Interested in adding a new succulent to your green space? Discover the allure of Burro’s Tail succulents, perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. In this insightful guide by gardening aficionado Melissa Strauss, delve into the essentials of nurturing Burro’s Tail succulents and meeting their specific care requirements.
A beloved pick for many succulent enthusiasts, the charming Burro’s Tail, also known as Donkey’s Tail, Lamb’s Tail, and Horse’s Tail, belongs to the Sedum genus. This species, Sedum morganianum, boasts cascading beauty in various succulent gardens. Its widespread availability in US nurseries speaks to its popularity.
The distinctive growth pattern and low-maintenance nature of Burro’s Tail have secured its place as a must-have among succulent lovers. Discover all the essentials you need to cultivate this intriguing plant.
Insightful Overview of Burros Tail
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Plant Type
Perennial Succulent
Season
Summer
Family
Crassulaceae
Genus
Sedum
Species
Sedum morganianum
Hardiness Zones
10-11 |
Exposure
Full Sun
Watering Needs
Low to Moderate
Plant Spacing
12”-15”
Maintenance
Low
Planting Depth
Shallow
Soil Type
Well drained
About the Succulent Embracing its adaptability, this sought-after succulent thrives both indoors and in warm outdoor settings, finding its niche predominantly as a beloved houseplant outside of zones 9-11. Introduced to North America in 1935 by botanist Eric Walther, Burro’s Tail found its way from a Veracruz market to Dr. Meredith Morgan. Dr. Morgan’s discovery led to the plant being named after her, solidifying its botanical identity. With its origins in Southeastern Mexico among cliff-side ravines, the plant’s transition from medicinal usage to ornamental display symbolizes its evolution over time. Classification Recognized for its mesmerizing leaf arrangement, low maintenance, and vibrant flowering cycle, Burro’s Tail stands as a testament to the sedum genus’s allure. Remaining evergreen, Sedum morganianum exhibits a constant display of fleshy, blue-green foliage, gleaming brightly when provided with adequate sunlight and care during its blossoming season. Leaf Formation Elevating its charm with a distinctive leaf pattern, the Burro’s Tail succulent features neat, overlapping rosettes along its trailing stems, manifesting a lush and weighty appearance when suspended in hanging planters. Varying in spacing based on sun exposure, the bluish-green leaves add a pop of color, with some shades tipping towards a lively chartreuse hue, all enveloped by a protective white waxy coating. Flowers Highlighting its blooming prowess under abundant sunlight, Burro’s Tail boasts clusters of star-shaped pink blooms with vivid yellow stamens, creating a whimsical spectacle in the summer months. While indoor flowering may be rare, the plant can be coaxed into blooming with optimal light exposure and soil drainage, enhancing both its appeal and ecological significance. PropagationHarnessing the simplicity of cuttings, propagating Burro’s Tail proves more efficient than germinating seeds, given its penchant for blooming outdoors and challenges in indoor seed dispersal. Leaf Cuttings Propagation of Burro’s Tail through its leaves is a convenient method for starting new plants and utilizing fallen leaves effectively. The plant naturally reproduces via its fallen leaves, which can easily detach due to their delicate connection to the stems. To propagate, insert the leaves into moist soil with the broken end facing downwards, and provide ample bright light. Over the course of a few days to a week, the leaves will develop roots and fresh growth, eventually maturing into individual plants. Once they reach around half an inch in length, you can transfer these miniature plants into separate pots. Growing from Stem CuttingsPropagating through stem cuttings is a relatively straightforward process. Instead of using individual leaves, this technique requires cutting stem segments. Remove the leaves from one end of the stem, allowing the exposed area to dry and form a callus. For better stability, it’s advisable to keep the cuttings short due to the weight of the stems. Fill a small pot with potting mix, create a hole with a pencil, and place the callused end of the stem into it. Position the pot in bright light, refrain from watering for a few days, then start lightly moistening the soil after approximately three days. Maintain this moisture level until the cutting establishes firm roots before considering transplanting it. Using rooting hormone can expedite the root development process, while enclosing the pot in a plastic bag can create a small greenhouse effect, preserving moisture and preventing the cutting from desiccation before root formation. Seeding MethodAcquiring Sedum morganianum seeds can be quite challenging as it’s not the most effective way to propagate these plants. However, if you choose to grow them from seeds, simply place the seeds on moist potting soil, cover them with plastic to maintain moisture, then transfer the germinated seedlings, once they reach half to one inch in height, to a larger container. Growing ProcessBurro’s Tail is renowned for its ease of cultivation, rapid and independent propagation. With minimal attention and proper potting in well-lit conditions, these succulents thrive effortlessly. Their trailing stems make them perfect for hanging displays, creating an aesthetically pleasing cascading effect. Planting Depth and Container RequirementsThese plants don’t require deep planting for optimal growth. When propagating, lay the cuttings on the soil surface to encourage root growth. Mature Sedum morganianum should be planted only as deeply as the base of the plant’s foliage. The soil type and container selection are critical for their well-being as these are succulent plants that dislike overly wet roots. Opt for containers with good drainage, with terracotta pots being ideal due to their water-wicking properties and ability to aid in water evaporation. In addition to proper drainage, soil composition is crucial. Succulents thrive in potting soil with larger particles rather than standard soil, which tends to retain excess water. Consider using cactus potting mixes or creating your custom blend with coarse sand, gravel, and bark to prevent soil compaction and facilitate adequate water drainage. If you prefer a DIY potting mix, start with organic compost and add coarse materials like gravel and bark to improve aeration and prevent waterlogging. Lighting Requirements Experience has shown that Burro’s Tail succulents thrive when given a substantial amount of sunlight. The vegetation thrives best when positioned in an area that receives ample indirect light, or even full exposure to direct sunlight as long as it is shielded from intense afternoon sun rays. The