Introducing the donkey tail plant, known as Sedum morganianum, which is a popular hanging plant that belongs to the Sedum genus. Native to Mexico, the donkey tail plant has several other common names such as Donkey's Tail, Lamb's Tail, and Horses' Tail.
The donkey tail succulent doesn't just settle for being ordinary; it goes all out. Its bluish-green foliage, which occasionally even has a whitish bloom.
Initially, its stems grow upright like an ambitious little sprout. These magnificent donkey tail plants soon trail down and become pendulous wonders.
The growth pattern of donkey tail plant stems is indeed unique, as they grow downwards, cascading gracefully from hanging baskets.
It is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced plant owners.
The donkey tail plants can grow up to about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, with their trailing stems filled with chubby, succulent leaves.
Its leaves store water, making it a drought-tolerant plant. Plus, it's known for its distinctive trailing growth habit, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in arrangements.
Important Fact to Understand
The donkey tail plant is mistakenly used interchangeably with Burro's tail plants (as in Spanish, Burro's is known as a donkey) by other websites, but they are in fact completely different plant. These two succulent plants have distinctively shaped plump leaves; the burro's tail plant's leaves are more teardrop-shaped, whereas the donkey's tail plant's leaves are banana-shaped.
From its light requirements to water needs, this plant is relatively easy to care for and is a friendly plant both for humans and pets.
When and How to Water Your Donkey Tail Plant
Like other succulents, they thrive on a little neglect; even if you forget to water them once or twice, they'll still survive just fine. It's important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The best way to water the donkey's tail succulent is to give it a good soaking and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Water your Donkey Tail succulent 2-4 weeks during growing season and reduce watering to 4 to 6 weeks during dormancy.
In the spring and summer, you can water your Donkey Tail plant more frequently, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure to water thoroughly but allow excess water to drain out of the pot to prevent water accumulation at the roots.
In the fall and winter, you'll want to reduce watering to about once a month or even less, as the plant requires less water during these cooler months. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to the death of your Sedum morganianum.
Remember, ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent water from sitting in the bottom of the pot.
Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Donkey Tail Succulent
When growing indoors, place it in a window that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but it's important to avoid exposing the donkey's tail to too much direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.
When growing outdoors, it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive 4–6 hours of bright light daily, preferably with gentle morning sun, to encourage plump leaves and healthy trailing stems in hanging baskets.
If you notice that the blue-green leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign that this Sedum donkey tail is getting too much direct sunlight.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The donkey's tail thrives in well-drained soil that's rich in nutrients. A good soil mix for this succulent is a combination of succulent soil, perlite, and sand. It's important to make sure that the soil is well-draining, as the donkey tail plant is susceptible to root rot.
Ideally, you can use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing, the donkey tail succulent doesn't need a lot of fertilizer. You can feed the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced NPK ratio around 5-10-5. It's important to avoid over-fertilizing the succulents as it can cause even death of the plant.
Hardiness Zone & More
In the United States, the Donkey Tail plant is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 10-11
This succulent thrive in average room temperatures ranging from 65°F-75°F.
As for humidity, these plants are adaptable to typical indoor humidity levels, so no special adjustments are usually needed.
Just ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent any issues related to stagnant air. This plant enjoy full sun to partial shade outdoors and can handle higher temperatures if provided with adequate water and some protection from intense afternoon sun.
If you live in a colder climate, you should put them in a pot, and they can then be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. While household humidity is generally good enough, these donkey tail plants will do even better with some extra moisture in the air. Set up a humidifier nearby or grow them in naturally humid rooms like your bathroom or kitchen.
Related Article
How to Grow Indoors
Donkey Tail is a popular hanging houseplant that adds texture and visual interest to any space. Follow these simple care tips to keep its trailing stems lush, healthy, and vibrant year-round:
- Place your Donkey Tail near a south- or west-facing window where it can receive at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
- Plant it in a specialized succulent soil mix that provides excellent drainage and prevents excess moisture from accumulating around the roots.
- Always use a container with drainage holes to reduce the risk of root rot and promote healthy root growth.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and water less frequently during the cooler winter months.
- Feed with a diluted succulent fertilizer once a year in spring to encourage healthy growth and fuller trailing stems.
- Maintain temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and protect the plant from cold drafts or temperatures below 40°F.
