How to care for Sedum Donkey’s Tail

Updated Jan 2025

When we think about trailing succulents, the delicate vines of String of Hearts and the playful beads of String of Pearls often come to mind. But among these popular plants is another star that deserves the spotlight: Sedum Donkey’s Tail, also known as Burro’s Tail. With its long, cascading stems adorned with plump, pastel-green leaves, it’s a plant that effortlessly adds charm and texture to any space.

This trailing succulent is a favorite for its dramatic appearance and adaptability, making it a go-to for hanging planters or sunny shelves. Native to the rocky regions of Mexico, Donkey’s Tail has evolved to withstand harsh environments, storing water in its fleshy leaves to survive long dry spells. Its unique, lush look paired with its resilience has made it a must-have for succulent lovers.

Whether you’re captivated by its soft, trailing vines or its reputation as a hardy and forgiving plant, Sedum Donkey’s Tail is a fantastic addition to any collection. In this guide, we’ll explore how to care for this stunning succulent, covering everything from light and water needs to propagation and troubleshooting.

Basic Information

Should We Grow Sedum Donkey’s Tail Indoors or Outdoors?

Sedum Donkey’s Tail is a versatile succulent that can thrive both indoors and outdoors, depending on your local climate and the care you provide.

Indoors, Sedum Donkey’s Tail does well in bright, indirect sunlight. Place it near a sunny window, such as an east- or south-facing one, to provide the consistent light it needs. Its trailing vines make it an excellent choice for hanging planters or elevated shelves, adding greenery and texture to your indoor space.

To ensure success indoors, avoid placing the plant near cold drafts, air conditioners, or heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can stress it. Good air circulation is also essential to prevent excess moisture buildup, which could lead to root rot. Keep humidity levels low, as this succulent prefers the dry conditions of its native habitat.

Outdoors, Sedum Donkey’s Tail flourishes in USDA hardiness zones 9–11, where temperatures remain above 50°F year-round. It thrives in bright morning sunlight but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Ideal outdoor placements include under the dappled shade of trees, on a covered patio, or in any spot with partial shade during peak sunlight hours. In regions with cooler climates or significant seasonal changes, growing it in a portable container is a great solution. This allows you to move the plant indoors during colder months to protect it from frost, which it cannot tolerate. Avoid exposing the plant to strong winds or heavy rain, as these can damage its fragile leaves.

Sedum Donkey’s Tail vs Sedum Burrito

Sedum Burrito - smaller, rounder leaves Image by Succulents Box	Sedum Donkey’s Tail - larger, elongated leaves with a teardrop shape Image by Desert Group

Sedum Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) and Sedum Burrito (Sedum burrito) are similar trailing succulents but differ in several distinct ways. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their leaves. Donkey’s Tail has larger, elongated leaves with a teardrop shape, spaced farther apart along the stem. Burrito, in contrast, has smaller, rounder leaves that grow densely packed, giving it a fuller, more compact look.

Their growth habits are also different. Donkey’s Tail grows longer, trailing stems that can reach up to four feet, while Burrito’s stems are shorter, typically growing up to two to three feet. The more compact leaves of Burrito enhance its dense appearance compared to the lighter, airier look of Donkey’s Tail.

Another distinction is fragility. Burrito’s leaves are more delicate and prone to falling off with minimal handling, while Donkey’s Tail, though also fragile, is slightly sturdier. Color provides an additional clue: Donkey’s Tail often displays a bluish-green hue, while Burrito has a brighter, vibrant green tone. Both plants produce similar pink, star-shaped flowers, making blooms less helpful for identification.

General Care

1. Light Requirements

Donkey's tail thrives best with lots of warm sunlight.

Sedum Donkey’s Tail flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window to provide consistent light. While it can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sun, too much intense sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, causing discoloration or burns. Insufficient light may cause leggy growth as the plant stretches toward the light source, losing its dense, compact look.

Outdoors, Sedum Donkey’s Tail prefers a spot with partial shade or dappled sunlight. Morning sun and afternoon shade work best to avoid overheating and leaf damage. A location under the protective cover of trees, a patio, or a pergola ensures it receives sufficient light while being shielded from harsh midday rays. Monitor its exposure, as too much shade can slow growth.

2. Watering Practices

As a drought-tolerant succulent, Sedum Donkey’s Tail is sensitive to overwatering, which can quickly lead to root rot. Indoors, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly but ensure excess water drains out of the pot. During its active growing season (spring and summer), watering every 2–3 weeks is generally sufficient. In winter, when the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering to once a month or even less.

Outdoors, adjust watering based on climate and environmental conditions. In dry, arid regions, water more frequently to prevent dehydration, as outdoor soil dries out faster. In humid or rainy climates, minimal watering may be necessary, especially if the plant is exposed to occasional rain. Always ensure the soil drains well to prevent water from pooling around the roots.

3. Soil and Fertilization

Sedum Donkey’s Tail thrives in well-draining soil that mimics its natural rocky environment. A cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal, or you can make your own by combining standard potting soil with coarse sand or perlite. Outdoor planting should be done in sandy or rocky soil with excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Raised beds or pots can help improve drainage if your outdoor soil retains too much moisture.

Fertilization needs for Sedum Donkey’s Tail are minimal. Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer designed for succulents once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive, weak growth and can harm the roots, so always use a light hand with feeding.

4. Temperature and Humidity

This succulent thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and is well-suited for warm, dry climates. It is not frost-tolerant, so in regions with colder winters, it’s essential to bring the plant indoors or protect it from freezing temperatures. If temperatures drop below 50°F, the plant may suffer damage, and prolonged exposure to frost will kill it.

