The “Burrito Plant” is the popular succulent species Sedum morganianum, commonly known as Burro’s Tail or Donkey’s Tail. This trailing succulent is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts due to its unique, cascading form and low-maintenance nature. Native to the dry, mountainous regions of southern Mexico, its distinctive appearance makes it a highly sought-after addition to hanging baskets and elevated planters. Like other succulents, it stores water in its thick leaves, making it a robust indoor specimen.
Physical Characteristics of Burro’s Tail
The plant’s distinctive physical structure gives it its common names, as the stems resemble a donkey’s tail. These stems can grow up to four feet in length, creating a heavy cascade. The stems are densely covered in plump, tear-drop or lance-shaped leaves that overlap in a tight, spiraling pattern, giving the structure a braided appearance.
The leaves are typically blue-green to gray-green and coated with a silvery-white powdery layer called farina. This farina is a natural protective wax that helps the plant reflect intense sunlight and conserve moisture. It can be easily rubbed off, revealing a greener hue beneath. The leaves are fragile and detach from the stem easily, which is a natural mechanism the plant uses for propagation. Mature plants may occasionally produce small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink or red at the ends of the stems during the summer, though this is uncommon in cultivation.
Optimal Environmental Conditions
Caring for the Burro’s Tail requires replicating its native dry, bright habitat. Achieving the correct balance of light, water, and soil is necessary to encourage its characteristic dense, cascading growth.
Light
The Burro’s Tail thrives in bright, indirect light for a significant portion of the day. Placing the plant near a south- or west-facing window is ideal, as it needs at least five to six hours of strong light daily to maintain its compact form and vibrant color. Insufficient light causes the stems to stretch out and leaves to space farther apart, a condition known as etiolation. Conversely, intense, direct afternoon sun can cause the leaves to bleach out or develop a reddish tinge, indicating sun stress.
Water
As a succulent, the plant stores water in its fleshy leaves and is susceptible to rot from excessive moisture. The correct technique involves allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, mimicking its natural drought-and-soak cycle. Water thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes, then discard the excess to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water every two to three weeks. In the dormant winter months, reduce watering to a minimum, often only once a month.
Soil and Temperature
A well-draining soil mixture is necessary to prevent water retention around the roots. An ideal substrate is a commercial cactus or succulent mix, which often contains materials like perlite or pumice to increase porosity and aeration. The plant prefers warm conditions, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and has no tolerance for frost. If grown outdoors during the summer, the plant must be brought inside when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Propagation Techniques
The Burro’s Tail is easy to propagate, utilizing two effective methods: leaf cuttings and stem cuttings. These techniques allow growers to create new plants or fill in bare spots on the parent plant.
Leaf Propagation
Leaf propagation utilizes the plant’s natural tendency to drop leaves for reproduction. Gently remove healthy, plump leaves from the stem, ensuring the entire leaf is intact. The leaves must be left in a dry, shaded place for two to three days until the wound at the base forms a protective callus. The calloused leaves are then placed directly on top of or lightly pressed into a tray of well-draining succulent soil.
Move the container to a location that receives bright, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist, often through misting, but not saturated, to encourage root development. Over several weeks, a small root and a tiny plantlet will emerge from the calloused end. The plantlet will draw nutrients from the original leaf until it shrivels and detaches.
Stem Propagation
Stem propagation is faster and is often used when pruning long or damaged stems. Cut a stem segment several inches long using a clean, sharp tool. Remove the bottom third of the leaves to expose a section of the stem. The cut end must be allowed to dry and form a callus for three to five days to prevent rot after planting.
Once the cut has healed, insert the stem into a pot of dry, well-draining soil, deep enough for the bare portion to be submerged. Anchor the stem firmly to prevent shifting, which can disrupt root formation. Avoid watering for about a week after planting, allowing the plant to settle and begin producing roots before introducing a deep, thorough watering.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Burro’s Tail plants may exhibit signs of stress related to watering, light, or pests. Observing the plant’s foliage and stem condition helps diagnose the underlying problem quickly.
Root rot is the most common issue, occurring when the plant is overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil, causing the roots to decay. Symptoms include rapid yellowing and softening of leaves, mushy stems, and a wilting appearance. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot. Prune away any brown, soft, or foul-smelling roots before repotting into fresh, dry soil.
Unexpected or excessive leaf drop is a frequent stress signal, distinct from the plant’s natural fragility. A sudden increase in shedding is often a sign of either overwatering or severe underwatering. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can also affect the plant, appearing as cottony white masses or fine webbing on the stems. Treat infested areas by dabbing with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol or by using a targeted insecticidal soap.