Growing this fascinating species may be a challenge for the collector.

Tavaresia may be a good indigenous substitute for any exotic cactus that is grown in a container on a veranda or window sill. It is interesting even when not in flower.

The species grows naturally in situations of light shade. It prefers sandy soils and high temperatures and grows in areas that receive summer rainfall, never in areas that are prone to frost and low winter temperatures. It is well suited for cultivation in the north and north-western provinces of South Africa. In areas that have mild winters and receive infrequent frost it may do well as a container or indoor plant. Success in growing the plant could be achieved if the natural growing conditions are successfully simulated.

The devil's trumpet can be cultivated reasonably easily if kept relatively dry in cold and wet conditions. When rot does occur, it is advised to graft the healthy parts onto any strongly -rooted Stapelia. Tavaresia are easily propagated by stem cuttings or seed.

Tavaresia is easily grown from fresh seed but less easy to keep plants healthy. Seeds take about a year to ripen but germinate rapidly after sowing (the fresher the seeds the better). Seed should be sown in spring in well-drained, light, sandy soil mixed with compost and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pH should be 6.5-7.5. Plants need to be kept in a shaded and fairly moist position and temperatures should be kept at 25-35°C.

Once the seedlings have germinated and are about 5 cm high they can be pricked out and planted (be careful not to damage the roots when pricking out!). Th plants generally grow quickly and most will flower within two to three years when grown from seed.

Cuttings should be taken during the active growing stage to ensure good rooting, before the plants enter their dormant phase. Cuttings can flower in their first year depending on the size of the cutting. Travaresias grow easily from cuttings as long as they are given adequate time to dry out before planting (at least two weeks). Leave the cuttings in the shade to dry out. Use a fungicide drench before planting. Place them in a well-ventilated area with about 40% shade. Water daily during very hot weather. Plants that do not grow well from cuttings can be propagated by grafting. Keep plants well ventilated and in good light to prevent damping off. Feed once in the growing season (summer) with a fertilizer (Seagro or Bounceback). The soil should drain well: equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil is recommended. It is important to keep the plants dry during the winter otherwise they rot easily. Plants prefer warm but dry atmospheres in well-drained soils. They grow in full sun or semi-shade and are totally frost-intolerant.

Plants are susceptible to black rot (bacterial infections) and seedlings to damping-off (Pythium infection). Treat the seedling medium with a fungicide but bear in mind that some chemicals may stunt their growth. The devil's trumpet is extremely susceptible to rot caused by woolly aphids infesting the roots. Woolly aphids on the roots and underground stems and mealy bugs on the stems and bases are the most common problems. A strong jet of water or a 50/50 mix of methylated spirits and water can be used to eradicate these pests. Black rot, a secondary infection after woolly aphid attacks, is also problematic. Remove all traces of black rot with a sterile knife, spray the plant with Benelate and dust with flowers of sulphur. The affected parts should be cut away and destroyed as soon as stem rot is noticed.