The epithet of this species translates to “protected,” though we're not sure why when many others in the genus, like euphorbioides, are far better defended. The thin branches are among the most fragile, but their removal often improves the plant’s appearance and suits it naturally to miniature bonsai. With age, the central stem can thicken substantially, never reaching the size of close relative clavifolia but still forming a pleasing bottle-shaped trunk. This feature pairs well with the slender succulent leaves on short branches, giving the plant a decidedly "cute impression". Like its close relative and other succulent-leaved members now placed in the genus Crassothonna, this is among the easier Othonna to grow. It is almost closer in care to many common members of relative Senecio, but a little more shy to summer water. This aligns with its distribution in the far north of Namaqualand and across the border into Namibia, where it likely receives both winter and summer rain in very small amounts.
