Description
Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’: A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for the Donkey Tail Succulent
Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito,’ better known as the Donkey Tail Succulent, is one of the most charming and unique succulents you can grow. Its long, trailing stems covered in plump, bead-like leaves make it a living work of art. Perfect for hanging baskets, balconies, or sunny windowsills, this plant adds softness and movement to any space. Best of all, it’s low-maintenance, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes this succulent so special, how to grow it successfully, and the best ways to care for it so it thrives for years.
Why Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’ Is So Special
Sedum ‘Burrito’ is instantly recognizable. It combines beauty, resilience, and versatility in one plant.
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Distinctive Look: The trailing stems can reach up to 3 feet long. Each stem is densely packed with rounded, blue-green leaves that resemble tiny beads or pearls.
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Effortless Care: This plant thrives on neglect. It prefers less water, lots of sun, and simple soil conditions.
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Flexible Display: Perfect for hanging baskets, wall planters, or even as an unusual groundcover in warm climates.
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Drought Resistance: Like most succulents, it stores water in its leaves, making it perfect for dry regions or anyone seeking a plant that won’t demand constant attention.
Its exact origins remain uncertain, but it’s believed to be closely related to Sedum morganianum, also known as the Burro’s Tail. Many collectors prize the ‘Burrito’ variety for its slightly smaller and rounder leaves, which give it an even softer appearance.
How to Grow Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’
Growing this plant is straightforward when you follow a few key steps.
1. Provide the Right Light
Light is essential for healthy, compact growth.
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Indoors: Place it near a bright south- or west-facing window. It should receive 4–6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. If natural light is low, supplement with grow lights.
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Outdoors: Give it morning sun and afternoon shade. Full sun in cooler climates works well, but shield it from harsh midday rays in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch.
2. Choose Well-Draining Soil
Good drainage prevents root rot and keeps the plant healthy.
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Use a commercial cactus or succulent potting mix.
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Or make your own by combining:
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2 parts potting soil
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1 part coarse sand
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1 part perlite or pumice
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Always select pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
3. Pick the Perfect Pot
Hanging baskets or shallow, wide pots work best. The trailing nature of Sedum ‘Burrito’ makes it ideal for displays where its stems can drape down naturally. Terra cotta is an excellent choice, as it helps keep soil from staying too wet.
4. Propagate with Ease
One of the joys of this succulent is how easily it multiplies.
Here’s how to propagate it:
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Gently pluck a few healthy leaves or cut a small stem section.
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Let the cuttings dry for 2–3 days so they callus over. This helps prevent rot.
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Place them on top of well-draining soil—do not bury them.
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Mist lightly every few days until roots form and new growth appears.
In a few weeks, you’ll have baby plants ready to pot up or share with friends.
Caring for Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’
Once established, this succulent needs little attention. Follow these care guidelines to keep it thriving.
1. Watering
Sedum ‘Burrito’ stores water in its leaves, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.
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Spring and Summer: Water every 2–3 weeks. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.
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Fall and Winter: Reduce watering to once a month or less when the plant is dormant.
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Pro Tip: Always check soil dryness before watering. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
2. Fertilizing
Fertilizer isn’t required but can boost growth during the active season.
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Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Feed once in spring and again in mid-summer.
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Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause weak, leggy growth.
3. Temperature and Humidity
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Temperature: Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C). Bring indoors if temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
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Humidity: Thrives in low humidity. Avoid placing it in damp areas like bathrooms.
This plant is not frost-tolerant. If you live in a cold climate, keep it indoors during winter.
4. Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is minimal. Trim damaged or dried-out stems to keep the plant tidy. If stems become too long or sparse, propagate them to start fresh plants.
5. Pest and Disease Prevention
While generally trouble-free, pests like mealybugs or aphids can appear.
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Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
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For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal problems.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even easy plants can have hiccups. Here’s what to watch for:
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Leaf Drop: Often caused by overwatering or rough handling. Reduce watering and handle gently—the leaves are fragile.
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Yellowing Leaves: A sign of excess moisture or poor drainage. Adjust watering and check your soil mix.
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Leggy Growth: Indicates insufficient light. Move to a brighter location or add grow lights.
Creative Ways to Use Sedum ‘Burrito’
This plant’s trailing beauty opens up countless design possibilities.
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Hanging Baskets: The most popular choice. Stems cascade dramatically for a waterfall effect.
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Living Walls: Use it in vertical planters for soft texture and movement.
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Tabletop Displays: Combine with other succulents in shallow bowls for stunning centerpieces.
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Gift Plants: Propagate small cuttings and share with friends or family—perfect for housewarming or holiday gifts.
Why You’ll Love Adding It to Your Collection
Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’ is the definition of effortless charm. Its trailing stems and plump leaves bring texture and life to any room or outdoor space. And because it thrives on neglect, it’s perfect for busy gardeners, travelers, or anyone new to succulent care.
Give it bright light, good drainage, and occasional watering, and it will reward you with years of growth. Whether you display it indoors or out, this plant will quickly become a favorite centerpiece in your collection.
A Last Word on This Trailing Treasure
Few plants manage to be as striking yet forgiving as Sedum ‘Burrito.’ It’s a living sculpture that grows more beautiful with age. Once you add one to your garden, you’ll likely find yourself propagating more—both for your own spaces and to share with fellow plant lovers.
If you’ve been searching for a plant that combines low effort with high reward, this is it. Plant it, hang it high, and let its cascading beauty do the rest.
