Aloe Brevifolia

Aloe brevifolia

Light

Water

Low water once established; water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely. Reduce watering during winter cold and periods of summer growth slowdown.

Size

0.5-1 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Habit

Clustering succulent

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

Description

A compact South African succulent with dense rosettes of thick, triangular, blue-green leaves edged with small white teeth; commonly called short-leaved aloe.

Bloom Time

Spring to early summer

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Architectural Form, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate

Slow

Growth Habit

Clustering succulent

Mature Size

0.5-1 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Flower Color

Orange-red

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Trellis / Arbor / Wall

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Blue chalksticks, Elephant bush, Gasteria, Lace aloe

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

Toxic to pets (mild GI upset)

Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense summer sun and reflected heat.

Water: Low water once established; water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely. Reduce watering during winter cold and periods of summer growth slowdown.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or sandy soil; use raised beds or containers with drainage holes where native soil drains poorly.

Mature size: 6–12 inches tall and 1–2 feet wide as an offsetting clump; flower stalks reach approximately 16–24 inches.

Bloom: Typically blooms in spring on established plants; flowering may be less reliable under stressful desert conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on growing conditions.