Adapted to the arid conditions of its native habitat, ariocarpus thrives with minimal moisture, exhibiting a high drought tolerance. Its water habits reflect an adaptation to conserve resources, requiring watering only once every four weeks. In cultivation, ariocarpus is more commonly grown outdoors where it can mimic its natural dry environment. As a succulent, ariocarpus's ability to store water in its fleshy tissues allows it to survive periods without rain, making it ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens.