Origin and Habitat: Encephalartos princeps occurs in the catchment area of the Black Kei, the Great Kei and the Kubusi rivers in the Cathcart, Stutterheim and Komga areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The species is known from six locations (Extent of occurrence is 1,870 km²) the overall population size is between 3,500 and 5,000 mature individuals and declining.
Altitude range: 652-2,625 ft (200-800 m) above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology:Encephalartos princeps is a lithophytic plant found growing in arid low succulent vegetation characterized by thick shrubs and grass with its roots often wedged into fissures on almost vertical rocky ridges and slopes. E. princeps occurs mainly on dolerite and rocky outcrops along river valley, in contrast to the very similar Encephalartos lehmannii, occurring on sandstone formations. Summers are hot and winters are severe. This species has adapted itself for dry conditions over the past millenniums. The thick coralloid roots and fleshy midribs are obviously an adaptation to serve as storage organs for the scarce moisture that is utilized in much the same way as the succulents that grow alongside. This species is threatened due to the illegal collecting of plants in the wild and as a result of habitat destruction due to expanding agricultural activities. In some populations, the ground is heavily infested by the invasive plant Lantana camara and control measures may impact on the cycad population.

Cultivation and Propagation: Encephalartos princeps is an adaptable plant well suited to warm temperate and subtropical climates, and can handle light frosts. With its bright foliage heightened by full sun is a commanding accent plant in the general landscape and makes an excellent tubbed specimen It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. Its color makes it a good subject for the nightscape. Its beauty and ease of horticulture make it one of the finest cycads for use in the garden. It is partially drought tolerant and wind tolerant. As a garden plant, this cycad will usually hold one or two crowns of leaves, all in good condition. As a seedling, it often loses its previous year's leaves before the new leaves emerge. The seedlings need plenty of room for the tap root to develop and require very good drainage.
Growth rate: It is a long lived slow growing plant taking 15 to 20 years for one of these to produce a cone, so patience is a must.
Soils: It responds well to deep, fertile, slightly acidic, well drained, soil enriched with compost.
Waterings: In cultivation prefers plenty of water, especially in dry weather for optimal growth. But it is eventually drought resistant.
Fertilization: Naturally undemanding for nutrients, it responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Most growers find that a fertilizer having an even NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) balance, and supplemental trace elements, provides a good start for cycads.
Exposure: It will grow in sun or partial shade, however best results are obtained growing the seedlings in full sun.
Hardiness: They do best in a tropical or subtropical climate and should be kept totally dry in winter at or around 50°F (10°C) but demonstrate a remarkable degree of cold resistance and may tolerate light frost for short periods if dry, however heavy frosts would probably be fatal.
Propagation: Plants are not readily available from nurseries, however they are also easy to propagate from seeds. They can also be propagated from suckers with some patience and experience.