Erica uysii grows naturally in limestone soil but can easily adapt to growing in soil with an acidic pH ranging from 5.5-6.7, it also grows best in a full sun position. This plant prefers soil with good drainage especially when planted in pots. Prune the plant after flowering, this will encourage new growth. The removal of senescent and damaged wood will also give the plant a neat appearance. Apply matured compost sparingly when planting directly into the ground. Use organic fertiliser to feed the plant, ericas do not respond well to chemical fertiliser.

This plant can be successfully propagated by taking heel cuttings, ideally two months after flowering. Use a 50:50 ratio of fine-milled bark and perlite as the propagation medium. Propagation of this plant by cuttings is the preferred method, seed sowing is a longer process because seeds need to be treated, for example by soaking it in a ‘fynbos smoke liquid’ (an extract from burning fynbos plants) before sowing. Seeds will also take longer before they reach a stage where it is ready for planting in the garden.

Transplant rooted cuttings into small pots, once the root system has been well developed. Use a mixture of 7 parts milled bark and 3 parts sand, and harden the cuttings off for a month. Feed the rooted cuttings with an organic liquid fertiliser applied every two weeks. The cuttings can be planted in garden beds after about three months, by this time the root ball would have developed well.

Fungal attacks on young plants in a propagation unit can be prevented or controlled by providing good air circulation. The common pests that attack young erica plants are mealybug, scale insects and red spider mites, use an organic or systemic pesticide to control them. Prevent root rot by planting in soil or a potting mix with good drainage.