Light
Give it bright light with some direct sun, such as the sunniest window you have. Too little light and the stems stretch, so the leaves sit farther apart and the tails look thin. Very harsh sun bleaches the leaves yellowish instead of blue-green.
Water
Water thoroughly, then let the mix nearly dry out before you water again. Cut back in fall, and in winter give just enough to stop the mix drying out completely; indoors that can be as little as once a month. Plump leaves mean it's well watered, shriveled ones mean it's thirsty, and soft, wilting ones mean it's had too much.
Soil & pots
Use cactus mix, or potting mix with plenty of perlite or pumice. Skip sand, which clogs the gaps that let water drain. It likes being potbound, so repot only in spring once it has filled its pot, and wait about a week before watering.
Temperature
Normal room temperatures suit it. It can summer outdoors once temperatures stay above 40°F (4°C), but harden it off gradually so it doesn't sunburn, and bring it in before nights drop below that. Year-round outdoors only works in USDA zones 10–11.
Is burro's tail safe for pets?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists burro's tail as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
Propagation
Every fallen leaf can become a new plant, but stem cuttings get you a decent-sized plant much faster. Be patient either way, because it can take several months to root well.
- Cut a stem and strip the leaves from the lower end.
- Let the cut end dry for a day or two.
- Push the bare end into well-drained mix, and pin long, heavy cuttings so they stay put.
- Lay fallen leaves on the mix too. They root, just more slowly.
Common problems
FAQ
Is burro's tail toxic to cats and dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists burro's tail (Sedum morganianum) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
Why is my burro's tail losing leaves?
A few leaves falling when you touch or move it is just how the plant is built. Lots of leaves dropping on their own points to water. Soft, wilting leaves mean too much, and shriveled ones mean too little.
What's the difference between burro's tail and Burrito?
The plant sold as 'Burrito' has smaller, rounder, lime-green leaves on shorter stems. It's often sold as a form of burro's tail, but Kew lists it as a separate species, Sedum burrito.
Can burro's tail live outside?
In summer, yes. Move it out once temperatures stay above 40°F (4°C), ease it into the sun so it doesn't scorch, and hang it out of strong wind. It can only stay out all year in USDA zones 10–11.
Does burro's tail flower?
Rarely indoors. Mature plants with stems at least 10 inches long can bear small pink to red flowers at the tips in summer. A summer outdoors and a cooler winter, in the 50s and 60s °F (10–20°C), may help.