The Super Donkey Tail Succulent, Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’, has a distinctive appearance. Its thick, plump, blue-green leaves tightly overlap along trailing stems, creating a rope-like effect. This growth habit makes it popular for hanging baskets, where its cascading foliage can be appreciated. Often called “Burro’s Tail” or “Donkey’s Tail,” its charm lies in its unique texture and long, trailing stems.
Super Donkey Tail Succulent Care
Super Donkey Tail Succulents thrive with proper lighting. They prefer bright, indirect light, ideally from an east or west-facing window for morning or late afternoon sun. While they can tolerate some direct sun, intense midday light can scorch leaves. Insufficient light causes leggy stems and dull leaf color.
Watering is crucial for Super Donkey Tail care. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until excess drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering causes root rot, so it’s better to underwater slightly. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water more frequently. In dormant winter months, significantly reduce watering.
Proper soil and containers are important for Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’. A well-draining soil mix, like a commercial cactus or succulent blend, prevents water retention. Enhance drainage by amending regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. Pots must have drainage holes. Repotting is infrequent, typically every two to three years, as they prefer to be somewhat root-bound and grow slowly.
Maintain suitable temperature and humidity. Super Donkey Tail Succulents thrive in average indoor temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) but should be protected from frost. Average household humidity is sufficient, as they are adapted to arid conditions.
Super Donkey Tail Succulents are not heavy feeders and don’t require constant fertilizing. If fertilizing, do so sparingly during spring and summer. Use a diluted, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy to prevent nutrient burn.
Propagating Super Donkey Tail Succulent
Propagating Super Donkey Tail Succulents is straightforward, primarily using stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, snip a healthy 2-4 inch segment from the parent plant using clean pruners. Allow the cutting to sit in a dry, well-ventilated area for several days to a week. This callousing step allows the cut end to dry and form a protective seal, preventing rot.
Once calloused, plant the stem cutting about an inch deep into well-draining succulent potting mix. Propagate from individual leaves by gently twisting a healthy leaf off the stem, ensuring the entire base remains intact. Place leaves flat on the soil or slightly insert the calloused end. After planting, avoid watering for one to two weeks to allow roots to establish.
After the initial dry period, lightly mist the soil around cuttings or leaves every few days, or water sparingly when the soil is completely dry. Keep propagations in bright, indirect light. Roots typically form within a few weeks, followed by new plantlets emerging from the base of leaves or stem nodes. Once new growth is evident and established, gradually transition to the regular watering schedule for mature plants.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issues with Super Donkey Tail Succulents often stem from environmental factors or care practices. Sudden leaf drop can occur from physical disturbance (leaves are delicate), severe overwatering (root rot), or extreme underwatering (plant sheds leaves to conserve moisture). Assess your watering routine and ensure proper soil drainage to mitigate this.
Lack of characteristic pink or purple leaf coloration is a sign of insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sun to restore vibrant hues. Mushy or rotting stems and leaves result from overwatering or poor drainage, indicating waterlogged soil. Reduce watering frequency and ensure adequate drainage holes.
Shriveled or wrinkled leaves indicate severe underwatering. A thorough watering, allowing excess to drain, should rehydrate the plant within days. Leggy growth (elongated stems with widely spaced leaves) is a symptom of etiolation caused by inadequate light. Provide more bright, indirect light to encourage compact growth; stretched portions will not revert.
Super Donkey Tail Succulents can attract pests like mealybugs or aphids. These appear as white, cottony masses or tiny green/black dots on stems and under leaves. Isolate affected plants immediately. For minor infestations, use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to remove pests. For widespread issues, apply an insecticidal soap formulated for succulents, following product instructions.