Encephalartos paucidentatus is a shade-loving species but can also be grown in full sun. This species develops to its full potential in light shade, moist conditions, good drainage in a frost-free situation, with space to grow. This species is one of the faster growing cycads. Once the stem has attained its maximum diameter, the stem height, under ideal conditions, increases by 30-50 mm a year. The spread of its leaves can extend to 5 m and a mature plant can grow to a height of 6 m.

When planting a young plant, it is important to consider all the above factors because once established, E. paucidentatus does not like to be moved. Cynthia Giddy (1978) suggests that as many roots as possible must be retained when moving a plant as they are difficult to re-establish. Grown in full sun, this species develops into a most attractive specimen plant but the leaves tend to be slightly shorter than when grown in shade.

In shade, Clivia, Crinum, Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. Katharinae, Plectranthus, Veltheimia and Asparagus make ideal companion plants for Encephalartos paucidentatus.

Cycads require regular watering and feeding to maintain a healthy plant. A 50-mm thick layer of mulch using well-matured compost applied in the autumn helps to improve the soil and benefits the cycads. In early spring, apply two generous handfuls per plant of a mixture of bone meal, organic fertilizer and a balanced inorganic fertilizer. The use of high-pressure irrigation systems, which produce a strong jet of water, is to be avoided as it will destroy the leaves and stem of the plant.