Erica lateralis prefers a soil with good drainage with an acidic pH from 5.5–6.7. It will grow best in a sunny position, with some afternoon shade in summer. The plant will be exposed to fungal attacks when planted too densely, so avoid overcrowding and provide for good air circulation. Regular pruning after flowering and feeding is important to encourage new growth. Ericas have a very delicate root system, therefore, extra care needs to be taken when weeding around the plants.

Take 40–50 mm heel or nodal cuttings from semi-hardwood, 2 months after flowering. Remove the lower third of the cutting’s leaves. Apply a rooting hormone for semi-hardwood to the cutting, this will speed up the root development. Place the cuttings in a rooting medium made up of 50% fine-milled bark and 50% polystyrene chips. A propagation unit with heated benches kept at 24°C and a misting system, is best to successfully propagate this plant by cuttings. Plant the cuttings into small pots when rooted, in a soil mixture of 8 parts composted pine bark and 3 parts sand, water well and shade lightly for a month. Feed every 2 weeks with an organic liquid fertiliser. The cuttings will be ready to be planted out within 3 to 4 months.

Sow seeds in the cooler months of the year, April and May are best. Sow seeds in seed trays about a 100 mm deep, filled with equal parts of river sand and sifted, composted bark. Place a thin layer of stones in the bottom of the seed tray to allow for good drainage. Wet the medium with fynbos smoke extract (obtained from burning fynbos plant material) and only use pure water after one day. The seeds are very small and need to be mixed with fine river sand prior to sowing, in order to obtain a more even spread of the seeds. Keep the medium moist by watering with a fine hose. Place the trays in a warm and sheltered spot to encourage the germination process and maintain good air circulation. Monitor insect damage and damping off and control when required. The seeds show signs of germination from 1 to 2 months. Seedlings can be planted out into small pots as soon as they are about 10 mm high. Thereafter, plant the plants in garden beds as soon as they are ± 100 mm tall.

Ericas are not often battered by pests, but if thrips are noticed apply a bio product for thrips to control them. Fungus can be controlled by making use of a fungicide if necessary or as an alternative apply prevention practices such as not sowing or planting to densely and not watering at night. Scale insects and snails can be controlled by removing them by hand or use a product appropriate to control them by mixing at the recommended dosage.