Serruria decipiens prefers well-drained (sandy), acidic soils and sandstone slopes where there is free circulation of air. It is well suited to Fynbos and Sandveld gardens, and gardens on the sandy flats. Other serrurias such as S. aemula and S. glomerata,as well as other members of the Proteaceae such as Protea scolymocephala, P. cynaroides and Mimetes cucullatus, are good companion plants. The plant is in flower in winter, spring and early summer. Prune after flowering to increase the number of flowering branches. Regular pruning and collection of cuttings from this plant keeps it healthy and prolongs its life.

Propagate by cuttings and seed. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer and in autumn (December to March). Use heel cuttings and tip cuttings and dip them in a suitable rooting hormone to promote rooting. A good rooting medium for this plant is a mixture of milled bark and polystyrene in ratio of 1:1. Plant the cuttings in a tray and treat with a fungicide to prevent diseases. Keep cuttings in a warm environment with good aeration e.g. well-ventilated greenhouse, to allow rooting to take place. Rooting takes seven to eight weeks. Cuttings must be hardened-off for 14 days in a shade environment (50 % shade) and transplanted into 1 kg bags in a soil mixture of milled bark and sand fynbos mix in ratio of 1:1. After 14 days cuttings must be moved to full sunlight.

Sow seeds in a well-prepared medium with good drainage. Medium must be a mixture of 1 part milled bark and 1 part of sand. Sow seeds in autumn (April or May) when the days are warm and nights are cool. Transplant seedlings into 1 kg bags and keep them under shade to harden them off. Treat seedlings with fungicide to prevent diseases.

Plant Serruria decipiens into the garden during the rainy season (autumn–winter). Choose a spot in full sun, with good air movement and well-drained, acidic soil. Use a mulch of well-rotted compost when plants are fully established to keep roots cool during summer and discourage weed growth.