Donkey Tail
Sedum morganianum
Donkey tail is a trailing Mexican sedum whose long stems are packed with plump, blue-green teardrop leaves that resemble a braided animal's tail, perfect for hanging baskets.
- Light
- Bright light with some direct sun
- Water
- Sparingly; dry out between
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Donkey tail, also called burro's tail, is a trailing succulent beloved for its long, rope-like stems densely covered in fleshy, overlapping leaves. The effect is a cascade of plump blue-green beads spilling over the edge of a pot.
Native to southern Mexico, Sedum morganianum is easy to grow but famously fragile; its leaves drop at the lightest touch, so it is best displayed where it won't be brushed against.
How to identify it
Key features:
- Stems: long, trailing, reaching 2-4 ft, completely covered in leaves
- Leaves: plump, pointed, teardrop-shaped, blue-green to grey, often with a powdery bloom (farina)
- Habit: pendulous; ideal for hanging containers
- Flowers: occasional small star-shaped pink to red blooms at stem tips in summer
- Fragility: leaves detach extremely easily
Care & growing
Light: Bright light with some morning sun; too little light causes sparse, stretched stems.
Water: Water thoroughly, then allow soil to dry; the thick leaves store water well, so err on the dry side.
Soil: Gritty, fast-draining succulent mix.
Temperature: 65-80F; protect from frost.
Feeding: Light feeding once or twice in spring and summer.
Propagation: Extremely easy; fallen leaves and stem cuttings root readily on dry soil.
Habitat & origin
Sedum morganianum is native to southern Mexico, where it grows on rocky cliffs and ledges, its trailing stems hanging from crevices in bright, dry conditions.
It is grown worldwide as a hanging houseplant and, in frost-free climates, in rock gardens and elevated planters.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my donkey tail keep dropping leaves?
The leaves are naturally very fragile and detach at the slightest touch. Place it where it won't be bumped, and root the fallen leaves to make new plants.
How often should I water it?
Only when the soil has dried out, roughly every couple of weeks. The fleshy leaves store ample water, so overwatering is the main risk.
Why are the stems thin and stretched?
Not enough light. Move it to a brighter spot so the leaves grow plump and tightly packed.
Donkey Tail guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Donkey Tail.
How to Care for Donkey Tail
Grow lush trailing Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum) with bright light, sparing water, and gritty soil in a hanging pot.
Donkey Tail Identification Guide
Identify Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum) by its long trailing stems densely packed with plump, blue-green, overlapping teardrop leaves.
