Small clumping aloe from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa with glaucous blue/green leaves and reddish flowers on unbranched inflorescences. The leaves usually have a line of spines along their underside. The shape of the rosette will depend on the variety, the exposure, and the care. The rosette may close in on itself in full sun or drought stress, especially in dense clumps. It may be erect or spreading (sometimes less glaucous) in protected locations like a greenhouse setting.

Two varieties in addition to brevifolia are recognized based on origin and leaf or flower features. Varieties postgenita and depressa have bigger leaves. This plant is from an area with considerable rainfall year round, more in winter. In the garden it is quite drought tolerant, and it enjoys day-long sun in our mild coastal climate. It is quick and easy to start from even rootless offsets.

Aloe brevifolia is excellent as a groundcover when started with generous spacing to allow for prolific offsetting over time. Flowers appear in late spring. The raceme is not densely flowered.

Aloe brevifolia is one of the presumed parents of Aloe x nobilis, which is a similar-looking green plant with densely flowered racemes.

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