It always grows under taller woody shrubs in semi-shade. Preliminary experiments indicate that it can be grown in containers, however because of its leaf-deciduous habit it is likely to be overlooked in gardens (Sue Dean Martin, pers. comm. 2021).

Sow seed in autumn, in a well-drained growing medium of 2 parts river sand, 1 part loam and 1 part well-decomposed compost that has been sifted. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface, avoid overcrowding, cover them with a thin layer of river sand and water well with a mist sprayer. The seed will start to germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have reached the 4-leaf stage and are 5 cm long, they can be potted up in a potting medium of 2 parts river sand, 1 part loam and 1 part well-decomposed compost. The harsh summer conditions causes the plant to die back in summer but it will reappear after good autumn rain.

Bulbine succulenta will enhance the look of a garden with companion plants like Aloe microstigma (Worcester’s speckled aloe), Cephalophyllum alstonii (rankvygie) with its blood red flowers, Crassula muscosa (akkedistert) with its odd looking, closely overlapping, scale-like leaves, Euphorbia caput-medusae (medusa’s head) with a rosette of warty, club-shaped branches, Lessertia frutescens (cancer bush) with striking bright red flowers, Senecio haworthii (snow daisy) with cylindrical white leaves that have a felt-like texture, Tylecodon paniculatus (botterboom) with its bonsai-like appearance, and to fill the open spaces, plant annuals like Felicia heterophylla (bloublomastertjie), Cleretum bellidiforme (bokbaaivygies) for spectacular colour.

The plant is relatively pest free.