Bulbine mesembryanthoides is grown from seed. Sow seeds in autumn (March in the southern hemisphere), in a well-drained medium of 2 parts red soil, 2 parts compost and 1 part river-sand, which is sifted and placed in a tray. Sift more river-sand, for the small stones, and sprinkle them on top, to create a space for the seeds to land in between, as it would grow in its natural habitat. Sow the seeds over the stony stand, ensuring that they are well spaced so that there is no competition for light, water and nutrients. Use a mist sprayer to keep the soil moist. Place in a warm area where there is sufficient light, but not direct sunlight, at a minimum temperature of 0°C in winter and 10°C in summer (Yoan DelaMarche, pers. comm. 2022). The use of a damping-off fungicide is advisable.

It should take 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once seedlings have 2 leaves transplant them into a well-drained medium which is not rich in organic material. Start to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Overwatering is the easiest way to kill this plant because it is very susceptible to fungal attacks, which result in rotting. Feeding is not necessary and will only cause lush growth which will ruin the natural appearance of the plant.

Pests to watch out for are the normal array, notably weevils and beetles (Nick Helme, pers. comm. 2022).

In its natural environment Bulbine mesembryanthoides subsp. mesembryanthoides will be found with appropriate companion plants like Aloe microstigma (Worcester aloe) with its spotted leaves and Crassula rupestris (kebab bush) with its interesting arrangement of leaves, sometimes tinged a reddish colour, and pink flowers, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (renosterbos) with its grey-woolly short, whip-like branches, Drosanthemum micans (Robertson vygie) with its beautiful flowers with red outer petals and chrome yellow inner petals, Montinia carophyllacea (peperbos) with its white cup-shaped flowers and Oedera squarrosa, with its yellow flower heads.