Platycaulos callistachyus provides a fantastic dense, evergreen backdrop to a water feature or pond. It also makes a very good filler or screening plant in an informal garden where some height is needed.

One can make a feature of this restio by planting low-growing plants around the clumps; allowing a view of the culms and habit of the plant, or mix it amongst fynbos plants of varying heights to create a more natural looking landscape.

Plant it in a well-drained spot in the garden. It is a medium-sized restio and does require a fair amount of space to grow in. Plant in full sun or light shade, although in the shade the plants will tend to elongate and have softer growth. No pruning is needed other than to occasionally remove dead stems. Ensure there is a good layer of mulch present. This keeps the soil cool and reduces evaporation during hot weather. Feed plants regularly with an organic fertilizer until they are established, at least for the first year after planting.

Restios are relatively disease-free plants with no major pests and diseases affecting Platycaulos callistachyus.

There are two ways to propagate restios: dividing the rhizome and sowing seed.

Dividing the rhizome entails digging up an established plant and breaking the rhizome into pieces at least 15 cm long. Plant these pieces into the ground or into pots. Water them well after planting. This is done during winter time before the plant sends up new culms. The plants will take at least a year to start growing strongly and produce new shoots.

At Kirstenbosch we use seed propagation for all the restios. This is a fast and easy method to use if you require large quantities of plants. The seed is planted in April-May (autumn) when the days are warm (20-30°C) and the nights are cool (10-15°C). Treat the seed prior to planting with Instant Smoke Primer. This smoke treatment greatly improves germination. Seed is planted into seed trays 10 cm deep and filled with a well-drained medium. Plant the seed thickly as 50 % of restio seed is not viable. Cover the seed lightly with sand and water. Place the trays in a light well-ventilated area. Keep the trays moist but not wet. After 3-4 weeks germination should take place. 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 consisting of 1 part loam, 8 parts bark and 3 parts sand.

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.

The best time of the year to plant into the garden is autumn or at the beginning of the rainy season. This allows the plant to settle in and grow deep roots before the hot summer season begins. Restios, once established (after the first year), require very little water but this species will thrive if watered regularly.