Outdoors, ensure the plant is kept in low to moderate humidity, as it prefers conditions similar to its arid native environment. If you live in a humid region, consider placing the plant in a well-ventilated area or using a raised planter to avoid moisture buildup around the roots. Indoors, maintain a dry environment and avoid misting the plant.

5. Toxicity

Sedum Donkey’s Tail is considered non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for households with curious children or animals. However, it’s still advisable to keep the plant out of reach to prevent accidental damage to its delicate leaves.

You can also watch the video below to see some of the tips in action!

Extra Care

1. Potting and Repotting

When potting Sedum Donkey’s Tail, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water buildup. Terracotta or ceramic pots are ideal because their porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of root rot. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix, and consider adding perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration.

Repotting is only necessary when the plant becomes rootbound or the soil loses its drainage properties. The best time to repot is in spring, at the start of the growing season. Choose a pot that is only 1–2 inches larger than the current one to avoid excess soil retaining too much moisture. Handle the plant gently while repotting, as its leaves are delicate and prone to falling off. Any fallen leaves can be used for propagation.

2. Pruning

Pruning is important for maintaining the shape and health of Sedum Donkey’s Tail, especially if the plant becomes leggy or sparse. Regular pruning encourages new growth and helps the plant maintain its compact, cascading appearance.

To prune, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim away dead or damaged stems and leaves. Make cuts just above a node to encourage branching and fuller growth. Avoid cutting too much at once, as this can stress the plant. Pruned stems can be repurposed for propagation, either by placing them back in the same pot to fill in sparse areas or rooting them in a new pot.

3. Blooming

Sedum Donkey’s Tail produces small, star-shaped, pinkish flowers during late spring or early summer. While the blooms are not its main attraction, they add a charming touch to this already beautiful plant. To encourage blooming, ensure the plant gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and proper care throughout the growing season.

A cool, dry winter period is essential to signal the plant to bloom in spring. During winter, reduce watering and keep the plant in a location where temperatures remain around 55–60°F. Avoid fertilizing in winter, but resume feeding with a diluted succulent fertilizer in spring to support the flowering process.

4. Propagation

Propagating Sedum Donkey’s Tail is straightforward, making it a great way to expand your collection or share with friends. The most common methods are stem cuttings and leaf propagation. For stem cuttings, take a healthy cutting of 3–4 inches in length and allow it to dry for a day or two. Place the cutting on well-draining succulent soil, ensuring that growth nodes make contact with the soil. Mist lightly until roots form in 2–4 weeks.

For leaf propagation, gently remove individual leaves and lay them on the soil surface. Keep the soil slightly moist, and roots will develop at the base of the leaves. Once the roots are established, the leaves will grow into new plants. Both methods require bright, indirect light for successful rooting.

5. Seasonal Care Tips

When fall-winter comes, remove the dead leaves, and clean off debris to avoid pest infestation. Gradually reduce watering to once a month or less, as the plant enters dormancy and requires minimal moisture. Keep the plant in a cool, dry location, and stop fertilizing. If you live in a region with cold winters, bring the plant indoors before the first frost. For outdoor plants, use frost cloths or place them in sheltered areas to prevent freezing. When spring comes, acclimate your plant gradually to direct sunlight, longer days and warmer temperatures.

Common Problems

Sedum Donkey’s Tail is a hardy succulent, but it can encounter issues like dropping leaves, shriveling, stunted growth, or even being eaten by animals when grown outdoors. Leaf drop often results from rough handling, overwatering, or sudden changes in the environment. To prevent this, handle gently, provide stable care, and allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Shriveling leaves may indicate underwatering or overwatering, with the latter potentially leading to root rot. Adjust watering based on soil moisture and repot if rot occurs. Sunburn, caused by excessive sunlight, appears as brown patches on leaves, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, where stems stretch out and leaves grow sparsely. Place the plant in bright, indirect light, shield it from harsh midday rays, and prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can weaken the plant; treat infestations with neem oil and ensure good airflow. If grown outdoors, Sedum Donkey’s Tail can sometimes attract animals such as deer, squirrels, or birds, which may nibble on the leaves and stems. To protect it, consider using hanging planters, natural deterrents, or lightweight mesh coverings. Frost is another risk, as the plant is not cold-tolerant. Move it indoors before freezing temperatures and trim off any frost-damaged parts.

Q&A

• How can I keep Sedum Donkey’s Tail looking full?
  Prune leggy stems and place cuttings back into the pot to encourage fuller growth.
• Can Sedum Donkey’s Tail survive in artificial light?
  Yes, it can grow under grow lights if natural light is insufficient, but ensure it gets at least 6–8 hours daily.
• Why does Sedum Donkey’s Tail grow slowly?
  This plant naturally grows slowly, but insufficient light or poor soil conditions can further slow its growth.
• Why do the stems of Sedum Donkey’s Tail break off easily?
  The stems are delicate and brittle due to their fleshy, water-storing structure. Frequent handling, heavy trailing stems, or environmental stress can make them snap easily. Minimize handling and provide support to prevent breakage.
• Does Sedum Donkey’s Tail bloom indoors?
  Yes, but it is rare. Blooming indoors requires optimal care, including bright, indirect light and a cool, dry period during winter to mimic its natural dormancy.

Where to Buy Sedum Donkey’s Tail Online?

If you’re looking to buy Sedum Donkey’s Tail online, Succulents Box is a trusted source for high-quality succulents and houseplants across the U.S., with plants grown in our own greenhouses in California. Our collection features the classic Sedum Donkey’s Tail as well as a variety of other stunning trailing succulents (https://succulentsbox.com/collections/trailing-hanging-succulents) that complement its cascading beauty.

Visit Succulents Box to explore our wide selection of succulents, perfect for enhancing your indoor or outdoor garden. With expert care instructions and healthy plants, we’re here to help you grow your collection with confidence.