Nerine gracilis is a summer growing species occurring mainly on the Eastern Highveld  of gauteng and Mpumalanga where it occurs in damp depressions in shallow soil over rock sheets.  It is also abundant on the edges of these sheets. In the wild it is dormant in winter, but in cultivation often retains its leaves. It should be allowed to dry out in winter.

Due to its small size, it is best cultivated in a pot.