Restios are propagated by seed as this produces a vigorous, well-shaped plant. Dividing mature plants is another method of propagation, although the plant takes about one year to re-establish itself.

Sow seeds in early autumn (March) when there is a fluctuation between day and night temperatures. Night temperatures are cool, 10-15°C, and daytime temperatures warm, 20-30°C. Fifty per cent of restio seeds produced by a plant are not viable. A good germination percentage occurs when the seeds are treated with the Instant Smoke Plus seed primer. Sow the seeds into deep seed trays using a well-drained medium. Sow in an even layer completely covering the growing medium. Cover with a fine layer of milled bark and water lightly. Place the seed trays in a warm light area. Keep the trays damp but not wet. Germination should take place after three weeks.

Once the plants have developed a few small culms, after ± 6-12 weeks, and are 30 mm tall, they can be pricked out into 6-packs or plug trays. Use a fynbos potting medium.

Harden off the plants in a semi-shaded area until they are growing strongly (± 4 weeks) before placing in the sun. Once the roots start to show through the bottom of the trays they can be potted into small black bags. After growing on they will be ready to be planted in the garden.

In the garden Thamnochortus lucens prefers a sunny spot with lots of air movement. It grows in a wide range of soils provided that it has good drainage. Add compost at planting time which should be early winter or at the start of the rainy season. The cooler weather and rain allow the plant to establish deep roots before the onset of the hot, dry summer season. Plant at other times of the year provided that the plant is well watered for the first two months. It is used to hot dry summers with minimal watering, although a more robust, lush plant will be achieved with regular watering.

This restio looks fantastic planted in a fynbos garden, re-creating its natural habitat. Erica cerinthoides, Watsonia borbonica, Leucadendron spissifolium subsp. phillipsii, Lampranthus aureus and Leucospermum cordifolium are a few plants to include. Another idea is to plant Thamnochortus lucens in large sweeps where the wind blowing through the plants creates an eye-catching focal point.

Restios in the garden are relatively free from pests and diseases. They are prone to damping off as seedlings if they are over-watered with little air movement.