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Indoor plant care

Burro's Tail

Sedum morganianum

• LightBurro's Tail prefers bright indirect light at 150 to 250…
• WaterAllow the soil to dry completely before watering Burro's…
• ToxicitySafe for cats & dogs
• Mature sizeThe plant spreads about 10 to 12 in /…

Burro's Tail is a trailing succulent with long stems packed tightly with bluish-green leaves. Each fleshy leaf has a rounded tear-drop shape and stores water for dry periods. Mature stems may carry clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. The plant looks best spilling from a hanging pot or high shelf. It suits bright rooms and infrequent watering, but the leaves detach easily when bumped or handled.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Burro's Tail prefers bright indirect light at 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD. Strong filtered light helps stems stay compact and full.

• Placement: hang or set it about 5 ft / 1.5 m from a south, west or east-facing window. Avoid a direct view of the sky.
• Filtering: use a sheer curtain if direct sunlight would reach the leaves.
• Measurement: a PAR meter or PAR meter app can check photosynthetically active radiation.
• Too much light may scorch unadapted leaves. Too little light causes stretched stems, loose spacing, and weaker color.

Watering

Allow the soil to dry completely before watering Burro's Tail. Test moisture at several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick. Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.

• Water the mix thoroughly until liquid runs from the drainage holes. Let it finish draining before placing the pot back in a saucer or decorative planter.
• A pot with drainage holes is essential. Trapped moisture can quickly cause root and stem rot.
• Water considerably less in winter because the succulent is not actively growing.
• Wrinkled leaves can signal prolonged dryness, while soft or translucent leaves often point to excess water. Avoid frequent small sips that leave the lower soil damp.

Soil

Use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for succulents. It should drain quickly, contain plenty of coarse material, and become fully dry between waterings. A shallow pot with drainage holes can help.

• DIY recipe: combine 2 parts coir, 2 parts coarse sand, and 1 part pumice.
• Do not compress the mix around delicate stems.

Feeding

Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for succulents every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Feed Burro's Tail only during active growth and keep to the product rate. Do not fertilize bone-dry soil or continue regular applications during winter dormancy.

Temperature & humidity

Burro's Tail prefers 65 to 75°F / 18 to 24°C. Protect the succulent from cold drafts and sharp temperature changes. Humidity near 40% is suitable. Very humid air, poor airflow, and damp soil together can increase the risk of stem or root rot.

What to expect

Burro's Tail takes about 2 to 5 years to mature. Trailing growth may reach 24 in / 60 cm in length. The plant spreads about 10 to 12 in / 25 to 30 cm across its pot. Stems lengthen gradually and become heavier as leaves accumulate.

Varieties & cultivars

• Sedum morganianum ‘Blue Burrito’: Powder-coated blue-green leaves cover the stems. Pink to purple flowers may appear in summer.
• Sedum morganianum ‘Mini’: Leaves are smaller and thinner than those of the species. Compact growth suits small pots.
• Sedum morganianum ‘Dwarf’: Shorter, thicker stems create a bushier plant. This form tolerates lower light levels.
• Sedum morganianum ‘Clavatum’: Thick, fleshy leaves end in pointed tips and carry a slight blue cast.
• Sedum adolphi: Yellow-green foliage turns reddish under bright light. Small white flowers appear in spring.