Donkey Tail

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.

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

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.

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.