Burro's Tail

Overview

Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum), also known as Donkey's Tail or Horse's Tail, is a distinctive trailing succulent prized for its cascading stems densely packed with plump, tear-drop shaped leaves. Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, this charming plant has become a favorite among succulent enthusiasts for its unique appearance and relatively straightforward care requirements.

The most captivating feature of Burro's Tail is its growth habit—long, pendulous stems that can reach up to 2-4 feet in length when mature, densely covered with overlapping, fleshy leaves. These blue-green to gray-green leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stems, creating a braided or tail-like appearance that inspired the plant's common name. The leaves store water, giving them a plump, rounded shape that contributes to the plant's distinctive texture.

Burro's Tail is particularly well-suited to hanging baskets or high shelves where its trailing stems can cascade downward, creating a dramatic display. When happy, mature specimens develop a full, lush appearance with multiple stems creating a waterfall effect of succulent foliage. In late summer to early fall, the plant may produce small pink to red star-shaped flowers at the ends of its stems, though flowering is relatively rare in indoor cultivation.

One of the most notorious characteristics of Burro's Tail is the fragility of its leaves, which detach at the slightest touch. This trait, while sometimes frustrating for gardeners, is actually an adaptation that aids the plant's propagation in the wild—fallen leaves readily root and develop into new plants. This same characteristic makes Burro's Tail one of the easiest succulents to propagate, as even accidentally dislodged leaves can be used to start new plants.

Burro's Tail is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with children and animals. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it relatively low-maintenance compared to many other houseplants, though it does have specific requirements to thrive and develop its characteristic trailing form.

With its distinctive appearance, easy propagation, and adaptability to indoor conditions, Burro's Tail offers a unique textural element that brings a touch of the exotic to any plant collection. Whether displayed in a hanging basket, cascading from a high shelf, or as part of a mixed succulent arrangement, this plant adds visual interest and a sense of abundance to indoor spaces.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Burro's Tail needs adequate light to maintain its compact growth and develop its characteristic long, trailing stems:

• Bright indirect light: Ideal for most Burro's Tail plants
• Morning or late afternoon direct sun: Beneficial in moderation
• Full midday sun: Can be too intense and may scorch the leaves
• Low light: Not recommended as it leads to leggy, sparse growth

For optimal growth and the fullest appearance, place your Burro's Tail near a south, east, or west-facing window where it will receive bright, filtered light throughout the day. If placed near a south-facing window, ensure the plant is positioned a few feet away from the window or protected by a sheer curtain to filter the intense midday sun.

The light requirements of Burro's Tail directly affect its growth pattern and overall appearance. Insufficient light causes etiolation—a condition where the stems stretch toward light sources, creating elongated stems with widely spaced leaves and a sparse, leggy appearance rather than the desirable dense, trailing form. In very low light, growth will slow dramatically or stop entirely.

While Burro's Tail appreciates bright light, it can sunburn if suddenly moved from lower light to intense direct sunlight. If transitioning your plant to a brighter location, do so gradually over 1-2 weeks to allow it to acclimate.

For hanging specimens, rotate the plant occasionally to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure, promoting even growth around the container. This is particularly important for maintaining the attractive, full appearance that makes these plants so appealing.

Watering

Burro's Tail has specific watering needs that reflect its adaptation to arid environments:

Watering Schedule:

• Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings
• Typically water every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer
• Reduce to once monthly or less in fall and winter
• Adjust based on environmental conditions rather than a strict calendar

Watering Technique:

• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• For hanging plants, consider bottom-watering to prevent leaf loss from water pressure
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water
• Water the soil directly, avoiding wetting the leaves when possible

Signs of Watering Issues:

• Underwatering: Leaves become wrinkled, shriveled, or puckered
• Overwatering: Leaves turn yellow or translucent; stems may become soft and mushy
• Proper hydration: Leaves feel firm and maintain their plump appearance

Burro's Tail stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it highly tolerant of drought but susceptible to rot from overwatering. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of underwatering, as these plants can recover more easily from drought than from root rot caused by consistently soggy soil.

During winter dormancy, the plant's water needs decrease significantly, so be especially careful not to overwater during this period. Always check the soil moisture before watering by inserting a wooden skewer into the soil—if it comes out completely dry, it's time to water.

Soil

Burro's Tail requires extremely well-draining soil that prevents water from pooling around the roots:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 2 parts cactus/succulent potting mix
• 1 part perlite, pumice, or coarse sand
• Optional: Add a small handful of horticultural charcoal to improve drainage and prevent bacterial growth

This combination creates a gritty, fast-draining mix that allows excess water to drain away quickly while still providing some nutrients. The high mineral content helps prevent soil compaction and promotes healthy root development.

