Aloe Brevifolia (Short-Leaf Aloe) Care Guide

Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! Today it is all about how to grow and care for the 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.
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RESOURCES & LINKS:
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Aloe Brevifolia (Short-Leaf Aloe) Care Guide
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
1:09- Light
1:17 - Soil, Water and Fertilizer
1:43- Temperature and Humidity
2:01 - Pruning
2:11 - Potting and Repotting
3:18 - Propagation
4:01- Blooms
4:18 - Toxicity and Common Pests
5:26 - Note and Avoid
5:38 - Common Problems
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Summary
Aloe brevifolia, the short-leaved aloe plant, is native to South Africa. 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. 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.
1. Light
The short-leaved aloe plant prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade if given plenty of water during the hot summer.
2. Soil, Water and Fertilizer
Aloe brevifolia likes well-drained soil with good drainage. Sandy or loamy soils work best. 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. Use a slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed twice yearly in spring and fall.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Potting and Repotting
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. Use clay/Terracotta pots, but you can also use a plastic pot if it has enough drainage holes. Aloe brevifolia needs well-draining soil.
6. Propagating Aloe arborescens by Suckers (Pups)
When using seed propagation method, wash the seeds under running water. Allow them to dry completely before planting. Place them on top of some soil and lightly cover them with more soil until they are completely covered. Water well after they are planted, so the soil is moist but not soggy. When propagating by offsets, remove the offsets (suckers) from the mother plant by gently pulling them off. Allow them to dry over and callus for a few days before planting. Plant in a fresh pot filled with well-draining soil. Water sparingly until they are established and begin to grow on their own.
7. 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.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
Aloe brevifolia is considered mildly toxic. The sap causes skin irritation and rashes in sensitive individuals. The leaves contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Mealybugs, Scale Insects and Aphids are the most common insects.
9. Note and Avoid
Please Note and Avoid. Over-watering the plant, Placing it under harsh sunlight, Using poorly drained potting mediums, and Fertilizing during the dormancy period.
10 Common Problems
Over-watering, over-fertilization and browning leaves are some of the common problems.
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