Protea compacta thrives in coastal and low altitude mountain gardens. It grows in acidic, well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. This shrub is a rapid and vigorous grower that may even flower in its second year. Flowers should normally be expected only from the fifth year if grown from seed.

For the best effect plant in groups of 3 - 5 plants; in a relatively large garden, this number could even be increased. The natural lanky growth habit favours group planting. Plants mutually support each other as can be seen in the dense stands of Bot River protea in its natural habitat.

This species develops long slender branches that become top heavy and eventually the plant falls sideways. This can be overcome by pinching back the young plants and the regular cutting of the long-stemmed flowers. In the event of old, woody shrubs, the stems bearing the old flower heads should be cut back to create a better shape and encourage the development of new shoots and longer stems.

For optimum flowering results and a better display, this short-lived and quick-growing shrub should ideally be replaced every 8 - 10 years.

If one is to take a more organic approach to gardening and to try to emulate growing conditions in its natural habitat, it would be beneficial if one considers growing it with other plants that grow with it in the wild. Advantages may include a more simple garden maintenance plan and possible symbioses that will create stronger plants. Some plants that grow with this species and which make attractive garden subjects are Protea repens, P. lepidocarpodendron, P. coronata, Erica ericoides, E. viscaria subsp. longifolia, E. pinea, Restio dispar, Gnidia squarrosa, Berzelia lanuginosa, Aulax umbellata, Passerina corymbosa, Leucadendron tinctum, L. xanthoconus, L. salignum, Brunia albiflora, B. noduliflora and Phaenocoma prolifera.

As proteas in general like air circulation, it is advisable not to crowd them amongst other shrubs. This may result in spindly and unsightly plants which will be more prone to fungal diseases, which can be very destructive. During summer a root fungus, Phytophthora , can cause great losses when it attacks the plant. The effect of this disease can be reduced by applying cultural control methods such as the immediate removal of diseased plants, mulching of the soil surfaces, watering plants in the morning, cutting out diseased material and no over-watering of plants during summer. An excess of moisture encourages tall growth and plants tend to fall when these conditions persist. This species is subject to certain leaf diseases which cause the blackening of young foliage. This can be controlled by using copper or systemic fungicides.

Propagate the shrub vegetatively by taking 60 - 100 mm long semi-hardwood cuttings using the current season's growth. Remove the leaves of the basal third of the cutting, dip in a rooting hormone and place in a well-drained medium (coarse river sand or a 1:1 mixture of bark and polystyrene). Cuttings root best in a growing house with intermittent mist and bottom heat of 25C.

Sow seeds in well-drained soil during autumn, then cover them with a fine layer of sand and keep moist. Germination occurs readily within 30 - 40 days. It is advisable to treat the seeds with a fungicide during storage or prior to sowing as it improves germination and subsequently the number of seedlings.