Aloe brevifolia (Short-leaved Aloe)

Aloe brevifolia, also known as Short-leaved aloe, is a rare and compact succulent plant that adds texture and visual interest to any garden or indoor space. It’s native to South Africa and features densely packed rosettes of blue-green leaves with white teeth along the margins. This post will guide you through the care, propagation, fertilization, and common pests and diseases associated with this unique succulent.

How to Care for Aloe brevifolia

Light Requirements

Aloe brevifolia thrives in bright light conditions, making it essential to provide the right amount of light for healthy growth. When growing this succulent indoors, place it near a south or west-facing window where it will receive plenty of natural sunlight throughout the day. A sunlit windowsill or a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.

For outdoor plantings, choose a spot that gets a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight, as this will encourage optimal growth and flowering. However, in extremely hot climates or during heatwaves, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the plant from scorching or sunburn, which can cause the leaves to turn brown and lose their attractive appearance.

If you notice your Aloe brevifolia becoming etiolated, with elongated and thin leaves, it may be a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light. In this case, move the plant to a brighter location or supplement natural light with a grow light to ensure it receives adequate illumination. Proper lighting is key to maintaining the compact rosette shape and vibrant coloration of this unique succulent.

Summary

Aloe brevifolia requires bright light. Indoors, place it near a south or west-facing window. Outdoors, a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

Watering

Aloe brevifolia, like most succulents, is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering to thrive. To avoid overwatering, let the soil become fully dry between each watering session. This typically means watering the plant every 2-3 weeks, depending on the climate and environment. During the winter months, when the plant enters dormancy, reduce the watering frequency to once a month. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to monitor soil moisture levels. To check, insert a finger or moisture meter about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Always use a container with drainage holes to prevent standing water, which can harm the plant’s roots.

Soil & Potting

Aloe brevifolia requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. Use a commercial cactus or succulent mix, or create your own blend with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. When potting, choose a container with drainage holes, and avoid using saucers, as standing water can lead to root rot.

Summary

Water Aloe brevifolia infrequently, and use a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. Check soil moisture before watering, and use containers with drainage holes to avoid standing water.

How to Propagate Aloe brevifolia

Offsets

Brevifolia naturally produces offsets, also known as “pups,” which grow around the base of the parent plant. These pups can be used for propagation with a few simple steps:

1. Gently remove the offset with a clean, sharp knife or by carefully separating it from the parent plant by hand, making sure it has some roots attached.
2. Allow the removed offset to dry for a day or two, enabling the cut area to form a callus. This process helps prevent infection and rot when planting the pup.
3. Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix, specifically formulated for succulents or cacti, and water sparingly until established.

Seed Propagation

Growing Aloe brevifolia from seeds is another propagation method. Follow these steps for successful seed propagation:

1. Collect seeds from a mature Aloe brevifolia plant after the flowers have dried and begun to open.
2. Sow seeds in a shallow tray filled with a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Place the tray in a bright, warm location, such as a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. Ensure the area has good air circulation to prevent mold growth.
5. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots.

Summary

To propagate Aloe brevifolia, use offsets or seeds. Remove the offset with roots attached, let it dry, and plant in well-draining soil. For seed propagation, plant in a shallow tray with a well-draining soil mix, keep the soil moist, and place in a bright location with good air circulation.

Fertilizing Your Aloe brevifolia

Fertilize Aloe brevifolia sparingly, as over-fertilizing can harm the plant. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize during the dormant winter months.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aloe brevifolia is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product’s instructions. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, which is the most common disease affecting this plant. Prevent root rot by using a well-draining soil mix and allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

Summary

Fertilize Aloe brevifolia sparingly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. It can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Prevent root rot with a well-draining soil mix and infrequent watering.

Where to Buy

Buy Aloe brevifolia from Mountain Crest Gardens