optimal lighting condition entails direct sunlight during the morning hours, transitioning into indirect light later in the day. Alternatively, if direct morning sunlight isn’t feasible, the Burro’s Tail can flourish in well-lit indirect light conditions all day long. Inadequate sunlight will manifest through elongated growth, resulting in leaves spaced further apart on the stems, creating a sparse appearance. Conversely, excessive sunlight exposure can cause leaf discoloration due to overexposure. Water Due to its succulent nature, the leaves of the plant retain sufficient water for gradual usage. As a result, frequent watering is unnecessary. When potted indoors, watering biweekly proves to be effective. The watering frequency depends on factors such as sunlight exposure, potting mix, and container type. In general, biweekly watering offers ample moisture. However, if placed near heating or air vents, more frequent watering may be required. Outdoor plants necessitate more frequent watering. A common recommendation is to water every 10 days. Personally, my outdoor Burro’s Tail, housed in a well-draining hanging pot, receives weekly watering during colder months and every 3-4 days in hotter weather. Of utmost importance is allowing the soil to dry out entirely before the next watering session. The exception to this rule applies during the blooming phase, where slightly moist soil is preferable. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a primary cause of succulent fatality. Climate and Temperature Originating from Southern Mexico, the Sedum morganianum is resilient within zones 9-11 and can endure temperatures as low as 40°F but cannot survive freezing conditions. In zone 8, I maintain my Burro’s Tail outdoors for most of the year, relocating it indoors during unpredictable frost periods. Throughout its dormant winter phase, the plant tolerates colder weather with minimal water requirements. These plants withstand heat adequately when required, yet temperatures within the range of 65° to 75°F are optimal. This attribute makes it an ideal indoor plant. While low humidity poses no harm to this succulent, occasional misting and placement in a moderately humid environment are acceptable. As long as the soil remains well-drained and air circulation is adequate, the plant will thrive. Fertilizing While not imperative, Burro’s Tail plants possess exceptional nutrient absorption capabilities from their soil. As long as repotting occurs every 2-3 years, the plant can survive without additional fertilizer supplementation. Nonetheless, light fertilization can accelerate growth and support flower development. If opting for fertilization, administer a diluted cactus fertilizer biannually during periods of active growth (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half of the recommended concentration. Refrain from fertilizing during the plant’s dormant winter phase when it remains inactive. When it comes to caring for your Burro’s Tail during its growth phase, pruning and maintenance play a crucial role. Keeping the plant healthy and visually appealing can be achieved by trimming away dying or damaged leaves to maintain a vibrant appearance. To ensure the plant’s well-being, it is essential to use sterile tools when pruning to prevent introducing any harmful bacteria or fungus. Clean cuts not only promote faster healing but also reduce the plant’s susceptibility to pests and diseases that are drawn to the plant’s sap. While these plants thrive when slightly root-bound, it’s recommended to change the potting soil and shift the plant to a slightly larger pot every three years. Repotting in the spring before flowering season ensures the plant receives adequate nutrients and space for growth. Burro’s Tail is a non-toxic plant, making it safe to have around children and pets. Unlike many other succulents, this species poses no harm if accidentally ingested, offering peace of mind for pet owners. In terms of different varieties of Sedum morganianum, the species consists of two distinct types – the original with longer, crescent-shaped leaves and the ‘Burrito’ variety with shorter, rounded leaves packed closely together. Both variations share a beautiful blue-green color and a waxy texture that enhances their aesthetic appeal. When it comes to pests and diseases, Sedum morganianum is relatively pest-resistant, with mealybugs being the primary insect of concern. Vigilance in inspecting plants and maintaining cleanliness can help prevent infestations and diseases, ensuring the plant’s longevity and health. When faced with an invasion of those fuzzy-looking mealybugs draining the vital nutrients from your cherished plant, taking action becomes paramount for its well-being. Combatting these pests can be a challenging endeavor, but here are some effective solutions that you can implement:
Root Rot Succulent plants are often susceptible to root rot, a common culprit for their demise. To safeguard your succulents against root rot, prioritize proper drainage and watering practices. The insidious Phytophthora sojae fungus thrives in excessively damp soil, especially during the dormant winter months when succulents require minimal water. Signs of root rot encompass the yellowing and wilting of foliage, indicating a decline in the plant’s vitality. To confirm root rot, inspect the roots for a dark-brown to black, mushy texture that disintegrates upon touch. While severe cases are often fatal, early intervention through repotting with improved drainage can salvage the plant. Botrytis Grey mold, or Botrytis, targets succulents with fleshy leaves, manifesting as water-soaked lesions that spread to healthy plant parts. Preventive measures include adequate airflow and vigilant plant hygiene. If infected, isolate and discard affected tissue, treating the remaining foliage with a copper-based fungicide. Powdery Mildew Powdery mildew, with its distinctive white fungal growth, thrives on Burro’s Tail in humid, stagnant environments. Preventive measures involve trimming affected areas and gently washing the plant with a baking soda solution or applying fungicides. Southern Blight Southern Blight, caused by the tenacious Sclerotium rolfsii fungus, targets the plant’s crown, inducing wilting of lower leaves. The disease thrives in hot, humid conditions, often emerging during the summer. Eradicate the spores with rigorous steam and heat treatments, as this fungus can persist in the soil for years. Final ThoughtsBurro’s Tail, with its distinct aesthetic and adaptability, graces succulent gardens and hanging pots with charm. While requiring some specific care, this plant is incredibly resilient, offering a delightful addition to any succulent collection.  James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities. Latest posts by JAMES (see all) Related Posts: JAMES |
