The more leaves left on the plant, the larger the developing daughter tuber. However, market demand for longer stems must be balanced against leaving resources for the daughter tuber. Stems are cut when two to four flowers are open. The aesthetic appeal is greater with more flowers open, but the stems then have a slightly reduced vase-life. Later harvest results in slightly longer stems and enhanced development of the daughter tubers.
Exporters often provide guidelines on market requirements.
Few pest and diseases have been recorded on sandersonia. They include mite, thrips, caterpillars and slugs. Sandersonia is susceptible to several soil-borne diseases. Fusarium wilt, which starts at the growing point, eventually causes the whole plant to collapse. Rhizoctonia also causes wilting and dieback.