The Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) is a highly sought-after trailing succulent, prized for its distinctive, rope-like stems covered in thick, overlapping, fleshy leaves. These unique “tails” create an attractive cascade, making the plant a favorite for hanging baskets. Many owners are keen to encourage robust growth, but this species is known for its measured, deliberate growth pattern. Cultivating this plant successfully often requires patience.
Understanding the Normal Trailing Speed
The Burro’s Tail is naturally slow-growing, conserving energy and moisture like many succulents. Under optimal household conditions, a mature plant typically elongates its stems by only a few inches per year. Although this rate seems minimal, the cumulative effect over several years can result in stems reaching lengths of up to four feet in older specimens.
Growth is measured in the downward trailing length of the stems, as the plant’s habit is pendulous. New growth manifests as the production of small, tightly packed leaves at the terminal ends of the stems. The rate of vine elongation is directly tied to the availability of energy and nutrients. This active growing season occurs during the warmer months of spring and summer.
Key Environmental Factors Affecting Growth
The single most influential factor governing the Burro’s Tail growth rate is light exposure, which fuels the photosynthetic process. Insufficient light restricts the plant’s ability to produce energy, resulting in significantly slower growth and a phenomenon called etiolation. Etiolation causes the stems to stretch and become thin, with leaves spaced far apart, as the plant strains to seek a light source.
For healthy, compact growth, the plant requires bright, indirect light for at least six hours daily. This is often provided by a south or west-facing window. While the Burro’s Tail can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense midday or afternoon sun can cause the leaves to scorch. Providing supplemental light with a full-spectrum LED grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day can maintain consistent growth, especially during shorter winter months.
Watering practices also dictate the speed and health of growth. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot, which immediately halts growth and can lead to plant death. Conversely, prolonged, severe underwatering causes the leaves to shrivel. This forces the plant to enter a survival mode, pausing active growth. The best practice is the “soak and dry” method, where the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry completely before the next application, encouraging a healthy growth cycle.
Temperature defines the active and dormant seasons of the plant. The Burro’s Tail thrives in warm, mild conditions, with an optimal temperature range of 60°F to 80°F. When temperatures drop below 50°F, the plant enters a period of dormancy. During dormancy, growth slows dramatically or stops entirely. Maintaining stable, warm temperatures during the spring and summer supports continuous elongation.
Specific Care Strategies for Faster Growth
To optimize the Burro’s Tail for faster growth, focus on the growing medium and nutrient supply. The plant requires a porous, well-draining soil mix, typically a commercial cactus or succulent blend. This blend should be amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This composition ensures proper aeration and prevents water retention around the roots, which is fundamental to maintaining root health and maximizing nutrient uptake.
While the plant is not a heavy feeder, fertilization during its active growing period provides the necessary boost for increased stem elongation. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength once a month throughout the spring and summer. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which can promote weak, lanky growth. Stop all feeding during the plant’s dormant season in the fall and winter.
The Burro’s Tail prefers to be slightly pot-bound, meaning frequent repotting is not necessary to encourage growth. Repotting should only be performed every two to three years, or when the plant has completely outgrown its container. Refreshing the soil during repotting is important to replenish depleted nutrients, which can otherwise cause growth to stall.