Burro's Tail
Sedum morganianum
Burro's Tail is a striking perennial succulent native to southern Mexico, the Burro's Tail is cherished for its long, cascading stems densely packed with fleshy, blue-green leaves. These teardrop-shaped leaves overlap like shingles, creating a braided or 'tail-like' appearance that can grow several feet long, making it a spectacular choice for hanging baskets. Give it bright, indirect light, let the potting mix dry between waterings, and use a planter with drainage holes.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Friendly
The Sedum morganianum is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly households.
Full care guide
Burro's Tail Care
Grow Sedum morganianum with bright light, soak-and-dry watering, and careful handling so the cascading tails stay dense instead of shedding leaves.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Place your Burro’s Tail in a location that receives 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon rays can scorch the delicate leaves. If the plant becomes leggy or pale, it likely needs more light.
Water
This succulent is drought-tolerant and highly susceptible to root rot. Use the ‘soak and dry’ method: water the soil thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During winter months, reduce watering frequency significantly.
Handling and Placement
Crucial Tip
The leaves are extremely fragile and will fall off at the slightest touch. Hang the plant in a low-traffic area where it won’t be bumped. If leaves do fall, they can often be used for propagation.
Soil and Planter
Always use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Use a planter with drainage holes to prevent standing water at the roots.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C). It is not frost-hardy and should be moved indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Common Issues
Soft leaves or persistently wet soil are common signs that the roots are getting too much water. Let the mix dry, then check that the drainage holes are clear.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer or cactus-specific fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
Stems can reach 2 to 4 feet in length
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Simply lay fallen leaves on top of moist soil to sprout new plantlets.
Common Varieties
Burrito (shorter, rounder leaves)
Plump, rounded, glaucous-green leaves that are tightly packed along cascading stems, creating a dense, bead-like texture that is more compact than the standard species.