How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Aloe Brevifolia

Aloe brevifolia, the short-leaved aloe, is wonderfully drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Gardening expert Rachel Garcia gives you tips to keep yours happy in this care guide.

Caring for Aloe Brevifolia

Contents

Love aloe plants? Limited on space? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Aloe brevifolia, the short-leaved aloe.

Small and sweet, Aloe brevifolia is usually less than a foot tall. It has the thick, triangular leaves of an aloe plant, but grows in a succulent-like rosette in green, blue, and red. Short-leaved aloe is ideal for small but showy spaces in containers or gardens.

Overview

Close up Aloe Brevifolia
These colorful, compact succulents will add texture are variety to your landscape.
Plant Type Succulent
Family Asphodelaceae
Genus Aloe
Species Aloe brevifolia
Exposure Full sun
Height 12″
Watering Requirements Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Succulent mix

What is Aloe Brevifolia?

Close up of several small spiky, green plants growing in tight rosette clusters. Each leaf has small spikes that line the edges and the spine.
Also known as ‘crocodile plants’, their short leaves and compact structure are what gives them their unique look.

Aloe brevifolia has the common name short-leaved aloe after its compact stature. It’s also known as crocodile plant, thanks to its spines. These soft spikes line the edges and create a spine down the back of each leaf.

They aren’t dangerous, but be careful: the plant itself is mildly toxic, and should not be consumed by people or their pets.

Short-leaved aloe is best grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11. It’s perfect for rock gardens and xeriscaping. Because it grows in clumps of rosettes, it’s also a great small-scale groundcover.

If you grow your short-leaf aloe in the right environment, you may be rewarded with some color. The tips of the leaves turn a stunning red, yellow, and orange in response to bright light.

A native from South Africa, this aloe has growth spurts in the spring and fall. Its growth slows or stops during the summer and winter. It also attracts birds, bees, and butterflies with its uncommon flowers. These tall, red-orange beauties appear in late spring on mature plants.

Types of Aloe Brevifolia

Close up of a small light green plant in a small orange planter. Each leaf on the plant is thick and pointed and has tiny light pink spikes lining the edges.
There are a few varieties that differ in patterns and colors.

Although Aloe brevifolia itself is the most common, these subvarieties are interesting finds to look out for.

  • Aloe brevifolia f. variegata: This form has non-uniform yellow and white stripes. It’s perfect for adding some subtle color to your rock garden.
  • Aloe brevifolia var. depressa: This is the largest type of Aloe brevifolia. It reaches up to a foot tall and is more spread out between rosettes. The leaves grow outwards on the bottom, creating a flower shape.

Planting

A yard full of spiky orange and green succulents, some in planters and some growing low to the ground.
These succulents will really take off if they have proper drainage and space to spread out.

The most important thing to consider when planting a short-leaved aloe is drainage. These succulents are prone to rot and grow best in sandy soils that dry out quickly.

Also choose a location in your garden with full sun, or plant in pots to move to the optimal position. They can handle partial sun (around four hours per day), but will grow far better when planted in a sunny spot.

If you live in a USDA Zone below 9, planting in containers is recommended. This allows you to move the pot indoors or into a greenhouse over winter to prevent cold damage. Those in warmer zones can plant directly in the ground as an edging plant or groundcover.

These compact plants don’t require much space, but will slowly spread out over time as they grow new rosettes. Don’t plant too deeply to avoid rot and wait a couple of days before watering to reduce the risk of shock.

How to Grow

Close up of a small light green plant in a small gray planter. Each leaf on the plant is thick and green with a light pink at the tip has tiny light pink spikes lining the edges.
Although these are low maintenance, they do come with a few crucial requirements.

Just because the crocodile plant is described as low-maintenance, it doesn’t mean it has no demands. Your Aloe will only thrive with proper care.

Light

Cluster of tall spiky greenish-orange plants with thick, pointy leaves that have tiny spikes lining the edges of each leaf.
These succulents will require six to eight hours of full sun every day.

Aloe brevifolia demands and thrives in sunlight. It prefers six to eight hours of bright light every day. However, it will grow in partial sun if direct light isn’t an option. When moving your aloe to a new location, let it acclimate to the light by introducing the new location slowly.

When indoors, place your crocodile plant in the sunniest south-facing window you have. Supplement with a grow light if needed to avoid common growth problems. Note that changes in light will evoke color changes in your plant. Don’t panic. This is natural.

Water

Close up of a spiky green leaf with tiny drops of water on it.
Let the soil completely dry out in between watering.

