoal to open up the mix a bit. New Zealand sphagnum moss in plastic, ceramic or net pots is another choice. One should adjust watering cycles as necessary to maintain even moisture.

Kefersteinia aurorae

Mounted plants of Kefersteinia display their flowers beautifully but can be difficult to maintain. Steve Beckendorf, a grower in the San Francisco Bay Area, grows mounted plants to perfection in his cool greenhouse. He attaches a small piece of cork onto a larger piece of cork and positions the plant on the little ledge that simulates the crotch of a tree branch. Fertilize regularly with a half-strength solution in spring and summer and less often in autumn and winter. Be sure to periodically flush pots well with water.

The proper temperature range will be determined by the elevation at which the plants naturally occur. Plants such as the species illustrated here are cool growers and do best with a temperature range from 50 to 55 F (10–13 C) as the minimum winter night and 75 F (24 C) as the average day time temperature. Grow Kefersteinias in moderate light where a hand held 12 to 18 inches (30.5–46 cm) above the plant casts a diffuse shadow.

Divide and repot plants as a new growth is emerging so that the new roots can go into fresh medium. While a single growth division can grow well, a piece with three or four growths is preferable. Adequate humidity and plenty of air movement will go a long way toward growing healthy plants.

The only time I have had a general problem growing them was after the local water company started adding sodium hydroxide to raise the pH of the water, and the sodium had a deleterious effect. All of my plants of Kefersteinia started a slow decline that worsened until I installed a reverse-osmosis water system. After repotting the plants with fresh medium to remove the built-up salts, the plants started thriving again.

References
Christenson, E.A. 2000. A new Kefersteinia from Cusco, Peru. Orchid Digest 64(3):139–141.
__. 2002. The Genus Kefersteinia. Orchid Digest 66(3):110–114.