The Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’, known as Burro’s Tail or Donkey’s Tail, is a captivating succulent with a distinctive appearance. It boasts long, cascading stems with plump, bead-like leaves. Its trailing habit makes it popular for hanging baskets. Its unusual form and straightforward care contribute to its appeal.
Meet the Burro’s Tail Plant
The Burro’s Tail plant is a perennial with pendulous stems up to four feet long. Its fleshy, blue-green, sometimes powdery, teardrop-shaped leaves store water for dry periods. While it can produce small pink or red flowers, flowering is less common for indoor specimens.
This succulent is native to dry, mountainous southern Mexico, growing on cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Its trailing habit suits hanging baskets and containers. Its common names, Burro’s Tail and Donkey’s Tail, aptly describe its resemblance to an animal’s tail. Its delicate leaves detach easily, requiring careful handling.
Essential Care for Burro’s Tail
Light Requirements
Burro’s Tail thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A south or east-facing window is ideal indoors, ensuring several hours of bright daily exposure. Too much direct midday sun can scorch leaves or cause a bleached, yellowish appearance. Insufficient light can cause leggy growth, with stretched stems and sparse leaves.
Watering Techniques
Use the “soak and dry” method for watering Burro’s Tail. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Check soil moisture by finger or pot weight. Overwatering causes soft, mushy leaves and stem rot; underwatering may shrivel or wrinkle leaves. Adjust watering frequency seasonally, reducing it during winter when growth slows.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent waterlogging and promote root development. Use a specialized succulent/cactus mix, or amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. Pots must have drainage holes. Repot every two to three years, or when root-bound or soil needs refreshing. When repotting, handle the plant gently to minimize leaf drop.
Temperature and Humidity
Burro’s Tail prefers room temperatures, 65-75°F (18-24°C). Sensitive to cold with no frost tolerance, protect below 50°F (10°C). It tolerates dry air well, so no special humidity is needed. Misting is not recommended due to fungal issues.
Fertilizing
Burro’s Tail has minimal fertilization. Feed sparingly during spring and summer growing season, once or twice. Use diluted balanced liquid fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization. No fertilizer is needed during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can cause nutrient burn or weak growth.
Propagating Burro’s Tail
Propagate Burro’s Tail through stem and leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy few-inch segment and allow it to callus for days. Once callused, insert into well-draining succulent soil. Roots form within a few weeks.
Leaf cuttings are also effective. Gently twist a plump leaf from the stem. Allow leaves to callus for a day or two before placing on moist, well-draining soil. Small plantlets emerge from the leaf base.
After planting, water lightly and infrequently to encourage root development without rot. Patience is key, as new growth takes time.
Troubleshooting Common Burro’s Tail Problems
Leaf drop is a common problem and can stem from overwatering, underwatering, or physical disturbance. If leaves are shriveled or wrinkled, it indicates underwatering, and thorough watering helps rehydrate. Conversely, soft, mushy leaves or stem rot signal overwatering and poor drainage, requiring reduced watering and soil/pot assessment.
Leggy growth, with elongated, sparse stems, signals insufficient light. Move to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight for compact, healthy growth. While Burro’s Tail is resistant to pests, underlying issues like root rot can make it susceptible to pests (e.g., aphids, mealybugs). Addressing primary care problems, like overwatering, is the most effective long-term pest management solution.