Container Considerations:

• Always use pots with drainage holes
• Hanging baskets or containers are ideal to showcase the trailing growth habit
• Terracotta pots can be beneficial as they wick away excess moisture
• Choose a pot that's proportional to the plant's size—too large a pot can lead to overwatering issues

Repot your Burro's Tail every 2-3 years, or when it has clearly outgrown its container. The best time to repot is in spring at the beginning of the active growing season. When repotting, handle the plant with extreme care to minimize leaf loss, and position it at the same depth it was previously growing.

These plants don't mind being somewhat root-bound, and in fact, they often flower better when slightly constricted. When repotting, choose a pot that's only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Temperature & Humidity

Burro's Tail prefers warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions that mimic its native habitat:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Minimum temperature: 50°F (10°C)
• Will suffer damage below 40°F (4°C)
• Can tolerate higher temperatures if provided adequate airflow
• Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations

Humidity:

• Prefers low to moderate humidity (30-50%)
• Can tolerate average indoor humidity
• Avoid extremely high humidity environments, which can promote fungal issues
• Ensure good air circulation, especially in more humid conditions

One of the appealing aspects of Burro's Tail is its preference for the typically dry conditions found in most homes. They generally don't require humidity trays or misting—in fact, water on the leaves can lead to rot, especially if it pools between the densely packed leaves.

Temperature stability is important for Burro's Tail. During winter, be especially mindful of keeping them away from cold windows and drafts. Similarly, avoid placing them near heating vents, which can create excessively hot, dry conditions that stress even these drought-tolerant plants.

Fertilizing

Burro's Tail has modest fertilizer requirements:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer at quarter to half strength
• Fertilize once every 2-3 months during spring and summer (active growth period)
• Do not fertilize in fall and winter when growth naturally slows
• Resume fertilizing in spring when new growth appears

Fertilizing Tips:

• Use a balanced or low-nitrogen formula specifically designed for succulents and cacti
• Liquid fertilizers are easier to control and less likely to cause fertilizer burn
• Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn
• Flush the soil thoroughly with water every few months to prevent salt buildup

Burro's Tail is a light feeder adapted to nutrient-poor soils in its native habitat. It can be sensitive to over-fertilization, which can cause leaf burn, distorted growth, or excessive soft growth that's more prone to damage. Signs of over-fertilization include abnormally rapid growth, elongated stems, or brown spots on leaves.

Under-fertilization typically manifests as slower growth and smaller leaves, though Burro's Tail can thrive for long periods with minimal supplemental nutrients. Finding the right balance is important for maintaining the plant's ornamental value and supporting healthy growth without promoting excessive, weak growth.

Propagation

Burro's Tail is one of the easiest succulents to propagate, with several effective methods:

Leaf Propagation:

1. Collect healthy, plump leaves that have fallen off or gently twist them from the stem
2. Allow the leaves to callus (dry at the break point) for 1-2 days
3. Place the leaves on top of well-draining succulent soil, with the callused end just touching or slightly buried in the soil
4. Mist the soil occasionally to keep it slightly damp but not wet
5. Place in bright, indirect light
6. After 2-4 weeks, tiny roots and a small rosette will form at the base of the leaf
7. The parent leaf will eventually shrivel and can be removed once the new plant is established
8. Once the new plant is about 1 inch in diameter, it can be potted in its own container

Stem Cutting Propagation:

1. Select a healthy stem section 3-6 inches long
2. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem
3. Remove leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the stem
4. Allow the cut end to callus for 3-5 days
5. Plant the cutting in well-draining succulent soil
6. Wait 2-3 weeks before watering to allow roots to form
7. Place in bright, indirect light
8. Roots typically develop in 3-6 weeks
9. Once new growth appears, care for as you would a mature plant

Creating Fuller Plants:

1. To create a fuller appearance in existing pots, simply place fallen leaves or stem cuttings back into the same container
2. Multiple propagations will root and grow, creating a denser, more abundant look
3. This method takes advantage of the plant's natural tendency to self-propagate from fallen leaves

Important Propagation Tips:

• The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer when growth is most active
• Use well-draining soil specifically formulated for succulents
• Avoid direct sunlight during the propagation process
• Be patient—while roots may develop relatively quickly, it can take months for new plants to show significant growth
• Keep propagations slightly more moist than mature plants until well-established

Burro's Tail's tendency to drop leaves easily actually works to the advantage of propagators. Even leaves that fall accidentally can be used to start new plants, making this one of the most forgiving succulents to multiply.

