In short
- Trailing houseplant succulent — stems up to 30–60 cm densely covered with fleshy, light-grey leaves arranged like a braid.
- Native to Mexico and Honduras; NOT hardy (zones 9b–11b) — outside only in summer, overwinters indoors.
- MAIN PITFALL: leaves fall off at EVERY touch — place in a quiet spot and do not move without need.
- Water RARELY (once every 2 weeks in summer, once every 4–6 weeks in winter) — excess water is the most common cause of death.
- Requires WELL-DRAINED substrate (for succulents), a hanging pot and full sun for the best leaf colouring (from light grey to slightly bluish-violet).
- Very easy to propagate — every fallen leaf placed on the substrate roots and forms a new little plant.
Botanical data
- Family
- Crassulaceae (Crassulaceae)
- Height
- 0.1–0.3 m
- Width
- 0.2–0.6 m
- Habit
- Cascading
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Position
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil
- Sandy
- pH reaction
- pH 6–7.5
- Moisture
- Dry
- Bloom
- June–August
- Hardiness
- USDA 9b–11b
- Propagation
- From cuttings
Characteristics
A trailing succulent with fleshy, loosely hanging stems reaching 30–60 cm in length (on well-kept specimens exceptionally to 1 m). The stems are densely covered along their whole length with fleshy, spindle- or cigar-shaped leaves 1.5–2.5 cm long, arranged spirally so tightly they resemble a braid or a cone. The leaf colour is bluish-grey-green, coated with a silvery waxy bloom, which gives the characteristic slightly bluish tone; in full sun rosy tones may appear at the edges. Precisely this two-layer effect — the dense arrangement of fleshy, light-grey leaves on a hanging stem — is an absolutely defining feature of the species and the reason for its popularity; from some distance the stem looks like a woollen braid or a fluffy animal tail (hence the names „burro's tail” = donkey's tail, „Eselsschwanz”). Blooming is rare and only on older, well-kept specimens — at the stem tips appear small, rosette-arranged pink or red-pink flowers in dense, spherical inflorescences. The plant is slow-growing — a full stately stem forms over 3–5 years. Extremely SENSITIVE to touch: the leaves are loosely set and fall off at every touch, moving, transport — this is not a disease, but a species trait and the main reason why the sedum should be placed once in a quiet, sunny spot and not moved.
Growing and care
Watering
Water RARELY and only after the substrate has COMPLETELY dried out — too frequent watering is the most common cause of death of burro's tail (stem rot and leaf drop). Once every 2 weeks in summer, once every 4–6 weeks in winter. When watering, soak the substrate through, then wait until fully dry. Tap water is fine, well-settled.
Fertilizing
Very weak concentration — 1/4 of the dose from the package. Excess fertiliser gives leggy, loose stems with widely spaced leaves — the whole attraction of the species (dense, cone-shaped leaves along the whole stem) is spoiled.
Planting
The substrate MUST be very well-drained: ready-made mix for succulents and cacti, or your own of 1/2 coarse sand + 1/4 perlite + 1/4 compost. Pot ONLY with drainage holes, best terracotta (evaporates excess moisture through the walls). The trailing habit requires a hanging pot or a tall pedestal — the stems reach 30–60 cm and must hang freely.
Pruning
Pruning is actually unnecessary — the sedum grows slowly and forms a nice trailing habit on its own. Overly long stems can be shortened to the chosen length; the cut fragments root splendidly as cuttings (see FAQ). Remove damaged or rotting stems at once.
Companion plants
Good companions
Echeveria and burro's tail have identical requirements (sun, dry, well-drained substrate) and contrast beautifully: the stiff, rounded echeveria rosette against the soft, trailing stems of the sedum.
A classic pairing for a succulent collection on the windowsill — the jade plant as an upright „mini-tree” in the background, the trailing burro's tail on the side of the pot gives a habit contrast.
Bad companions
Extremely different requirements — burro's tail needs dry air and substrate, tropical plants cannot be kept in the same watering regime.
The evidence level indicates whether the relationship is backed by research, observation, or gardening tradition.
