If you have a Donkey’s tail in your succulents’ collection, you will agree that it is a tricky plant to grow, especially indoors. While it belongs to a sturdy sedum family, this succulent is fragile and quick to drop its leaves.
Also known as Burro’s tail, this succulent can be happy growing in the morning sunlight and sandy soil. However, it is crucial for you to know the appropriate growing conditions for donkey’s tail, so that you can provide it with the best care. Here are the ideal conditions for growing your burro’s tail.
[Temperature]What Temperature Is Ideal for Donkey’s Tail?
Interestingly, donkey’s tail can stay healthier outdoors all-year-round in tropical climates. However, the areas that have freezing temperatures in winter require this plant to be indoors. During the winters, make sure to keep your plant where the temperature is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, room temperature is fine for these succulents in summers.
[Watering]How Often Should You Water Burro’s Tail?
Sedum Burrito Donkey's Tail in Terracotta Pot with drainage hole
Unlike many types of succulents, burro’s tail needs a considerable amount of water to keep the leaves attractive and plump. Soak its soil thoroughly and do not water it again until the topsoil dries out completely, especially when kept indoors because it flourishes in the well-drained container. For a more accurate measurement, stick your finger in the water and be sure that it is at least 1-inch deep around your Burro’s tail.
Since it is a drought-resistant plant, do not overwater it or else your lovely succulent will rot out. Nevertheless, remember that mature plants need water more frequently; make sure to check the soil often. It is recommended to water your burro’s tail once in every 14 days.
However, make sure to give it a thorough drink, so that the accumulated salts from fertilizers and water will flow out of your plant pot. During the growing season when the days are warmer, water your donkey’s tail more often, i.e., after every nine days. Usually, the succulents in clay pots dry out quicker. Therefore, you should make sure that your plant gets enough water in the hot season.
[Fertilizer]How Frequent Should You Fertilize Sedum Burro's Tail?
Fertilizer is not essential for your succulent, yet you may feed a diluted solution of fertilizer two times during its growing season. But do not feed your burro’s tail fertilizer more than once a month and avoid fertilizing it during winters.
[Soil]What Is the Best Soil for Donkey’s Tail?
Like every other succulent, burro’s tail requires good drainage to grow healthy. Moreover, the water should be drained fast to avoid over-absorption to roots. It is better to use a soil mix that does not settle in water for long; instead, it ensures good drainage while keeping your plant damage-free.
For that, you can choose a commercial cactus mix. If not, you can make well-draining soil mixture on your own by combining the equal parts of perlite or pumice and potting soil. To make it grow healthier, cover the container with worm castings, and compost in spring.
[Light]What are the Light Requirements for Donkey’s Tail?
Donkey's tail thrives best with lots of warm sunlight
Burro’s tail loves to bask in the partial sun or bright shade. This captivating succulent love bright light of four hours. Keep in mind that it the scorching sun will burn it; make sure to give it morning sunlight for better growth.
Furthermore, keep these hardy plants indoors at a place such as a balcony, in a sunny window, or on a patio, where it receives enough sunlight. Give your striking donkey’s tail bright light indoors during spring; it will help promote blooming. You do, however, have to make sure the pot has proper drainage to create the perfect conditions for the succulent.
[Common Problems]How to Control Insects or Pests?
Burro’s tail is not prone to many insects or pests; they usually get aphids. If unfortunately, your donkey’s tail develops them, hose them off every month. If that doesn’t work, spray your succulent with a mixture of 4/5 water and 1/5 rubbing alcohol. Besides, you can also use Neem oil to remove them from your plant.
You can see more about Common Pests & Diseases Treatment for succulents.
[Repotting]How to Re-pot the Donkey’s Tail?
When you want to re-pot your burro’s tail, place it in a 6-8 inch pot and supplement the soil with the fresh soil occasionally. Avoid repotting the mature plant, since doing so can damage your succulent. Keep in mind that donkey’s tail is one of the most brittle and delicate succulents.
Propagating Donkey's tail from leaf cuttings is the most straightforward method
To propagate donkey’s tail, you will need to cut the stems and strip off its leaves from the bottom. Leave it for two weeks to get the stripped part callus over. Plant your cuttings in the pot; however, you can also propagate it with leaf cuttings.
It involves stripping off a plumpy leaf and pinning down it in the well-drained soil. Make sure to keep the soil a little moist and keep your plant pot at a bright place with indirect sunlight.
Learn How to repot your hanging succulent without killing it with our blog post!
The Main Takeaway
Whether you want to keep a donkey’s tail indoors or grow it outdoors, make sure to keep your succulent at a shady place that receives bright light in the morning. Moreover, it is important not to overwater this delicate plant or else; its leaves will start shriveling.
Depending on the light and temperature, thorough watering once or twice a month is enough for donkey’s tail. In essence, make sure to provide your donkey’s tails the ideal growing conditions as mentioned above; it will ensure your plant stays happy and healthy.
You can also watch this video to see some of the tips in action:
For Types of Succulents Careguide. Read more information here.
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