Like most species in the Gesneriaceae family, the Streptocarpus genus is an attractive plant for potting. The genus is relatively resilient when compared to other genera within Gesneriaceae and may be an ideal potting plant. The genus is characterized by brightly coloured flowers with uniquely textured leaf structures, that are sometimes covered in hairs, with some species being unifoliate, whereas others are rosulate.

There is limited information on the cultivation of Streptocarpus floribundus, however, UKZN-based horticulturist, Alison Young is currently attempting to propagate this vulnerable species from a specimen collected at the type locality. The species prefers to grow in cool, moist and shaded doleritic cliff faces, in well-drained, dark loamy soils. It is significant to note that these plants are not a fan of direct sunlight and will most likely burn in unfavourable temperatures. According to Alison Young, leaf miner caterpillars have been identified to hide on the underside of the leaves and get into the flowers. These pests chew on the flowers and can hinder the growth of the plant.

The suggestions made in this publication are based on the broad cultivation of the Streptocarpus genus, rather than specifics related to Streptocarpus floribundus.

The seeds of these plants can be germinated by keeping the seeds in a damp cool area covered in a soilless medium (Boodhraj 2018). Shoots can be observed after a few weeks, during which time, the seedlings can be transplanted into potting soil for optimum growth (Boodhraj 2018).

It is important to be cautious when watering the plants, as excessive watering will jeopardize the development of the species and will result in the formation of mould and rotting of the plant (Baley 2018). Drainage is, therefore, another factor to consider when propagating Streptocarpus species, as a well-drained medium will produce the best growth results (Baley 2018).

It is possible to grow species of Streptocarpus from its leaves (Baley 2018). This is achieved by slicing off the central vein of the leaf, thus separating the leaf into 2 halves (Baley 2018). Place these 2 halves in potting soil with the exposed side (cut part) of the leaf towards the soil (Baley 2018). These halves need to be kept damp, but not overly saturated in water, until the formation of shoots can be observed (Baley 2018). Subsequently, new juvenile plants can be observed after a couple of weeks, forming along the cut parts of the leaves (Baley 2018). Once noticeable growth is observed in the juveniles, they can then be detached from the ‘mother leaf’’ and replanted, in order to flourish as individual plants (Baley 2018).