How to take care of Sedum Donkey's Tail?
A Complete and Helpful Guide!

Introduction

If you want to adorn your home with a unique plant, the Sedum Donkey Tail would be a fitting choice. This unique succulent has a distinctive look that makes it memorable. While it is true that you wouldn’t imagine a plant to look like this one does, it is just so stunning! I wouldn’t be surprised if you want to add it to your home’s décor!

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail or Burro’s Tail requires monthly watering, monthly fertilization in spring, proper drainage, and bright indirect sunlight. The soil mixture should include both sand and loam. The temperature should be between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 26°C), and humidity should be 50%. Prune if needed.

Sedum Donkey’s Tail 101

The Sedum Donkey Tail Plant is also known as the Burro’s tail. If you look at the plant’s foliage, it is easy to see why it is referred to as a tail. It has a thick stem that is adorned with gorgeous round leaves. The fascinating plant has managed put onlookers in awe without much effort.

If you’re wondering about the flowering patterns of this houseplant, let it go! While it is a flowering plant, it is pretty tricky to make them bloom indoors. If you opt to keep this succulent as an outdoor attraction in your garden, you stand a better chance at getting one of those cute flowers on the tip of the stems.

The thick yet soft leaves of the Sedum Donkey Plant will manage to attract you with ease. I’d recommend you consider hanging them in a basket around your home. The foliage trails off the container and looks glorious!

Here are some details about this evergreen indoor succulent:

• Scientific name: Sedum morganianum
• Common names: Burro’s tail, donkey’s tail, horse’s tail, monkey’s tail and lamb’s tail.
• Named by: Eric Walther
• Native to: Mexico and North America
• Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
• Genus: Sedum
• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Soil pH: Ideally 6.0
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 to 11

To get the Burro’s Tail, you can visit this seller’s product link:

Caring for The Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant

Caring for the Burro's tail isn't too tricky, but you do need to pay attention to it!

Here is a brief overview of the conditions needed for the plant to flourish:

• Ideal soil: Soil with a mixture of sand and loam will work well to aid in drainage and moisture retention.
• Drainage Needs: Requires proper drainage, so consider using a terra cotta pot with a drainage hole at the bottom.
• Water Requirements: Requires a thorough watering once a month if the plant is indoors. Refrain from overwatering unless you want to harm the excellent plant.
• Sunlight Requirements: Requires medium levels of indirect light or partial shade. It doesn’t take in the aggressive afternoon light well!
• Ideal Temperature: 65° to 80°F (18 °C to 26°C)
• Humidity: Around 50%
• Ideal pH: 6.0 to 7.0
• Frost-Resistance: Low
• Fertilizer: At most fertilize once a month using a weak fertilizer solution.
• Pruning: Prune if you feel like the plant needs a touch-up. Otherwise, pruning isn’t really needed.
• Propagation: Quickest techniques are leaf and stem propagation.
• Repotting: Repot only during Spring or Summer in grainy, sandy soil without disturbing the roots. Repot it only if absolutely necessary as the foliage is just too fragile to play around with and can punish you!
• Toxicity: Not toxic to plants and humans.

1. What is the Ideal Soil for the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

The Sedum Donkey's Tail Plant prefers arid soil which resembles the one it would find in its native origins!

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant prefers potting soil, which has good aeration and drainage! In other words, it will work best with any soil mix made for cactus. The sand can have soil and loam to make it gritty. Additionally, ensure you maintain the pH near pH 6!

Pro-Tip

You can simply purchase a cactus and succulent potting mix and be good to go!

If you're not interested in making your own soil from scratch for the Sedum Donkey's Tail plant, don't worry. All you have to do is buy a high-quality cactus soil mix. It is a complete lifesaver that you will love!

If you’re confused, I recommend you buy this soil mix for your Donkey’s Tail Plant:

2. What are the Sunlight Requirements of the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

If you're looking for a plant that relishes bright indirect light, you have the Sedum Donkey's Tail at your disposal!

The Sedum Donkey’s tail loves being exposed to lots of sunlight. Placing it in a spot where it can get a lot of bright indirect light, like the windowsill, is your best bet! However, don’t let the plant suffer in the afternoon with direct exposure to aggressive sunlight! Leaves will get sunburnt otherwise.

Pro-Tip

If you can't fulfil the bright indirect light requirements of the Sedum Donkey's Tail plant direct, consider getting a grow light.

