Burro's Tail

Sedum morganianum

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verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Burro's Tail is a striking trailing succulent with long, pendulous stems densely packed with small, plump, blue-green leaves that dangle elegantly from hanging baskets. This plant produces delicate pink to red flowers in late spring and summer but is primarily grown for its distinctive cascading foliage. It is extremely popular for indoor decoration due to its visual impact and relative ease of care.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Burro's Tail is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Overwateringchevron_right

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Root Rotchevron_right

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Mushy Stemschevron_right

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

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Dropping Leaveschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Benefits from some direct morning sun. Insufficient light weakens stems and may cause color loss.

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Water

Water deeply when soil is completely dry, typically every 2–3 weeks. In winter, reduce to once monthly or less. This succulent is drought-tolerant; overwatering is its primary threat.

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Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Mix in perlite or coarse sand for extra drainage if needed.

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Fertiliser

Fertilize sparingly with diluted succulent fertilizer once or twice during growing season (spring–early summer). Avoid over-fertilizing.

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Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C). Tolerates cooler winters (50–60°F / 10–15°C) which can encourage blooming. Protect from frost.

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Humidity

Prefers low humidity (20–40%). Dislikes overly humid air. Ensure good air circulation around foliage.

Toxicity

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Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Completely safe for households with pets and young children.

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the leaves on my Burro's Tail fall off when I touch it?

The plump blue-green leaves are only loosely attached and drop very easily from handling — this is normal for Sedum morganianum. Keep it somewhere it won't be brushed against often, and any dropped leaves can be propagated into new plants.

How often should I water my Burro's Tail?

Only every 2–3 weeks, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. This trailing succulent stores water in its leaves and is far more likely to suffer from overwatering and rot than from drought.