Burro's Tail Care
Sedum morganianum (donkey's tail)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright with some direct sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is completely dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Gritty: our Arid Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 10β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Dry is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Easy Pet safe Needs sun |
| π Grows to | Trails 30β90 cm. |
Burro's tail grows long, braided-looking strands of plump blue-green leaves that hang over the side of the pot. It's pet safe and easy, with one quirk: the leaves fall off if you touch them. Find it a sunny spot where it won't be brushed against, and let it be.
Light + placement
Bright light with a few hours of direct sun (morning or evening). In low light the strands thin out and leaves spread apart.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. The plump leaves store a lot of water, so it needs much less than you'd think, especially in winter. Wrinkled leaves mean it's thirsty.
Soil + repotting
A gritty, fast-draining mix like our Arid Potting Mix in a pot with drainage. Repot rarely and carefully; every move costs leaves.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
A light sprinkle of worm castings on top of the soil every few months gives it a slow, natural boost (keep it thin so the gritty mix still drains fast). Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Hang or place it where it won't be bumped. Fallen leaves can be propagated.
Propagation
Every fallen leaf is a potential new plant. Let leaves or stem cuttings dry for a few days, then lay them on dry gritty soil and mist lightly; tiny plants form within weeks. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | Touched or moved | Leave it in one place; propagate the fallen leaves. |
| Soft, mushy leaves or stems | Overwatering | Let it dry completely; check the base for rot. |
| Wrinkled, deflated leaves | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Thin strands, spaced-out leaves | Not enough light | Move to a sunnier spot. |
| Yellow, translucent leaves | Too much water | Water less often. |
Varieties we carry
We carry burro's tail in hanging baskets and small pots. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
None in stock online right now. New plants arrive every week, so check back soon or ask us in the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my burro's tail drop leaves?
The leaves are very loosely attached. Touching or moving it knocks them off.
Is burro's tail safe for pets?
Yes. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How often should I water it?
Only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 2β4 weeks.
Can I grow new plants from fallen leaves?
Yes. Lay them on dry gritty soil and they'll root.
Burro's Tail care kit
- Arid Potting Mix: Our fast-draining Soil Bar mix for plants that like to dry out.
- Squeezy Watering Bottle: Precise watering for small pots and terrariums.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
String of Turtles Β· Maidenhair Fern Β· Philodendron Birkin Β· Bird's Nest Fern Β· String of Hearts Β· Spider Plant Β· Jade Plant Β· Lucky Bamboo Β· All plant care β