Sedum Morganianum

Sedum morganianum (commonly called Burro’s Tail or Donkey’s Tail) 🌿

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🌱 Plant Overview

• Botanical Name: Sedum morganianum

• Family: Crassulaceae (stonecrop family)

• Common Names: Burro’s Tail, Donkey’s Tail, Lamb’s Tail

• Type: Succulent, perennial trailing plant

• Origin: Native to Mexico and Honduras

• Appearance:

  • Long trailing stems (up to 60 cm or more) densely packed with plump, blue-green leaves.

  • Leaves are easily detached if touched roughly.

  • Produces small pink to red star-shaped flowers in summer (though flowering is rare indoors).

• Uses: Popular as a hanging basket plant due to its long cascading stems.

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🪴 Soil Requirements

• Requires well-draining, gritty soil to prevent root rot.

• Best potting mix:

  • 2 parts cactus/succulent soil

  • 1 part perlite or pumice (extra aeration)

  • Optional: small amount of coarse sand

• Avoid heavy, moisture-retaining soils.

• Pot: Hanging baskets or shallow terracotta pots with good drainage holes.

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💧 Watering & Interval

• Drought-tolerant succulent – stores water in its leaves.

• Watering routine:

  • Spring–Summer (growing season): Water every 10–14 days (only when soil is completely dry).

  • Autumn–Winter (resting period): Reduce to once every 3–4 weeks.

• Water at the base, not on leaves → prevents leaf drop & rot.

• Rule: Soak and dry – give deep watering, then let soil dry fully before next.

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☀️ Sunlight Requirement

• Loves bright, indirect sunlight.

• Outdoors: Best in morning sun + afternoon shade.

• Indoors: Place near a south or east-facing window.

• Too much direct harsh sun → leaf scorching.

• Too little light → leggy stems, slow growth.

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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 18–27°C.

• Minimum tolerance: 10°C (protect from frost).

• Humidity: Thrives in low to average household humidity.

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✂️ Growth & Maintenance

• Slow to moderate grower.

• Very delicate leaves → handle carefully (avoid frequent touching).

• Repot every 2–3 years in fresh soil.

• Trim back broken stems and use them for propagation.

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🌱 Propagation Tips

Burro’s Tail propagates easily:

1. Stem cuttings (most effective):

   • Cut a healthy stem section (10–15 cm).

   • Allow cut end to callus (dry) for 2–3 days.

   • Plant in dry cactus soil → water after 5–7 days.

2. Leaf cuttings:

   • Gently pluck healthy leaves (they fall off easily).

   • Let them dry for 2–3 days.

   • Place on top of moist cactus mix → roots form in 2–3 weeks.

3. Offsets:

   • Mature plants sometimes produce small side shoots that can be repotted.

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⚠️ Common Problems

• Leaf drop: Common if handled roughly or overwatered.

• Overwatering: Causes root rot and mushy stems.

• Sunburn: Too much harsh sun → brown, scorched leaves.

• Pests: Occasional mealybugs or aphids.

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✅ In Summary:
Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail) is a beautiful trailing succulent with cascading blue-green leaves. It thrives in bright indirect light, gritty well-draining soil, and minimal watering. Easy to propagate from leaves or cuttings, it’s perfect for hanging baskets and balconies.