Lachenalias require good moisture levels in the growing season, but at the same time, good drainage. In pot culture,deeper pots give better drainage than shallow pots with the same medium. Some species are noted as growing in heavy soils but in cultivation may be susceptible to root diseases not encountered in their native environment so good drainage with good moisture levels is desirable, at least for the first part of their growing season. Good light is essentail, preferably full sun, but protection from frost is necessary for some species. Locally we get good results and they provide a good display when grown under deciduous trees.
Propagation is by seed or bulblets formed around flowering plants.
Hybrids should not be grown from seed, only species types. Hybrids do not occur easily. Seedlings flower in 2-4 years from seed, bulblets in their second year. Lachenalias can be tissue cultured, or grown from leaf cuttings which form bulblets at the base before going dormant in early summer. I hope to scan and display as many as I can this year as they come into flower -aloides.