Sedum morganianum, also known as Donkey's Tail, is a popular and easy-to-grow trailing succulent with rows of fleshy, tear-dropped shaped leaves. It may also be called Burro's Tail, Lamb's Tail, or Horse's Tail. These plants make excellent hanging subjects, or they can be used as trailers in small pots. A mature specimen might have branches up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, with dozens of grey-green, plump leaves lined up like droplets. Flowers readily emerge in late summer in hanging clusters of small blossoms in red, yellow or white.
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun. Donkey's Tail is perfect for a sunny window.
Water: Water during the summer and spring, making sure drainage is immaculate. Reduce water in the winter to monthly.
Temperature: Donkey's Tail prefers average summer temps (65ºF to 70ºF/18ºC to 21ºC). In winter, it can survive at 40ºF (5ºC) but prefers it slightly warmer.
Soil: A well-drained succulent potting soil, with an ideal pH of around 6.0 (slightly acidic).
Fertilizer: Feed Donkey's Tail with a controlled-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season or weekly with a weak liquid solution. Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at 1/4 strength on mature plants, and a fertilizer with less nitrogen on young plants.
Photo via colonialgardenskc.com
Repotting
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a Donkey's Tail, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Propagation
By seed or by cuttings. Individual leaves can be sprouted by placing them into a succulent or cactus potting soil, then covering the dish until they sprout. Large Donkey's Tail plants can also be divided during repotting.
Grower's Tips
Donkey's Tails are pretty forgiving plant, if you forget to water them once or twice, they'll probably be just fine. If you want your plant to really thrive, make sure to provide strong light, fertilizer during the growing season, and adequate moisture during the growing season. Too often, these are left to fend for themselves, simply because they can. But with a little effort, the plant can be a remarkable specimen.
Source: about.com
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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