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Donkey's tail

Sedum morganianum

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Donkey's tail · Sedum morganianum

Trailing stems lined with plump leaves, ideal for hanging pots.

Care and placement

Needs bright light (partial to full sun), a fast-draining cactus mix and infrequent watering; leaves drop at a touch so use a hanging pot and handle rarely.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 40 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 30 cm

Things to consider

ASPCA lists Sedum morganianum (burro's tail) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Still discourage pets from chewing leaves.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Use a fast-draining cactus mix in a hanging pot with drainage holes. Handle it little since leaves fall off; repot every 2–3 years.

  2. Light

    Needs bright light: a sunny window with several hours of direct sun is ideal; bright indirect light also works. Low light stretches stems and spaces leaves; acclimate gradually to stronger sun.

  3. Watering

    Let the mix dry completely, then water thoroughly: about every 10–14 days in the growing season, monthly or less when cool. Shriveled leaves mean it needs water; soggy soil rots stems at the base.

  4. Feeding

    Needs very little: diluted cactus fertilizer once or twice in spring and summer.

  5. Pruning

    Rarely pruned; only remove damaged or overlong strands and collect fallen leaves for propagation.

  6. Propagation

    Take 10–15 cm strands, strip the base leaves, let the cut callus for a few days, then set in cactus mix with little water; roots form in about 2 weeks. Fallen leaves laid on the mix also root in 4–8 weeks.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Mainly root and stem-base rot from overwatering, plus leaf spot and powdery mildew. Remove affected parts, repot in dry mix and cut back on watering.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For thick, full strands: lots of sun, sparing water, sharp drainage, very light feeding, a fixed hanging spot and minimal handling. Mature, well-lit plants may bear pink flowers at the strand tips.