The habitat of Cochemiea fraileana is home to succulent flora and is particularly rich in local endemics.

[2][3] Cochemiea fraileana is not known for being easy to cultivate, however in good conditions with ventilation it can grow easily.

Since this species thrives in an arid climate, they are especially sensitive to overwatering and require open potting soil with sufficient air.

Cochemiea fraileana needs maximum sunlight to grow and achieve success in flowering, as they are used to warmer climates.

Letting the plant rest in winter to shrivel, even losing up to 25% of its summer height, will help the flowering process.

Studies have found large populations of culturable endophytic bacteria in stems and roots of many wild colonizing rock plants in the southern Sonoran Desert, but not in the seeds.