Imperata cylindrica can be propagated from seed by sowing on the surface in containers. The seed germinates quickly. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out when about 10 cm tall. Divide as the plant has new growth. Division is very easy and can be carried out at almost any time of the year.

Imperata cylindrica is a plant of the tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2 000 m. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 25–35°C, but can tolerate 20–40°C. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 500–3 500 mm but tolerates 250–6 250 mm. It grows well in ordinary garden soil in sun or partial shade. It prefers a pH in the range 4.5–6.0, tolerating 4.0–7.5. Established plants are drought tolerant. Although it has a wide range of useful attributes, silver-spike grass is also a widespread weed of disturbed ground and cultivated areas. Indeed, it is considered to be one of the 10 most noxious weeds in the world. It spreads vigorously by its rhizomes, which penetrate deep into the soil and are almost impossible to eradicate.