Propagating from fresh seed is easy. Seed older than18 months in most cases is not viable, unless kept under cool, dry conditions. Seed is similar to those of aloes, but much smaller.

Sow the seeds in autumn (April), which is when the first rain normally falls in the winter rainfall Karoo. Sow in well-drained, rich, loamy soil. Sow no deeper than 30 mm. Water enough to keep the soil merely damp, and ensure the growing medium is not soggy. A very wet growing medium will cause damping-off of the seedlings or result in the seeds rotting.

Viable seed should germinate with 21 days. Once the seedlings are strong enough, after about one year, transplant into containers. Initially keep strong sunlight off the young plants. Once the plants have adapted to stronger light they can be planted out in the open.

The plants live for about 30 to 40 years if they are looked after properly. It grows relatively slowly from seed and it takes about 5 years for a plant to reach flowering maturity.

Pests include mealie bug, aphids and red spider mite. Aphids canbe controlled by spraying with washing-up liquid soap. A mix of10 ml liquid soap to 1 litre water is recommended. Mealie bug, can be effectively controlled by spraying with a mixture of methylated spirits and water. A mix of 10 ml to 1 litre water is recommended.Red spider mite is not so easy to eradicate, use recommended miticides for this purpose.

Plants can be fed with 2:3:2, bone meal and seaweed extracts.