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Sedum

Common name: Burro's tail · Donkey's tail

Sedum A large genus of succulent perennials in the stonecrop family, centered in the temperate northern hemisphere. Members range from creeping ground covers and the autumn-flowering border sedums to trailing types like burro's tail. All store water in their fleshy leaves and demand full sun or bright light plus very well-drained soil.

Fun facts

  • Its leaves detach at the slightest bump — each fallen leaf can root and grow a new plant.
  • It rarely blooms indoors, but mature plants can produce pink-red star-shaped flowers at the stem tips.
  • The species was first described in 1938 from a plant growing in a nursery in Veracruz, Mexico.
  • Its powdery leaf coating (farina) protects it from sun and moisture loss, and rubs off easily when handled.

Care summary

Sun Bright light, some direct sun
Water Let soil dry fully between waterings
Soil Gritty cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Common problems

    • Grow in gritty, fast-draining soil
    • Water only when soil is dry
    • Improve drainage before replanting
    • Plant in lean, poor soil
    • Give a position in full sun
    • Avoid feeding established clumps
    • Spray off with a hose jet
    • Apply insecticidal soap if persistent
    • Squash small colonies by hand