Common Problems

While Burro's Tail is generally resilient, it can experience several common issues:

Leaf Drop:

• Cause: Natural fragility, physical disturbance, or environmental stress
• Symptoms: Leaves detach easily with the slightest touch
• Solution: Minimize handling, place in low-traffic areas, and understand that some leaf drop is inevitable with this species

Etiolation (Stretching):

• Cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch toward light sources
• Symptoms: Elongated stems with widely spaced leaves, sparse appearance
• Solution: Move to a brighter location, consider supplemental grow lights, and potentially take stem cuttings to restart compact growth

Overwatering Issues:

• Cause: Excessive water, poor drainage, or too-frequent watering
• Symptoms: Yellowing, translucent leaves; soft, mushy stems; black spots
• Solution: Reduce watering frequency, ensure proper drainage, and in severe cases, take healthy cuttings to propagate new plants

Shriveled Leaves:

• Cause: Underwatering or dehydration
• Symptoms: Wrinkled, puckered leaves that have lost their plumpness
• Solution: Increase watering frequency slightly, ensuring thorough watering when you do water

Pests:

• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and on stems
• Aphids: Small insects that cluster on new growth
• Scale: Small brown bumps on stems and leaves that don't scrape off easily
• Solution: Isolate affected plants, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, being careful not to dislodge too many leaves during treatment

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or compacted soil
• Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, mushy stems, foul smell
• Solution: Reduce watering, ensure proper drainage, and in severe cases, take healthy cuttings to propagate new plants

Sunburn:

• Cause: Sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight without acclimation
• Symptoms: Brown or white patches on leaves that appear scorched
• Solution: Provide gradual acclimation to increased light, offer light shade during hottest part of day

Failure to Bloom:

• Cause: Insufficient light, improper temperature fluctuations, or too-frequent repotting
• Solution: Provide bright light, allow slight temperature drops at night, and keep slightly root-bound

Most Burro's Tail problems can be prevented with proper care focused on appropriate light, careful watering, and well-draining soil. Regular inspection helps catch issues early when they're easier to address.

Related Varieties

While Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum) is a distinct species with its characteristic trailing stems of plump, overlapping leaves, there are several related plants and varieties that make excellent companions or alternatives:

Sedum morganianum 'Burrito' (Baby Burro's Tail)

• Smaller, more compact leaves than standard Burro's Tail
• Leaves are more rounded and less pointed
• Often mistaken for or sold interchangeably with S. morganianum
• Same care requirements and growth habit
• Some botanists consider it a separate species or subspecies

Sedum burrito

• Sometimes considered the same as S. morganianum 'Burrito'
• Rounder, more compact leaves
• Slightly slower growing than standard Burro's Tail
• Same trailing habit and care requirements
• Leaves tend to be more firmly attached, making it slightly less fragile

Sedum dasyphyllum (Corsican Stonecrop)

• Tiny, bead-like blue-gray leaves
• More compact trailing habit
• Hardier and more cold-tolerant than Burro's Tail
• Creates a delicate, cascading effect
• Excellent for small hanging baskets or rock gardens

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' (Angelina Stonecrop)

• Bright golden-yellow needle-like foliage
• Semi-trailing habit
• More sun-tolerant than Burro's Tail
• Hardy in colder climates
• Striking color contrast when planted with blue-green succulents

Sedum sieboldii (October Daphne)

• Round blue-gray leaves with pink edges
• Trailing to semi-trailing habit
• Leaves arranged in whorls around the stem
• Pink flowers in late summer to fall
• More cold-hardy than Burro's Tail

Sedum hernandezii

• Chubby, club-shaped leaves
• Compact growth habit
• Bright green coloration
• Similar care requirements to Burro's Tail
• Less commonly available but distinctive appearance

Sedum multiceps (Miniature Joshua Tree)

• Upright rather than trailing growth
• Tiny, densely packed leaves forming club-like structures
• Unusual branching pattern
• More architectural appearance
• Interesting contrast to trailing sedums

Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

• Not a Sedum but often grown alongside Burro's Tail
• Round, pea-like leaves on thin trailing stems
• Similar care requirements
• Complementary trailing habit
• Creates a different textural effect

Crassula perforata (String of Buttons)

• Stacked, triangular leaves that encircle the stem
• Upright growth that can cascade with age
• Similar care requirements to Burro's Tail
• More architectural appearance
• Interesting companion plant

Senecio radicans (String of Bananas)

• Banana-shaped leaves on trailing stems
• Faster growing than Burro's Tail
• Similar care requirements
• Complementary trailing habit
• Less fragile than Burro's Tail

These diverse trailing and cascading succulents share similar care requirements with Burro's Tail, making them excellent companions in a collection. While they have different leaf shapes, sizes, and growth patterns, they all appreciate bright indirect light, careful watering, and well-draining soil.

The Sedum genus offers numerous options for those who enjoy the trailing habit of Burro's Tail but want to explore different leaf forms and textures. Combining several of these varieties in a hanging display or on a high shelf creates a stunning "waterfall" effect of diverse succulent foliage.

With their varied forms, colors, and textures, these trailing succulents add visual interest and a sense of abundance to indoor spaces, bringing a touch of the exotic to any plant collection.