Sedum morganianum
Common name: Burro's tail · Donkey's tail
Sedum morganianum is a succulent perennial native to southern Mexico, with long, trailing stems densely packed with plump, blue-green leaves. It is a popular hanging-basket plant, prized for its cascading form and exceptional drought tolerance.
Care summary
Sun
Bright light, some direct sun
Water
Let soil dry fully between waterings
Soil
Gritty cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Zones 9b–11
Mature height
Trails up to 1.2 m (4 ft)
Pet safe
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
The plump leaves root with ease: gently twist off healthy leaves, let them callus for a day, then lay them on dry gritty soil until roots and a tiny rosette form. Stem cuttings also work well — let the cut end callus for several days before planting in dry succulent mix.
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.