Encephalartos humilis is a sensitive species  that is best cultivated under controlled conditions because it requires frequent monitoring.

They are best propagated sexually, through seeds. Remove the fleshy coat exposing the hard inner shell of a seed prior to sowing them. The seeds are still underdeveloped after removal of the flesh, therefore, store them for a couple of months in cool conditions before sowing. Sow seeds in spring at the start of the growing season, in a sandy soil, slightly cover the seeds, do not bury them as that will hinder germination leading to rotting of the seeds. After sowing, place the seeds in a misted greenhouse, shaded area or cold frame and leave to germinate. They will germinate well where they will receive high temperatures during the day and cold temperatures in the night. They require average watering as sandy soils are aerated supporting the development of healthy root system for emerging seedlings. Generally, cycads are slow growing therefore they can germinate after weeks to years. Once it is germinated, pot seedlings in an aerated potting mix using a narrow pot which allows for continuous development of the roots. During their early growth seedlings are less tolerant to drought and extreme humidity, therefore place the potted seedlings in partially shaded conditions. Apply fertilizer to the potted seedlings to provide nutrients so they will grow faster and produce strong leaves. Thereafter water regularly to prevent seedlings from experiencing drought stress conditions.

Encephalartos humilis does not transplant well, making vegetative propagation difficult to carry out for this species. Regardless, Encephalartos species can be propagated through separating the clumps or suckers from a parent plant. Removing clumps or suckers is carried out in spring or during the growing season when the diameter of the stem is only 5 cm, mainly because that is before the new development of a leaf. Remove using a very sharp knife. Remove any existing leaves on the sucker as they will take up all the energy. Treat the wound on both the mother plant and the sucker using a fungicide and allow them to heal before the sucker is planted. Place the suckers, while they are still healing, in conditions that will prevent drying out,  as drying of a wound will reduce its ability to root while promoting rotting. Once it has healed replant in sandy soil supplying with frequent watering to ensure that they adapt to their new growing environment.