Aloe brevifolia leaves are full of water, meaning they don’t need frequent watering. Give your short-leaved aloe a deep drink, then let the soil dry out and remain so for a few days. Only water again when the soil has completely dried out. The roots prefer to be on the dry side to match their native conditions.

For overeager waterers, Aloe brevifolia is decently forgiving. It can handle some extra moisture, but won’t grow as well with it. Watch for yellowing and mushy leaves, which are signs of major overwatering. If this happens, repot your Aloe brevifolia in dry soil and lay off the watering.

Give your short-leaved aloe less water during the winter and summer. Too much during this time may cause it to rot.

Soil

Close up of several small spiky, greenish-pink plants growing in tight rosette clusters in a terracotta planter. Each leaf has small spikes that line the edges and the spine.
Use sand, perlite or pebbles in your soil to help with drainage.

To keep it nice and dry, plant your crocodile plant in well-draining soil. Ideally, at least one-third of the soil should be sand, perlite, or pebbles. Making your own mix is an easy way to get the right ratios.

If you choose to use a succulent and cacti soil mix, check the drainage and add some perlite if needed. The soil should drain well enough that your Aloe is never sitting in water, even after a deep watering.

Temperature & Humidity

Close up of several plants growing in a rocky landscape. Each plant has thick, green, spiky leaves and they are growing in a rosette shape.
Aloe brevifolia will thrive best in dry, high temperatures.

The ideal temperature for this plant is 70-80°F (21-27°C). If your area gets colder than 20°F (-7°C), your Aloe brevifolia will need to come inside. Don’t expose them to cooler temperatures for long periods as this can lead to permanent damage.

Dry air is preferred for these plants, but they tolerate a range of humidity levels. Look out for issues with fungal disease if you live in a higher-humidity area.

Fertilizing

Close up of a man pouring light yellow liquid into a small clear bottle cap.
Only fertilize these plants once per season during the spring and fall.

Balanced liquid fertilizer is perfect for Aloe brevifolia, though it is optional. Plants in the ground don’t typically require feeding, but those in containers can benefit, particularly if they’ve remained in the same soil for long periods.

Feed your plant once per season during spring and fall, feeding at half-strength to avoid overfertilizing. Don’t fertilize during the summer and winter.

Maintenance

Close up of several plants growing in a landscape. Each plant has thick, green, spiky leaves and they are growing in a rosette shape.
These slow growing plants can live in their pots for longer than most plants.

Crocodile plant grows slowly, so you likely won’t have to repot it until it spreads out significantly. If your plant does manage to outgrow its container, then it’s time for an upgrade.

Treat your short-leaved aloe to a slightly larger pot and fresh, dry succulent soil. After replanting, let it sit without water for a few days so it can adjust to the move before adding moisture.

The only pruning required is for dead flower stalks. Remove them at the base of the stalk after the blooms have faded.

Propagation

Close up of a light green plant with thick, pointed leaves that have tiny spikes lining the edges. In the center of the plant are two smaller offsets.
The offsets or ‘suckers’ can be easily divided and planted into a separate container or area in your garden.

Aloe brevifolia is efficient at propagating itself. It frequently sends out offsets, also called suckers. This propagation is what makes it a great groundcover.

After your Aloe brevifolia has grown several rosettes, you can easily propagate by division. Simply unearth a portion of the plant and cut it free from the parent. After replanting, don’t water for a few days so the wounds can heal. Dividing your Aloe brevifolia every few years will help invigorate it and encourage more growth.

You can also propagate your crocodile plant from its offsets. Isolate an offset and cut it from the plant. Let the wound dry out for a few days and then plant it. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting has grown roots and is established.

Aloe brevifolia, unlike most succulents, doesn’t propagate well from leaves as they usually go mushy.

Common Problems

Close up of a light green plant with thick, pointed leaves that have tiny spikes lining the edges. The plant is covered in cobwebs and has several brown, wilted leaves.
These succulents are mostly disease and pest resistant, but can suffer from a few.

Short-leaved aloe is usually disease and pest-free. However, you should always be on the lookout for symptoms and other problems. The main problems you’ll see on your aloe – if any – are usually due to over or underwatering.

Catching them early will make your and your plant’s life easier. 

Mushy Leaves

Close up of a light green plant with thick, pointed leaves that have tiny spikes lining the edges. The plant has several yellow, wilted leaves.
Overwatering can cause yellow, mushy leaves.

Overwatered crocodile plants will turn yellow and mushy. If left in water too long, they may begin to rot. Switch to a sandier soil and let it dry out completely in between waterings going forward.

