W. hysterantha is seldom grown but is admirably suited to rock garden pockets in temperate climates, where the corms can be allowed to remain undisturbed for several years. It requires a full sun position and a sharply drained, preferably acid soil, containing well-decomposed compost, and needs regular watering during the winter growing period. The corms multiply prolifically by offset formation and thick clumps should be lifted every three years to maintain good flowering performance, as excessively thick clumps seldom produce flowers.

During the summer dormant period the soil must be kept dry, as the corms soon rot under constantly moist conditions. This species is thus not suited to general garden cultivation but rather to a sunny rockery in a corner of the garden reserved for winter-growing Cape bulbs. Due to its vigorous root system, W. hysterantha is not ideally suited to containers except if they are very large (i.e. having a diameter of 35 cm or more).

Thick clumps can be lifted and the offsets separated at any time during the summer dormant period. They should preferably be replanted as soon as possible thereafter into dry soil, as corms kept in packets often fall prey to mealy bug infestation when stored for extended periods.

In addition to offset formation, W. hysteranthais easily propagated by seeds sown in deep seed trays or seed beds in autumn, in a well-drained, sandy medium containing some finely sifted, acid compost. Sow the seeds thinly to prevent overcrowding and minimize the occurrence of damping-off and rust fungi, and cover with a 3-5 mm layer of sowing medium (seeds sown too shallow tend to float to the surface after watering, and fail to germinate). Water well using a fine rose spray and keep moist. Fresh seeds germinate within three to four weeks, and at the beginning of the second season, young corms can be planted out into bags and be grown on for a year or two.

Under ideal conditions, flowers can be expected for the first time during the third or fourth season. Unlike most other Watsonia species, the foliage of W. hysterantha is hardly ever subject to attack by unsightly rust fungi.