E.horsfallii grows well in full sun but prefers a protected, lightly shaded position such as that provided by established evergreen trees with a high canopy. Under all-day full-sun conditions the leaves tend to burn, and strong winds cause the leaves to tear and look unsightly. A loamy, slightly acid soil containing well-decomposed compost is preferred, and the plants grow equally successfully under well-drained or waterlogged conditions. At Kirstenbosch Gardens they easily survive heavy winter rainfall and remain largely evergreen, sending up their new leaves in spring and summer, before the old leaves have died down. In summer-rainfall areas experiencing cold, dry winters, the plants become dormant over the winter period. Once established, the plants like to remain undisturbed for several years and rapidly form thick clumps. This species can also be successfully cultivated in large, deep plastic pots with a diameter of at least 35 cm.

Frequent, heavy watering is required in summer, especially for container-grown plants that need drenching twice weekly.

Division of E. horsfallii clumps is the only feasible method of propagation for the home gardener. Thick clumps are best separated in early spring, just before the new leaf shoots begin to develop. The rhizomatous rootstock consists of persistent pseudobulbs which are usually entirely subterranean, and linked by short, cylindrical stems. The rootstock forms branches with age, and these branches can be separated, ensuring that each branch is removed with a growing point. Separated branches must be replanted immediately, and kept well-watered, and will require a year or two of good growth before flowering commences again.

The major reason that most orchids (including Eulophia) cannot be raised successfully from seed when sown in the normal way is that the seedlings of most of them are dependent for survival on a symbiotic association with a specific fungus. Symbiosis refers to the association of two different organisms living attached to each other, or one within the other, usually to the advantage of both. In the instance of orchid seeds, the fungus penetrates the roots of the seedling and through the exchange of nutrients, nutritional benefit is obtained by the seedling, and usually by the fungus as well. Further requirements for successful germination of most orchid seeds include sufficient moisture and favourable temperature and light levels.

As with most Eulophia species, the foliage of E. horsfallii is highly susceptible to infestation by red spider mite in summer, seen as a silvery bronze sheen over the lower leaf surface. The developing flower buds frequently fall prey to attack by aphids and thrips at the height of summer, resulting in malformed blooms.