Burro's Tail
Ropes of plump blue-green leaves that hang like braids from a basket. Pet-safe, drought-proof, and the one rule is do not touch it: the leaves fall off if you look at them wrong.
Burro's tail is a hanging succulent with a temperament: it will tolerate weeks without water and a year without feeding, and it will drop a dozen leaves if you brush past it. Hang it somewhere it will not be touched and it grows into long, heavy braids over the years.
Every dropped leaf roots where it lands, which is either a nuisance or free plants, depending on your mood.
Light
Bright light with several hours of gentle direct sun. An east window is ideal; a south one works with the plant a foot or two back. In low light the stems stretch and the leaves space out. Hot afternoon sun bleaches the blue bloom on the leaves.
Water
Let the soil dry out completely, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Every two weeks in summer and monthly in winter. The leaves shrivel slightly when thirsty. Overwatering rots the stems at the soil line.
Soil and potting
A gritty succulent mix. A hanging basket or a pot on a high shelf, since the stems trail and the plant hates handling. Repot rarely, every three years or so, and expect to lose leaves when you do.
Feeding
A quarter-strength succulent feed every ten weeks in summer, or not at all. It does not need it.
Propagation
Any leaf that falls will root if laid on dry succulent mix. Stem cuttings root the same way after a few days of drying. Lay several leaves on the surface of the parent pot to thicken the top.
In a hot, dry home
Suits the climate perfectly. Dry air, heat and bright light are what it evolved for. Keep it out of scorching west sun in summer, which bleaches the leaves; east or filtered south light is best.
Problems and fixes
Leaves dropping at a touch
Likely cause: Normal for the plant, worse when thirsty
Fix: Hang it where it will not be brushed. Root the fallen leaves.
Stems soft at the base
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Stop watering. Take healthy stem cuttings and re-root them in dry mix.
Stretched stems, sparse leaves
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to brighter light.
Burro's Tail questions
Is burro's tail safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. Sedum morganianum is non-toxic to pets and people.
Why do the leaves keep falling off my burro's tail?
They are attached loosely by nature and drop at the slightest touch. Hang it out of the way. Each fallen leaf can be rooted into a new plant.
How often should I water burro's tail?
Every two weeks in summer and about monthly in winter, only when the soil is completely dry.
Plants with a similar rhythm
String of Pearls
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
Jade Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