Diseases and pests
Toxicity
| For whom | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | None | — |
| Dogs | None | Sedums are non-toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA — no documented poisoning cases. Chewing leaves by a cat may cause mild stomach irritation (as with any plant), but it is not a serious threat. |
| Cats | None | — |
History and origin
The species was scientifically described only in 1935 by the American botanist Eric Walther from a specimen from Mexico (Veracruz). The specific name „morganianum” was given in honour of the American succulent collector Meredith Morgan, who was the first to deliver a specimen to American cultivation. Notably, despite the late scientific description, the plant gained popularity instantly — within 10 years of publication it entered succulent collections all over the world and has remained one of the classics of the windowsill for nearly a hundred years. In the wild the species is rare — only a few sites are known in southern Mexico and Honduras, where it hangs from rocky ledges in dry ravines; all specimens in trade come from nursery production, mainly Dutch and American.
Uses
Exclusively as a houseplant — in a HANGING pot on a sunny windowsill (best southern or western), on a high pedestal, on the kitchen windowsill or on a sunny balcony in summer. Plant in a ready-made succulent or cactus mix; the pot must have drainage holes. Works splendidly in a COLLECTION of succulents alongside echeverias, jade plants and border sedums — contrasts with their stiff, upright habit. In summer it can be brought out onto the balcony or patio, but ONLY to a spot sheltered from wind (rain and wind tear off the leaves) and gradually accustomed to the sun. In winter keep in a cooler room (10–15 °C) and practically DO NOT water — this is the resting period during which the plant recovers and prepares for possible flowering the following summer.
Trivia
- The names „burro's tail” („donkey's tail”) and the German „Eselsschwanz” describe very aptly the look of the hanging stem — from a metre away the stem looks exactly like a fluffy, woollen tail.
- Burro's tail is CRYPTOGENIC — despite being one of the most popular houseplant succulents in the world, only a few sites are known in the wild in Mexico and Honduras, all on hard-to-reach rocky ledges.
- A leaf broken off from the stem and placed on succulent substrate will produce tiny roots and a new little clump within 4–6 weeks — this is one of the easiest succulents to propagate from leaves.
- The specific name „morganianum” commemorates Meredith Morgan — an American succulent collector of the first half of the 20th century, who was the first to bring a live specimen from Mexico to the USA.
Frequently asked questions
Why do leaves keep falling off my sedum?
This is not a disease — it's a species trait. The leaves of burro's tail are fleshy and LOOSELY set on the stem; they fall off at the slightest touch, jolt, moving of the pot, wiping the window or even a stronger draught. Solution: place once in a quiet spot (not on a daily route, not on a windowsill that opens) and do not move. Good news: every fallen leaf placed flat on the substrate roots and forms a new little plant — excellent material to share with friends.
How often should I water burro's tail?
Rarely: once every 2 weeks in summer, once every 4–6 weeks in winter — and only after the substrate has COMPLETELY dried out (stick a finger 2 cm into the soil, must be DRY). When watering, soak abundantly so water flows out the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer and leave to dry completely. Overwatering is the most common cause of death of the species — the stems rot from the base, leaves mass drop and the stem „falls apart”.
How to propagate burro's tail?
Most easily from LEAVES that keep falling off anyway. Leave a fallen (or gently pulled) leaf for 1–2 days in a dry place so the break heals over, then place it flat on succulent substrate (do not push into the soil!). Within 4–6 weeks it produces tiny roots and a new bud. Water with a mister once a week until the new plant reaches 2–3 cm. The method is nearly 100 % effective. You can also cut whole stems into 5–10 cm and treat them as cuttings (dry, insert into substrate).
Can burro's tail survive winter on the balcony?
NO in the Polish climate. The species is not hardy — USDA zone 9b–11b means it does not tolerate frost below −3 °C, and practically any subzero temperature harms it. Bring out on the balcony only after temperatures have stabilised above 12 °C (turn of V/VI); before the first autumn frost (end IX / start X) bring back indoors. In winter keep in a cooler room (10–15 °C), on a bright window and practically DO NOT water — this allows the plant to rest and increases the chance of flowering the following summer.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)Database (GBIF, POWO…)
- RHS — Sedum morganianumInstitution / botanical garden
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