Wildlife – Donkey Tail Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators
The flowers of Donkey Tail succulent attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also attracts beneficial insects and other birds that help support a healthy garden ecosystem.
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds
According to ASPCA, Sedum morganianum is considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, it is still best to discourage chewing or ingestion as it can potentially cause mild stomach upset, including vomiting or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals or pets.
How to Propagate Your Donkey Tail Succulent
The propagation of the donkey tail plant is typically done through stem cuttings, which should be allowed to be callous before being placed in well-draining soil. It is important to provide bright indirect light and avoid overwatering to promote healthy growth. Within a few weeks, small roots and tiny rosettes should begin to emerge from the base of the leaf.
Key Takeaways
- Donkey Tail is a popular trailing houseplant, known for its long, pendant stems that spill beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets and containers.
- It requires very little water, making it an excellent choice for busy plant owners and those new to succulent care.
- A single fallen leaf can grow into a brand-new plant, making propagation easy and rewarding.
- When given proper care, mature plants can produce clusters of small pink-red blooms, adding even more charm to their cascading foliage.
- The plant's graceful, trailing habit adds texture and visual interest to indoor and outdoor spaces, making it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
- It is considered non-toxic to humans, and pets making it a safer choice for homes with pets.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Donkey Tail Plant (Sedum morganianum) makes a vibrant trailing houseplant that is a low-maintenance succulent plant that doesn't require a lot of attention. Be sure to add Sedum morganianum - a donkey tail plant to your home or garden and enjoy its low-maintenance care while admiring its impressive display year after year.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Winter |
| Botanical Name | Sedum morganianum |
| Common Name | Donkey's Tail |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink, deep red, purple |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions, cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistant, deer resistant, mild frost hardy |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Tear drop leaves, fleshy |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Winter |
| Botanical Name | Sedum morganianum |
| Common Name | Donkey's Tail |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink, deep red, purple |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions, cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistant, deer resistant, mild frost hardy |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Tear drop leaves, fleshy |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Introducing the donkey tail plant, known as Sedum morganianum, which is a popular hanging plant that belongs to the Sedum genus. Native to Mexico, the donkey tail plant has several other common names such as Donkey's Tail, Lamb's Tail, and Horses' Tail.
The donkey tail succulent doesn't just settle for being ordinary; it goes all out. Its bluish-green foliage, which occasionally even has a whitish bloom.
Initially, its stems grow upright like an ambitious little sprout. These magnificent donkey tail plants soon trail down and become pendulous wonders.
The growth pattern of donkey tail plant stems is indeed unique, as they grow downwards, cascading gracefully from hanging baskets.
It is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced plant owners.
The donkey tail plants can grow up to about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide, with their trailing stems filled with chubby, succulent leaves.
Its leaves store water, making it a drought-tolerant plant. Plus, it's known for its distinctive trailing growth habit, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in arrangements.
Important Fact to Understand
The donkey tail plant is mistakenly used interchangeably with Burro's tail plants (as in Spanish, Burro's is known as a donkey) by other websites, but they are in fact completely different plant. These two succulent plants have distinctively shaped plump leaves; the burro's tail plant's leaves are more teardrop-shaped, whereas the donkey's tail plant's leaves are banana-shaped.
From its light requirements to water needs, this plant is relatively easy to care for and is a friendly plant both for humans and pets.
When and How to Water Your Donkey Tail Plant
Like other succulents, they thrive on a little neglect; even if you forget to water them once or twice, they'll still survive just fine. It's important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The best way to water the donkey's tail succulent is to give it a good soaking and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Water your Donkey Tail succulent 2-4 weeks during growing season and reduce watering to 4 to 6 weeks during dormancy.
In the spring and summer, you can water your Donkey Tail plant more frequently, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure to water thoroughly but allow excess water to drain out of the pot to prevent water accumulation at the roots.
In the fall and winter, you'll want to reduce watering to about once a month or even less, as the plant requires less water during these cooler months. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to the death of your Sedum morganianum.
Remember, ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent water from sitting in the bottom of the pot.
Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Donkey Tail Succulent
When growing indoors, place it in a window that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but it's important to avoid exposing the donkey's tail to too much direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.
When growing outdoors, it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive 4–6 hours of bright light daily, preferably with gentle morning sun, to encourage plump leaves and healthy trailing stems in hanging baskets.
