Burros Tail
Sedum morganianum
A trailing succulent with long, rope-like stems densely packed with plump, blue-green leaves that resemble a braided tail. It makes a spectacular hanging plant but its leaves drop at the slightest touch.
- Light
- Bright light with some direct sun
- Water
- Every 2-3 weeks; let soil dry fully
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Burro's Tail is a trailing sedum grown for its thick, pendant stems crowded with overlapping, teardrop-shaped leaves coated in a soft, powdery bloom. The stems can grow several feet long, draping like furry ropes from a hanging basket.
Native to southern Mexico, it is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, though notoriously fragile: the leaves detach at the lightest bump. The upside is that each fallen leaf can root into a new plant, making it endlessly propagatable.
How to identify it
Identify it by:
- Leaves: Plump, pointed, teardrop-shaped, blue-green to gray-green with a powdery, waxy bloom
- Stems: Long, trailing, densely covered in overlapping leaves, resembling a braided tail; up to 2-4 feet
- Texture: Leaves detach very easily when touched
- Flowers: Small pink to red star-shaped flowers at stem tips, mainly in summer
- Habit: Strongly trailing; ideal for hanging baskets
Care & growing
- Light: Bright light with some direct sun; strong light keeps it compact and well-colored
- Water: Drench, then let soil dry completely; roughly every 2-3 weeks, less in winter
- Soil: Gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix
- Temperature: 65-75F (18-24C); protect from frost
- Feeding: Light feeding with diluted succulent fertilizer in spring and summer
- Propagation: Very easy; fallen leaves and stem cuttings root readily on dry soil
- Tip: Handle as little as possible to avoid knocking off leaves
Habitat & origin
Native to southern Mexico, where it grows on rocky cliffs and ledges, trailing down from crevices in warm, dry conditions.
It is grown worldwide as a houseplant, especially in hanging baskets, and outdoors in frost-free climates (USDA zones 9-11) as a trailing succulent.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the leaves fall off so easily?
This is natural for burro's tail. The leaves are loosely attached and drop at the slightest touch, so place it where it won't be brushed against.
Can I grow new plants from the fallen leaves?
Yes. Lay the detached leaves on dry succulent soil and they will usually root and form new plantlets over a few weeks.
Why is mine stretching out and pale?
Insufficient light causes leggy, sparse growth. Move it to a brighter spot with some direct sun for denser, fuller stems.
Burros Tail guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Burros Tail.
