Lachenalia bulbifera is a rewarding species under cultivation provided a few simple points are borne in mind. The bulbs are deciduous and winter-growing, and are completely dormant during the summer months. They should be planted in early autumn (March to mid-April in the southern hemisphere). The top of the bulb should rest 2-3 cm below the surface. The growing medium must be well aerated and drain rapidly; a recommended soil mixture is equal parts of finely sifted, well-decomposed compost and river sand/silica sand (swimming pool sand), and it is best to plant the bulbs in a layer of pure river sand or silica sand. An ideal aspect is one receiving full morning sun and afternoon shade, or alternatively, if grown under greenhouse conditions, bright light for as much of the day as possible, especially in colder parts of the northern hemisphere. The plants are effectively displayed in containers such as deep terracotta pots and window boxes, and also make an excellent show in rock garden pockets. The bulbs are best massed together to reduce their falling over in strong winds.

Once the bulbs have started growing in autumn, they should be watered well approximately once per week, allowing the medium to dry out considerably before the next application is given. The bulbs perform extremely well in containers and the flowers make long-lasting cut flowers. As temperatures rise and the leaves begin to wither in late spring, watering should be reduced and finally withheld completely for the duration of the summer.

Propagation is easily achieved by means of bulb offsets that form towards the end of the growing period, as well as by bulbils that develop along the margins of the leaf bases; bulbils also develop at the tips of subterranean stolons produced from the base of the bulb. These can be removed during the summer dormant period and be replanted separately in autumn. Seeds can be harvested from capsules as soon as they split open in late spring and should be stored until sowing time in autumn. The seeds are best sown in deep seed trays in the same mixture recommended for mature bulbs, and will germinate within two to three weeks, if fresh. Flowering from seed usually occurs in the third season.

The bulbs of Lachenalia bulbifera are highly susceptible to infestation by mealy bugs, eventually resulting in disintegration of the bulb if not treated timeously. Mealy bugs are also transmitters of viral disease and are often spread from one plant to another by ants. An unsightly rust fungus (Uromyces lachenaliae) sometimes attacks the leaves when grown under insufficiently well-aerated conditions. Fungal diseases of the bulbs are usually the result of a poorly drained growing medium and failure in maintaining a dry summer rest period. The bulbs are also sometimes taken by porcupines and mole rats.