This is a tricky species to grow. It requires dry conditions from October to April in order not to rot. A thick cover of snow protects them in the wild, in Yunnan in China, where they really are a mountain plant, growing at 1000 - 2000m altitude and more. They need excellent drainage, so added pine needles and grit during planting is essential. Plant about 10 - 15 cm's deep. They don't seem to mind very high summer temperatures, and will grow well in deep pots. they emerge very late in spring, not often before mid-May or later. They then grow at a very rapid rate, and flower by early July.