If you notice that the blue-green leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign that this Sedum donkey tail is getting too much direct sunlight.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The donkey's tail thrives in well-drained soil that's rich in nutrients. A good soil mix for this succulent is a combination of succulent soil, perlite, and sand. It's important to make sure that the soil is well-draining, as the donkey tail plant is susceptible to root rot.
Ideally, you can use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains over 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing, the donkey tail succulent doesn't need a lot of fertilizer. You can feed the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced NPK ratio around 5-10-5. It's important to avoid over-fertilizing the succulents as it can cause even death of the plant.
Hardiness Zone & More
In the United States, the Donkey Tail plant is mostly an indoor plant, but if you live in southern Florida or Hawaii, then you can cultivate it outdoors in USDA zones 10-11
This succulent thrive in average room temperatures ranging from 65°F-75°F.
As for humidity, these plants are adaptable to typical indoor humidity levels, so no special adjustments are usually needed.
Just ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent any issues related to stagnant air. This plant enjoy full sun to partial shade outdoors and can handle higher temperatures if provided with adequate water and some protection from intense afternoon sun.
If you live in a colder climate, you should put them in a pot, and they can then be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops. While household humidity is generally good enough, these donkey tail plants will do even better with some extra moisture in the air. Set up a humidifier nearby or grow them in naturally humid rooms like your bathroom or kitchen.
Related Article
How to Grow Indoors
Donkey Tail is a popular hanging houseplant that adds texture and visual interest to any space. Follow these simple care tips to keep its trailing stems lush, healthy, and vibrant year-round:
- Place your Donkey Tail near a south- or west-facing window where it can receive at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
- Plant it in a specialized succulent soil mix that provides excellent drainage and prevents excess moisture from accumulating around the roots.
- Always use a container with drainage holes to reduce the risk of root rot and promote healthy root growth.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and water less frequently during the cooler winter months.
- Feed with a diluted succulent fertilizer once a year in spring to encourage healthy growth and fuller trailing stems.
- Maintain temperatures between 60°F and 75°F and protect the plant from cold drafts or temperatures below 40°F.
Wildlife – Donkey Tail Flowers Attract the Following Friendly Pollinators
The flowers of Donkey Tail succulent attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also attracts beneficial insects and other birds that help support a healthy garden ecosystem.
Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds
According to ASPCA, Sedum morganianum is considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, it is still best to discourage chewing or ingestion as it can potentially cause mild stomach upset, including vomiting or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals or pets.
How to Propagate Your Donkey Tail Succulent
The propagation of the donkey tail plant is typically done through stem cuttings, which should be allowed to be callous before being placed in well-draining soil. It is important to provide bright indirect light and avoid overwatering to promote healthy growth. Within a few weeks, small roots and tiny rosettes should begin to emerge from the base of the leaf.
Key Takeaways
- Donkey Tail is a popular trailing houseplant, known for its long, pendant stems that spill beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets and containers.
- It requires very little water, making it an excellent choice for busy plant owners and those new to succulent care.
- A single fallen leaf can grow into a brand-new plant, making propagation easy and rewarding.
- When given proper care, mature plants can produce clusters of small pink-red blooms, adding even more charm to their cascading foliage.
- The plant's graceful, trailing habit adds texture and visual interest to indoor and outdoor spaces, making it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
- It is considered non-toxic to humans, and pets making it a safer choice for homes with pets.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Donkey Tail Plant (Sedum morganianum) makes a vibrant trailing houseplant that is a low-maintenance succulent plant that doesn't require a lot of attention. Be sure to add Sedum morganianum - a donkey tail plant to your home or garden and enjoy its low-maintenance care while admiring its impressive display year after year.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Winter |
| Botanical Name | Sedum morganianum |
| Common Name | Donkey's Tail |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink, deep red, purple |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions, cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistant, deer resistant, mild frost hardy |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Tear drop leaves, fleshy |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Winter |
| Botanical Name | Sedum morganianum |
| Common Name | Donkey's Tail |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink, deep red, purple |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Trailing, hanging |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft. tall |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Plant Type | Perennial succulent |
| Propagation | By divisions, cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, pest resistant, deer resistant, mild frost hardy |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulents potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Tear drop leaves, fleshy |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
