Its tall spikes and tubular flowers attract butterflies, and delight[original research?]

The Brazilian genera Paliavana and Vanhouttea, consisting of shrubby plants without tubers, are closely related to Sinningia and recent morphological and molecular analyses (Boggan 1991, Perret et al. 2003) suggest that these genera are, in fact, nontuberous Sinningia species.

The chief environmental needs are warmth, high humidity, suitable soil and good light with shade from strong sun.

It should contain a liberal proportion of organic matter, such as leaf mold or peat moss, and enough coarse sand or perlite to ensure good porosity.

The hybrid cultivars 'Empress Purple Spotted'[5] and 'Empress Red'[6] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.