Wrinkled Leaves

Close up of a light green plant with thick, pointed leaves that have tiny spikes lining the edges. The plant has several brown, wilted leaves in the center.
Withered or brown leaves is a sign your Aloe plant needs a bit more water.

If your Aloe brevifolia’s leaves are withering or wrinkled, it needs more water. Give your plant a good drink and it should recover.

Pests

Close up of a thick, green leaf with tiny white bugs completely covering the surface and underside.
Scale insects are the biggest nuisance these plants suffer from.

Those pesky scale insects are nasty pests that suck the life from aloes. They’re tiny and usually white or brown. They can be prevented by keeping your Aloe brevifolia dry and not overfertilizing. If you notice just a few insects, kill them immediately by physically removing them or dabbing them with rubbing alcohol.

For large infestations, try horticultural oil or neem oil. Coating your crocodile plant with a thin layer of this will suffocate the pests. Spraying your plant with insecticidal soap is another great option.

Diseases

Cluster of tall spiky green plants with thick, pointy leaves that have tiny spikes lining the edges of each leaf. One section is dry and rotted out.
Root rot is the biggest issue and can spread quickly if not treated right away.

Not much stands in the way of Aloe brevifolia when it comes to disease. However, root rot is a risk. This occurs when the plant is constantly moist, which invites bacteria. Rotted sections of your short-leaf aloe will be brown or black and mushy.

Prevent root rot by watering correctly and choosing a well-draining soil. If you notice rot on your plant, you’ll need to act fast before it spreads.

With sterile clippers, cut off all rotted parts of your Aloe brevifolia. If this means you’d be cutting away the majority of the plant, you’re better off just propagating from the remaining healthy sections and losing the plant itself.

After removing the rotted sections, repot your short-leaved aloe in new, well-draining soil. To help prevent the spread of any rot you missed, apply a fungicide to the soil. Let your Aloe brevifolia sit in the dry soil for a few days before watering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aloe brevifolia edible like Aloe Vera?

No. Aloe brevifolia can be mildly toxic to humans, causing severe stomach discomfort and possible nausea. To animals, most aloes cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. If your pet consumes some, get them to the vet quickly to prevent more dangerous issues.

Can Aloe brevifolia grow indoors?

It can, but outdoor conditions are favorable in most warm climates. If you have to grow indoors, put your Aloe brevifolia in a sunny, south-facing window and use a grow lamp if needed.

Final Thoughts

Aloe lovers without enough space for a large plant will appreciate this compact beauty. With this guide, you have everything you need to keep yours happy for years to come.

Share This Post
Vibrant young succulents in varied sizes and hues - green, pink, blue, and purple, each showcasing unique shapes. Thriving in compact black pots, they bask in direct sunlight, displaying their resilience and vibrant colors.

Cacti & Succulents

How Much Light do Succulents Need?

If you’re new to growing succulents, providing the right growing conditions (including light levels) can be tough. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how much light succulents need and signs that they may be in the wrong spot.

Close-up of aloe dying in a large black pot. The plant has a rosette of drooping, withered, rotting, brown, lance-shaped leaves with pointed tips and small spines along the edges.

Cacti & Succulents

6 Reasons Your Aloe is Turning Black and Dying

Aloe vera is known for its resilience, but that doesn’t mean it is invincible. If your aloe vera plant looks black, sad, or withered, you may need to adjust the soil, sunlight, watering, or temperature to bring it back to health. Garden expert Logan Hailey digs into common reasons for a blackened aloe and how to fix them.

Close-up of female hands about to divide succulents on a blurred background. She is holding a Jade Plant in her hand. It is a popular succulent that features thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and vibrant green, tinged with red along the edges.

Cacti & Succulents

How to Divide Succulents in 6 Easy Steps

Dividing succulents doesn’t have to be a stressful process. It just takes a gentle hand and an eye for the health of your plant. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss will go over methods of dividing your succulent for the best outcome.

A close-up showcases vibrant aloe vera leaves with long, succulent, and spiked edges. The sunlight kisses its surface, revealing a mesmerizing glow, and accentuating the plant's natural hues of green. Against a soft, blurred backdrop, the plant appears almost ethereal, evoking a magical aura.

Cacti & Succulents

What Kind of Soil do Aloe Vera Plants Need?

Aloe vera is a plant that is used more extensively than any other aloe out there. It has an abundance of value for health and can be grown in containers as a houseplant with the right care and guidance. In this article, find out what the perfect soil mix is for aloe vera grown in pots, the most important part of growing this plant.