How to Grow Burro's Tail
Wikimedia Commons
Burro's Tail
Sedum morganianum
succulentBurro's tail is a trailing succulent with thick, fleshy, blue-green leaves arranged in dense rosettes along long, rope-like stems that can grow 2-4 feet long. It produces small pink or red flowers in spring and is prized for hanging baskets and containers. This Mexican native is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor cultivation in warm climates.
When should you plant Burro's Tail in your zone?
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Example Burro's Tail timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burro's Tail
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burro's Tail
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burro's Tail dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-12; can be grown indoors year-round in cooler zones
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Get my Burro's Tail timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 weeksNewly planted or propagated Burro's tail with small rosettes of compact leaves; root system developing.
Keep soil barely moist for first 1-2 weeks to encourage rooting. Avoid full sun initially. Provide bright indirect light.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksStems elongate with increasing leaf density; compact rosettes form along trailing stems. Plant develops its characteristic rope-like appearance.
Reduce watering frequency. Provide bright light to maintain compact form. Feed lightly with diluted succulent fertilizer during growing season.
Trailing Maturity
OngoingLong, full stems cascade with dense blue-green leaves; plant reaches mature trailing size of 2-4 feet.
Water only when soil is completely dry. Rotate container occasionally for even growth. Minimal fertilizer needed.
Flowering
3-4 weeksTiny pink, red, or yellow flowers appear in clusters at stem tips, typically in spring or early summer.
Ensure adequate light exposure to trigger flowering. Flowers are short-lived but numerous. Continue normal watering schedule.
Dormancy/Rest
3-4 monthsGrowth slows significantly in fall and winter; plant enters semi-dormancy with minimal water needs.
Reduce watering to once monthly or less. Minimize fertilizing. Keep in cool location (50-60°F if possible) to promote spring blooming.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol or neem oil. Isolate infected plant. Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
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Remove manually with soft brush or cloth. Apply horticultural oil or neem oil spray. Repeat every 7-10 days.
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Increase humidity slightly. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation.
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Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Repot in fresh, dry soil if severe. Remove affected portions of plant.
Uses
Ornamental Trailing Houseplant
HouseholdIts cascading rope-like stems with dense blue-green leaves make it a stunning choice for hanging baskets, shelves, and botanical displays. It thrives in bright indoor conditions with minimal maintenance. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Garden Accent
HouseholdPerfect for xeriscaping and water-wise garden designs in warm climates. Requires infrequent watering once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or dry regions. [source]
Living Wall and Vertical Garden
CraftBurro's tail can be incorporated into living walls, vertical succulent gardens, and mounted displays. Its trailing nature makes it particularly suited for hanging installations. [source]
Pollinator-Friendly Blooms
WildlifeThe pink and red flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. Outdoor specimens contribute to garden biodiversity. [source]
Harvest Tips
Burro's tail is not harvested for food or medicinal use. Propagate by removing leaf clusters or 2-3 inch stem segments and allowing them to callus for 1-2 days before placing on moist succulent soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burro's tail gets its common name from its resemblance to a donkey's tail, with 'burro' being the Spanish word for donkey.
- 🌱 Individual leaves are so fragile they readily detach and can propagate into new plants, making it both easy to share and prone to damage if handled roughly.
- 🌱 In its native Mexican habitat, Burro's tail grows as an epiphyte on rock faces and cliffs, which is why it prefers excellent drainage and low-fertility soil.
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