When you spend money meaningfully, you will always feel satisfied. Isn't it awesome that you can use technology to fulfill the needs of your plant? A grow light can be a smart addition to your home and will have a significant impact on the health of the succulent.

Are you a little confused about finding the right grow light? Since I am a succulent enthusiast, I have had significant experience with various products. I can attest to the quality of this grow light for your indoor plants.

3. What is the Humidity Requirement of the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

The Sedum Donkey's Tail Plant needs high levels of humidity to be at its best health!

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail requires about 50% of humidity to thrive. It doesn’t like sudden changes in the external conditions, so be careful with the plant and don’t surprise it!

Pro-Tip

Don't hesitate from getting yourself a digital hygrometer. It will help you properly monitor the humidity level near your Sedum Donkey's Tail Plant. If you have low humidity levels indoors, consider placing the plant within the bathroom or the kitchen. Otherwise, please seriously consider investing in a humidifier. You won't regret spending a few extra bucks on it as it will seriously improve the health outcomes of your plant!

If you don’t have a digital hygrometer, don’t worry at all. I have exposure to a lot of succulents and devices that help me with indoor gardening. You can trust my judgement as I will only recommend the best gear for your plant’s wellbeing. Don’t hesitate in considering the AcuRite Digital Hygrometer for the job!

If you’re serious about maintaining a high humidity level indoors, you should also invest in a humidifier. I’ll recommend this awesome Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

4. How Should I Water the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

Typically, a monthly watering is enough to keep the Sedum Donkey's Tail in its best condition!

If you have the Sedum Donkey’s Tail in your possession, water it monthly. You may need to water it every three weeks during its growing period between April and September. Don’t water the plant again unless you see that the top layer is dry.

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail is a succulent that stores water in its parts. You don’t need to water it daily for the plant to thrive. Keep the mantra in your mind that ‘underwatering over overwatering is better when it comes to succulents!’.

5. How to Fertilize the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

The Sedum Donkey Tail Plant can use a bit of weak fertilizer solution to get a growth boost!

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail plant is sensitive to excessive fertilization! Only fertilize it every month during its growing season. Don’t be too adventurous and only use a weak feeding solution for the task.

If you’re overwhelmed and don’t know anything about fertilizers, just take a deep breath. I have a fantastic recommendation for you, so buy this fertilizer which I’ve found to work great with the Donkey Tail’s Plant:

6. How to Prune the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

You won't need to prune this plant that often, and when you must you'll find it to be an easy task!

When you find any part of the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant to be spindly or leggy, prune it back with confidence. Use a pair of clean scissors and trim them off. Be careful with the foliage as its prone to falling down if disturbed

7. How to Repot the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

The fragile foliage will punish you if you disturb the plant, so avoid repotting unless it is essential!

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant is not that easy to repot as the plant is prone to facing foliage damage. If you’re sure you need to transplant it, do so in a larger pot during spring only. Otherwise, you risk losing a lot of foliage in the process.

Warning

Repotting the Sedum Donkey's Plant sets up the plant for damage.

If you're approaching the task of repotting this succulent, be mentally prepared to witness some damage. The foliage is extremely fragile and will fall like anything if disturbed.

Things You Should Know About the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant

If you’re raising a Donkey’s Tail Plant at your home, there are a few things you must know.

1. How to Propagate the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

Your Sedum Donkey Tail is straightforward to propagate especially through the leaves and stems!

To propagate the Sedum Donkey’s Tail plant, begin cutting the stem to a desirable length using a clean tool. Also, take the leaves as they can help. Allow the stems to heal before you plant them in a fresh pot with cactus soil mix. Let the plant stay dry for three days after placing the stem cutting!

2. How Toxic is the Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant?

If you're concerned about the toxicity of the Sedum Donkey's Tail Plant, treat yourself with relief!

The Sedum Donkey’s Tail Plant is not a threat when it comes to toxicity! The plant is safe for both animals and humans and can safely be placed within the home. However, it is best not to ingest it!

Conclusion

The Sedum’s Donkey Tail Plant should be watered every month, be fertilized every month in spring, get proper drainage in the pot. Exposure to bright indirect light and access to soil with both sand and loam is vital. Ideally, temperature between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 26°C) and humidity of about 40% is essential. You can prune it whenever needed.

If you’re new to all of this and wish to learn more, I think you should know more about succulents. I recommend this comprehensive guide that will tell you types of succulents.

Posted in: Gardening Tips Sedum Watering Tips Fertilizer Tips Propagation Tips