Aloe Brevifolia (Short-Leaf Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

This Aloe brevifolia growing guide will help you care for and grow this plant to keep it healthy and beautiful.

This is an in-depth look at this plant’s care routine, containing information on how to manage an Aloe brevifolia plant and give it proper lighting, temperature, water, and soil conditions.

About Aloe brevifolia 

Aloe brevifolia, the short-leaved aloe plant, is native to South Africa. It is referred to by its common name because of its relatively smaller leaves compared to other Aloe.

Gorgeous multicolored succulent leaves form tight rosettes that like to spread horizontally if given space. White spines cover the margins of every leaf, and some dot the keel.

The leaves blush red in direct sunlight, providing a striking contrast to their greener neighbors.

The Aloe brevifolia is the recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

It’s an excellent choice for rock gardens, succulent beds, and even container gardens.

Botanical Name	Aloe brevifolia
Common Name	Short-Leaf Aloe, Short-Leaved Aloe
Family	Asphodelaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	South Africa
Maintenance	Low
Height	1-2 feet
Width	1-2 feet
Light	Full sun
Bloom season	Spring
Bloom color	Orange, Red
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
Tolerant	Deer, Drought
Toxicity	Mildly-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	8-11

Aloe brevifolia Care

The short-leaved aloe plant is relatively easy to grow indoors or out. It’s a low-maintenance succulent that can thrive on neglect, making it a perfect choice for first-timers.

Light

The short-leaved aloe plant prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade if given plenty of water during the hot summer.

Soil

Aloe brevifolia likes well-drained soil with good drainage. Sandy or loamy soils work best.

Water

The short-leaved aloe plant prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently. Water only when the top layer of the soil becomes dry, and don’t allow it to dry out between watering events completely.

Temperature and Humidity

The short-leaved aloe plant does well in warm, dry environments. The ideal temperature for this Aloe is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, keeping the plant indoors where temperatures are more stable and consistent is standard practice.

Fertilizer

Use a slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed twice yearly in spring and fall.

Pruning

The Aloe brevifolia plant requires minimal pruning. However, you may want to remove old leaves that are no longer green or are beginning to wilt.

Potting and Repotting Aloe brevifolia 

You should repot Aloe brevifolia potted plants every two to three years. Then, if the plant becomes rootbound, you can gently remove some of the roots and repot it in a more spacious container.

The soil should be fast draining but able to retain moisture well.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the Aloe from its pot using a knife to loosen the soil.
2. Remove as much soil from around the base of your plant as possible.
3. Cut away any damaged leaves with your scissors and discard them.
4. Fill the container with the potting soil until it’s about 1/2 inch below the rim.
5. Place the plant’s root ball in the filled pot and water to help it settle in.

Propagating Aloe brevifolia by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

1. Wash the seeds under running water.
2. Allow them to dry completely before planting.
3. Place them on top of some soil and lightly cover them with more soil until they are completely covered.
4. Water well after they are planted, so the soil is moist but not soggy.

Propagating Aloe brevifolia by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the offsets (suckers) from the mother plant by gently pulling them off.
2. Allow them to dry over and callus for a few days before planting.
3. Plant in a fresh pot filled with well-draining soil.
4. Water sparingly until they are established and begin to grow on their own.

Blooms

Flowers are produced in late spring, depending on the climate. The blooms are bright orange or red and can range in size from 1 to 3 inches wide. They are borne on a stalk that rises above the foliage.

They are attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies.

Toxicity

Aloe brevifolia is considered mildly toxic. The sap causes skin irritation and rashes in sensitive individuals. In addition, the leaves contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals.

NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

Common Pests

Mealybugs

Mealybugs often affect Aloe. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects often found on the undersides of leaves and stems. They feed on plant sap and cause damage by sucking out nutrients from the plant.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are tiny, immobile insects that feed on the sap of aloe plants. They can be found on stems, leaves, and flowers. Their bodies are covered with a protective shell called an exoskeleton. The shell is made up of layers of wax that cover the insect’s body and protect it from predators while they are young.

Aphids

Aphids are relatively small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of aloe plants. They are often green or black and can be found on the undersides of leaves. 

These annoying pests can cause irreparable damage by sucking out nutrients from the plant.

Common Problems

Aloe Brevifolia (Short-Leaf Aloe) Care Guide (Video)

FAQ