Most of the Streptocarpus species make excellent pot plants and can also be planted in the shady/damp areas of the garden. Place indoor plants in a warm, bright situation, but not in full sun.

Streptocarpus species are attacked by a number of pests and diseases. This can be prevented by using good growing techniques and preventing the plant from being stressed out. Always ensure proper hygiene. Always use sterile potting mix and ensure that all plant containers are sterilized. Do not allow any plant debris to lie about, as this will encourage fungal diseases to develop. Do frequent check-ups on the plants to prevent any problems that may occur at an early stage. Whenever you bring in new plants always check them properly to see if they are healthy enough, before mixing them with the other plants. If you are growing your plants in a glass house, always ensure that it is weed-free. Weeds harbour pests and diseases. To prevent fungal diseases ensure adequate ventilation, avoid excessive sunlight, do not over-water and do not keep plants cold and damp. Always keep an eye open for worms. They love to attack streptocarpuses. When spotted, try to spray immediately with a suitable pesticide.

Feeding should commence in September/October. You can either use a liquid or a granular feed. However it is easier to use a granular fertilizer at the recommended rate. Use a fertilizer that is high in potash. The high potassium will encourage the plant to produce quality flowers rather than leaves.

During winter the leaf turns yellow and then eventually goes brown and dies off. This is a natural reaction to the unfavourable conditions and gives no cause for concern. The new shoots will form from the base again. The dry ends can be removed.

Streptocarpus is best propagated from seed. If a particular hybrid/colour form needs to be kept, then vegetative propagation by cuttings is best suited.

For seed-sowing use a proprietary seed-sowing compost/potting soil. Because the seed is so fine, gently scatter the seed over the surface of the compost. Do not cover the seed with anymore compost. Gently spray with water and cover the seed tray with a sheet of glass or put it in the greenhouse. The trays should be kept at a temperature of about 20°C, in a light place but out of the sun. Always keep the compost damp and never allow it to dry out. The tiny seedlings should be visible around about two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are 5-6 mm long, they can be transplanted into a 100 mm pot.

Streptocarpus can also be propagated from leaf cuttings. The ideal time to do the cuttings is during early spring or early summer. Try and use a well drained soil medium. At the KZN National Botanical Garden we use a mix of 40% potting soil mix, 40% perlite and 20% coarse river sand. The mix must be put into a seed tray. The medium should be sterilized before putting in the cuttings.

The easiest way to take a cutting is to cut off a leaf near the base of the plant and then use this whole leaf as the cutting material. Always take the greenest and healthiest-looking leaf. The leaf should be 100- 150 mm long. You can also cut along either side of the midrib of the leaf to get the cuttings. Use a blade or sharp knife to do the cuttings and ensure that it is sterilized, using a fungicide, to prevent the spread of disease. Once the leaf cuttings are done, insert them 25 mm deep. The cuttings must be put into a bright area but not into full sun. The ideal temperature should be about 20°C.

The cuttings can be placed into a greenhouse or you can cover them with a polythene bag. An elastic band can be used to tie the bag to the tray. The cuttings should take about one month to root. Another two to three weeks later the young plants will appear from the base of the cutting. Always ensure that the medium is kept moist, but not wet. If you want to get more plants growing you can cut the leaf transversely into several pieces. Each piece must be between 50 and 75 mm long. Make sure the centre pieces of the leaf are planted the correct way up. Once the young plants are fully established, between 30 and 50 mm tall, they can be transplanted into slightly bigger pots. The plants can reach the flowering stage within the next two to three months.

Leaf cuttings are one of the best ways of propagating Streptocarpus. However it requires a lot of skill and patience. The more you practice this method, the better your chances are of getting a good take.