This plant grows successfully in containers up to 30 cm in diameter. The roots prefer to be confined and need good drainage. Plants should therefore be planted in rockeries where the soil is a little elevated or on a gentle slope. It requires full sunlight and free air circulation.

Plant in well-drained, acidic soils and mulch with rotted compost or wood chips. Regular pruning will improve the shape of the plant. Pruning also increases branching and flower production.

Plant in pots or in the ground. Water thoroughly and then allow the soil to partially dry out between watering. They should be regularly fed with seaweed-based, organic fertilizers. Controlled release fertilizers in the form of granules are also beneficial. These granules should be mixed into the soil prior to planting rather than sprinkled on the surface. Controlled release fertilizers are designed to release nutrients when conditions are hot and wet. If granules are concentrated on the surface, they can cause burning to the delicate surface roots typical of ericas.

Propagation

At Kirtstenbosch, this plant was established from cuttings collected in the field. Fresh, actively growing material was selected and treated with rooting hormone for semi-hardwood cuttings. Heel cuttings were taken using side shoots and placed in specialized propagation units with heated benches and overhead mist. The rooting medium consists of fine, milled pine bark and polystyrene balls. Cuttings root after six to eight weeks.

Seed is very difficult to collect because the flowers are so sticky. The seed becomes attached to the flower and is almost impossible to remove. It is possible that the dead, dry, seed-covered flowers tumble around the mountain slope and eventually settle in some resting place until fire triggers the new germination and growth cycle.

Seed, if available, should be sown in autumn and subjected to the normal smoke treatment.