Aloe brevifolia Mill.
Short-leaved aloe
Aloe brevifolia is one of the most popular aloes in horticulture for its attractive rosettes of short, broad blue-green leaves with white marginal teeth. Native to the fynbos of the Western Cape of South Africa, it forms compact colonies on coastal rocky outcrops. Its red-orange flowers appear in spring and are a magnet for Cape sugarbirds.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Compact cespitose rosette, very short broad leaves |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Sandy fynbos soil, slightly acidic pH |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Very short (6–10 cm) and broad (3–4 cm) leaves, blue-green with glaucous pruina and conspicuous white marginal teeth 2–3 mm long.
ecoNo visible stem; produce abundant stoloniferous offsets forming compact colonies.
ecoTubular flowers 3–4 cm long, vivid red-orange, in simple racemes on 30–50 cm peduncles. Flowering spring to early summer.
ecoShallow fibrous roots adapted to the thin, sandy soils of coastal fynbos.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy fynbos soil, slightly acidic pH
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate offsets connected by short stolons.
- 2 Allow to dry for 1 day.
- 3 Plant in sandy mix without burying more than half.
- 4 They root in 3–4 weeks.
- 1 Sow in autumn in sandy substrate at 15–18 °C.
- 2 Water sporadically to mimic Cape rainfall.
- 3 Germinates in 3–5 weeks.
- 4 Transplant when 4 cm tall.
Adapt watering to the Cape Mediterranean cycle: wet in winter, dry in summer.
Watering in summer as if it were winter, contrary to the Cape cycle.
Every 2–3 years when offsets overflow the pot
Low-nitrogen mineral fertilizer, only once in autumn at the start of the growing season
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic to pets if ingested.
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"A. brevifolia was described by Philip Miller in 1768, being one of the first South African aloes cultivated in European gardens; the Chelsea Physic Garden recorded its cultivation from 1731."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.