Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail)

Unique and very decorative, Sedum morganianum, commonly known as Burro’s Tail, Donkey’s Tail, or Lamb’s Tail, is a striking, trailing succulent that has become a popular choice for hanging baskets and pots due to its unique appearance and low-maintenance nature. It is admired for its long, cascading stems, adorned with thick, fleshy leaves resembling teardrops or beads.

The Burro’s Tail is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which includes other popular succulents like Jade plant (Crassula), Echeveria, Kalanchoe, and Sedum (Stonecrop)

Description

Sedum morganianum is a perennial succulent with long, hanging stems covered in densely packed, plump, and fleshy leaves. The leaves are typically blue-green, though variations in light exposure can cause them to turn slightly more silvery or pale green. When stressed, such as in high heat or full sun, the tips may take on a pinkish hue, adding to the visual appeal.

Native Habitat

Sedum morganianum is native to the dry, mountainous regions of southern Mexico, where it grows on cliffs and in rocky outcroppings. In its native habitat, it enjoys plenty of sun, with infrequent but heavy rainfall that encourages its water-storing succulent nature.

Plant Type and Habit

Burro’s Tail is an evergreen, perennial succulent with a trailing habit. It is perfect for hanging baskets, raised planters, or any location where it can spill over the edge and cascade down.

Plant Size

Sedum morganianum typically grows to about 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) long.

Flowers

While Burro’s Tail is primarily grown for its attractive foliage, this succulent plant does produce clusters of small, star-shaped reddish-purple flowers. They typically appear in the summer, but flowering is rare for indoor plants. The blooms emerge from the tips of the stems and add a subtle yet charming touch. However, most gardeners grow Burro’s Tail for its foliage, as its flowers are less showy than its long, flowing stems.

Foliage and Stems

The most distinctive feature of Sedum morganianum is its fleshy, teardrop-shaped leaves surrounding the pendulous stems to form braided-looking tails. Each leaf is thick and plump, perfectly suited for storing water during drought periods.

The foliage is typically blue-green, though environmental factors such as light intensity, temperature, and stress can alter their color slightly. The leaves are dusted with a silvery bloom that rubs off when touched. The short leaves

Plump when the plant is well watered, the leaves tend to shrivel in too dry conditions. Both stems and leaves break off easily, so handling the plant with care is important to avoid breaking them.

Award

Recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society

Hardiness

Sedum morganianum is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and tolerates heat. It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate outdoor growth year-round in these regions. However, in cooler climates, it should be brought indoors during winter, as it is not frost-tolerant and can suffer damage or death if exposed to freezing temperatures.

Uses

Burro’s Tail is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. Some common uses include:

• Hanging Baskets: Its cascading stems make it a perfect choice for hanging baskets, where its long, trailing vines can be displayed to full effect.
• Container Gardening: Sedum morganianum thrives in pots and containers, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens or patio planters.
• Xeriscaping: As a drought-tolerant succulent, it is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens, where it can thrive with minimal irrigation.
• Vertical Gardens: The plant’s trailing habit makes it suitable for vertical gardens, where it can spill over the edge of planters or baskets.

Wildlife

The flowers attract pollinators, such as bees, which are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms.

Toxicity

Sedum morganianum is considered non-toxic to both pets and humans.

Deer and Rabbits

The Burro’s Tail succulent is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits , as its fleshy, succulent leaves are not particularly palatable to these animals.

Drought Tolerance

As with many succulents, Sedum morganianum is highly drought-tolerant. Its fleshy leaves allow it to store water, enabling the plant to survive long periods without watering.

Invasiveness

Sedum morganianum is not considered invasive in most regions where it is grown. Its slow-growing nature and lack of aggressive spreading habits make it easy to manage in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Benefits

Sedum morganianum offers several key benefits, including:

• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care and can thrive with little water and attention.
• Visual Appeal: The cascading stems and fleshy leaves make it a striking addition to any space.
• Drought Tolerance: Its ability to store water makes it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.

Burro’s Tail Care

The Burro’s Tail succulent is relatively low-maintenance, but it does have specific care needs to ensure it thrives. Here’s what you need to know about growing and caring for this unique succulent:

Light

Sedum morganianum thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate partial shade. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window to ensure it receives sufficient light. However, avoid direct afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates, as this can cause the leaves to scorch or become sunburned.

Watering

Watering Sedum morganianum is crucial to its care. Like many succulents, it prefers the soak-and-dry method. Water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is one of the most common issues with succulents. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Learn how to water your succulent without killing it.

Soil

Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix to ensure good drainage and prevent root rot. Adding perlite or coarse sand to standard potting soil can improve its drainage.

Temperature

Sedum morganianum prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Keep the plant in temperatures above 50°F (10°C) to avoid damage. It thrives in typical household humidity levels but can also tolerate dry air.

Fertilization

Fertilize Sedum morganianum sparingly. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can apply a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not necessary for Sedum morganianum, but you can trim any leggy or damaged stems to maintain a tidy appearance. Be cautious when handling the plant, as its leaves are delicate and can easily fall off.

Repotting

Repot your Sedum morganianum every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot with good drainage and refresh the soil to give the plant more room to grow.

Propagation

Sedum morganianum is easy to propagate through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Simply take a healthy stem, allow it to callous over for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Water lightly until new growth appears. Learn how to propagate succulents in easy steps.

Pests and Diseases

Sedum morganianum is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by common succulent pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to provide proper drainage and avoid soggy soil conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sun does a burro’s tail need?

Burro’s Tail thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but should avoid harsh, midday rays, as this can scorch its leaves. Indoors, a sunny windowsill is ideal, while outdoors, filtered sunlight or partial shade works best.

Is Donkey Tail hard to take care of?

No, Burro’s Tail is relatively easy to care for if its basic needs are met. It requires well-draining soil, infrequent watering, and bright, indirect light. However, the plant’s leaves are delicate and can easily fall off if mishandled.

Should I mist my burro’s tail?

No, misting is not recommended for Burro’s Tail, as it prefers a dry environment. Over-misting or creating humidity around the leaves can lead to fungal issues. It’s better to water the soil directly and let it dry out between waterings.

Why are my burro’s tail leaves falling off?

Leaves on a Burro’s Tail can fall off due to handling, overwatering, or environmental stress. The plant is quite sensitive, and its leaves detach easily if disturbed. Ensure you’re not overwatering, and try to minimize movement or handling of the plant.

What does an overwatered burro’s tail look like?

An overwatered Burro’s Tail will show signs of soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves. The leaves may also drop easily, and the plant’s stems could become soggy. Overwatering can also lead to root rot if the soil remains wet for too long.

How to make burro’s tail fuller?

To encourage fullness, prune leggy or sparse stems and propagate cuttings from the healthy sections. Place the cuttings back into the soil to fill out the base of the plant. Providing bright, indirect light and avoiding overwatering will also help the plant grow fuller.

Can I put my burros tail outside?

Yes, Burro’s Tail can be placed outside, especially in warmer climates (USDA zones 10-11). However, it should be kept in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade to prevent sunburn. Bring the plant indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).