In most collections, plants come and go, with a few surviving the good and the bad times. At Kirstenbosch Streptocarpus formosus has proven to be one of the most reliable and beautiful, flowering as pot plants in the glasshouse and planted out in the garden. In a mild climate like Kirstenbosch, the plants survive the winters outside as long as they do not get too wet.

Streptocarpus formosus can be propagated from a single leaf. Simply break of a young, healthy leaf at its base and place it in a well-drained medium like sand or compost. If many new plants are required, the leaf can be cut along the midrib or horizontally into segments. Wedge the cut edges into the rooting medium. Water thoroughly and place the cuttings in the shade. Within a month or two, new leaves will form along the edge placed in the rooting medium. The old leaves turn brown and dead as the young leaves start to grow. Once the new plants are well established, they can be potted into small pots and grown on. To get new plants identical to the parents, it is best to propagate from cuttings.

Streptocarpus formosus can also be propagated from seed sown during the warm spring and summer months. Carefully scatter the seeds on a moist, well-drained medium and place in a spot with good light but not direct sunlight. Water regularly with a fine spray not allowing the seedlings to dry out. Germination is usually within a month. Plant the seedlings into small pots only once they are quite big and strong. Transplant again into bigger pots when the roots have filled the small pots. Mature plants often lose their vigor after about 3-5 years and should be replaced by younger plants.

Watering Streptocarpus should be done with care. Give a thorough watering only when the plants are dry. During the warm summers they are actively growing and need plenty of water, but during the cool winters very little water should be given. Streptocarpus should rather be under-watered than over-watered. Even when slightly wilted from drought, they will quickly recover with a good watering. Often plants look wilted when over-watered, so feel the soil before watering. Plant Streptocarpus in a well-composted medium with good drainage. The soil mixture sold at nurseries for African violets usually works well. The plants are very sensitive to light, easily burned by sun and reluctant to flower in deep shade. Light shade with good ventilation is best for growing healthy plants with plenty of flowers. Streptocarpus respond well to feeding during summer when they are actively growing. Removing the dead leaves and flowers regularly keeps the plants attractive and healthy.