As noted in other cycad species, Encephalartos arenarius is easily grown from seed. Since cycad seeds are toxic to humans, one should use gloves when handling or cleaning them.

Hand-pollination is necessary for a successful seed harvest in cultivation. Collect pollen as soon as it starts shedding. If a slight tapping of the male cone sheds pollen, then the cone is ready to be harvested; store pollen at -15ºC for best results. The female cone scales have to be monitored to check if they are open. The window of the scale opening varies with individual plants, from three days to two weeks. The wet method, using distilled water in a syringe, has given us a good pollination rate at Kirstenbosh.

After female cones have been collected, the seeds are left to mature for a year before sowing at the beginning of summer. For best results, sow seeds in river sand on a heated bench at 24-28ºC. Germination should start three weeks after sowing though some will take longer. It is easily transplanted and can also be propagated from suckers.

Leaves and cones are prone to scale and mealy bug. The gall-midge also attacks young leaves. At Kirstenbosch in spring, we apply a mixture of 3:1:5 bone meal to each plant. During the year we regularly feed the plant with a generous layer of compost.