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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe Brevifolia (Short-Leaf Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

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

    By Milo MasonNovember 18, 2022
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    This Aloe brevifolia growing guide will help you care for and grow this plant to keep it healthy and beautiful.

    Aloe Brevifolia
    Aloe Brevifolia (“File:1 Aloe brevifolia var depressa – Copy.jpg” by S Molteno is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.)

    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.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    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.

    Related Article: Different types of Aloe succulents

    Botanical NameAloe brevifolia
    Common NameShort-Leaf Aloe, Short-Leaved Aloe
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginSouth Africa
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 feet
    Width1-2 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonSpring
    Bloom colorOrange, Red
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    ToxicityMildly-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.

    Aloe Brevifolia Cheat Sheet
    Aloe Brevifolia cheat sheet (“File:Aloe (33166459080).JPG” by Fyre Mael is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    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

    • Prepare the pot. Clay/Terracotta pots are preferred, but you can get away with a plastic pot if it has enough drainage holes.
    • Prepare the soil. Aloe brevifolia needs well-draining soil. You can use a mix of about half potting soil and half perlite, vermiculite, or sand.
    • Gather the tools. You’ll need a sharp knife, a pair of scissors and some newspaper.
    • Choose the spot. Bright conditions ensure good colors on the leaves.

    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.
    Aloe Brevifolia Offsets
    Aloe Brevifolia offsets (“aloe brevifolia (2)” by Juan Ignacio 1976 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    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.

    Related: Aloe Arborescens (Torch Aloe): Growing and Care Guide

    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.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Overwatering can cause aloe plants to develop root rot and die. If the potting medium dries out completely before watering again, it will help prevent this problem.
    • Overfertilization: Overfertilizing can cause aloe plants to develop nutrient burn and die. Fertilize sparingly, if at all.
    • Browning Leaves: This can be caused by underwatering. Provide more frequent watering until it recovers from its drought stress.

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

    FAQ

    No. Aloe Vera is a different plant from the same family as Aloe brevifolia but has very different uses and properties.

    Aloe brevifolia is mildly toxic. It can cause an adverse reaction in sensitive individuals. Consult your doctor if you experience skin irritation or hives after contact with its sap.

    Aloe brevifolia grows to about 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It forms small rosettes that stay low to the ground in most cases.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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