The forest lily is easily cultivated and grows well in semi-shade or shade. The bulb should be planted at or just below ground level, and left undisturbed for many years. It does best in acid to neutral, humus-rich, well-drained loamy soil. A general purpose slow-release granular fertilizer and/or seaweed-derived liquid fertilizer can be used during the growing season. Veltheimia bracteata doesnot tolerate severe frost, but will be unharmed by light frost where it is protected from the early morning sun, by for example overhanging branches.

This plant makes an excellent pot plant for a shady patio, conservatory or a window sill and is suitable for indoor cultivation in bright light but not in direct sun. Use a container that is large enough to accommodate a few season's growth. It is a valuable addition to the shade garden, planted in clumps or en masse under trees, and grows well in conjunction with Clivia species, Asparagus species, Plectranthus species, Streptocarpus species, Scadoxus species, many Crassula species and many ferns.

Propagation is by offsets, leaf cuttings and seed. Offsets should be removed in summer when the foliage has died down and replanted immediately, 30 - 40 mm deep. If grown in a pot the bulbs can belifted every two to three years to remove the offsets from the parent bulb. These new bulbs should flower after one season. The leaves of the plant can also be used to propagate more bulbs. The leaf of a well-established plant can be removed, planted in a sandy soil mix, and bulblets will form at the base of the leaf. Propagation by seed is very successful. The seed should be sown in autumn, thinly to allow the seedlings room to develop, 3 - 4 mm deep, in deep (min.10 cm) trays and kept moist and shaded. A recommended sowing medium is equal parts river sand or industrial sand and fine compost, fine bark or loam. Germination takes two to three weeks and the seedlings should be fed with dilute liquid fertilizer every two weeks after germination. The seedlings generally take three to four years to flower, and can be set out in the garden at the beginning of their third season, during which some may flower for the first time. In vitro propagation of Veltheimia bracteata has also been performed. Leaf and bud explants were taken to initiate bud formation in a tissue culture lab.

The forest lily has no particular pests or diseases, but requires protection from slugs and snails which can cause considerable damage to the leaves, and from caterpillars which may eat the flower buds.