Pterospermum requires a tropical, or warm, frost-free subtropical climate (where its growth rate may be significantly slower), comparable to other tropical rainforest trees. Several specimens can be seen in parks and gardens in tropical cities like Cairns and Darwin, but also in the subtropics such as Brisbane’s Sherwood Forest Park. Like most rainforest plants, they prefer moist soils, rich in humus and well mulched.

Its major disadvantage is its apparent complete absence from the nursery trade, despite having been grown in botanical collections for many decades. The tree can also be prone to producing coppice shoots from the base, or suckers from the roots, however in termite-prone areas such as Darwin this can be an advantage as older trunks that become eaten out are readily replaced. Assuming a plant can be obtained, once established, it will tolerate short dry spells, probably by shedding its foliage, but occasional deep watering would be essential during droughts; it should not be considered for planting in dry areas unless close to streams, nor in poor, shallow soils.

This plant’s potentially large size, scarcity, and coarse leaf litter which may be perceived as untidy in a neat, formal garden will limits its suitability for smaller gardens or street planting. However it would be highly desirable for collector’s seeking a lush jungle-like effect. It is ideally suited to rural-residential gardens with good soils, backing onto streams.