The small, blue-flowered Griffinia, also called Caricia by some Brazilians, are elements of the primary rainforests of eastern Brazil. In their native habitats, they grow in deep shade provided by the multiple layers of the canopy. Humidity levels are generally high and temperatures typically in the range of 25-35 C. Flowering periods are variable among species. Plants flower freely from spring through autumn. The small, blue-flowered plants do not experience a dormant period. However, leaf senescence may occur in autumn in some plants. The large, blue-flowered Griffinia from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo experience cooler temperatures in the winter and can undergo a brief dormancy period in the summer heat. The white-flowered Griffinia of subgenus Griffinia seem to have evaded cultivation (at least outside of Brazil). The large, white-flowered Griffinia of subgenus Hyline occur in the semi-arid regions of northeastern and interior portions of Brazil. Little is known about these rare species (G. gardneriana and G. nocturna). They are nocturnal bloomers with a fragrance, but, unfortunately, the flowers are ephemeral, opening in the evening and closing the next day. The plants may to go dormant in the summer, and are very slow to offset.

Breeding Griffinia is similar to breeding many other amaryllids. With the exception of one form of G. aracensis from Bahia, Griffinia is neither self compatible or apomictic. Once fertilized, seed production takes about 6-8 weeks. Once the capsule splits and the seeds drop, they are fully mature and ready to plant. Place seeds on top of the soil. Germination takes about 6-8 weeks. Plants require 4-6 years to reach flowering size.

Bulbs offset either by the production of daughter bulbs arising from the basal plate (e.g. G. parviflora, G. hyacinthina, G. noctruna, G. liboniana, G. aracensis, and G. rochae) or by the production of bulbils on root-like structures (e.g. G. espiritensis). Offsets require about 3-5 years to reach flowering size.