The Sedum morganianum, affectionately known as Donkey’s Tail or Burro’s Tail, is a truly eye-catching succulent with a unique and quirky appeal. This plant is celebrated for its incredibly long, trailing stems that can cascade for up to a metre. Each stem is densely packed with thick, fleshy, bead-like leaves that are a lovely pale blue-green colour. When the plant is happy and well-cared for, it can produce small, pink or red flowers at the tips of the stems in summer.
Caring for Your Donkey’s Tail
- Growing Conditions: This succulent thrives in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light. A bit of morning sun is fine, but avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. It needs well-draining soil—a cactus or succulent mix is perfect. It’s best suited to warm, dry climates and should be protected from frost.
- Watering: Like most succulents, it is very sensitive to overwatering. Water thoroughly, but only when the soil has completely dried out. In winter, reduce watering significantly.
- Feeding: It’s not a heavy feeder. A light feed with a specialised succulent fertiliser, diluted to half-strength, in spring and summer is sufficient.
- Pruning: Pruning is a bit tricky, as the leaves are very delicate and can fall off easily. Handle the plant with care. If a stem breaks off, you can often propagate it by simply laying it on top of some soil.
Usage in the Home and Garden
The Donkey’s Tail is an absolute superstar for hanging baskets and pots. Its long, cascading stems create a beautiful “spill-over” effect that’s perfect for a high shelf, a macrame hanger, or a patio railing where the stems can hang freely. It’s a fantastic feature plant for a succulent collection and adds a unique, sculptural element to any indoor or outdoor space.
