Burro’s Tail Plant: Meaning, Care and Propagation

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 Saseena Parajuli 0 Comments indoor plants

Burro’s Tail Plant (Sedum morganianum) is also known as Donkey’s Tail” or “Horse Tail”. It’s name comes from the resemblance of the trailing stems to an animals tail. Regardless of the name, the plant’s long, trailing stems and plump, succulent leaves make it a unique and attractive addition to any collection of succulent plants.

It is an evergreen succulent plant native to Mexico. It has a long trailing stems of overlapping, greenish-blue, oblong lanceolate leaves with small, star-shaped pink or red flowers. The stems can grow up to 3 feet long, and they are covered in small, plump leaves that grow in a spiral pattern. It is a low-maintenance plant grown in hanging containers that drapes out its thick, fleshy, green leaves once it starts to grow vigorously. It is grown as a household ornamental plant because of its long trailing stems. Burro’s Tail is one of the best hanging indoor plant as its trailing stems look beautiful cascading over the sides of the container. It can also be grown as a houseplant or in outdoor gardens in warmer climates.

Spiritual Symbol

It symbolizes life, growth, power and prosperity. The plump, fleshy leaves of burro’s tail are said to represent abundance and prosperity, making it a popular plant to have in homes and businesses. It is also believed that this plant Improves the flow of energies in a closed room. A well cared Burro’s Tail activates energies which affects spiritual, intellectual, economic and emotional state by filtering and rejecting toxic and harmful energy. It also optimizes the flow of positive energies in a home or office. It is also a symbol of tenacity, strength and selflessness love. As a succulent plant, burro’s tail is capable of storing water in its leaves and stems, making it a symbol of nurturing and self-care. In some cultures, burro’s tail is believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who keep it in their homes or businesses.

Care

Burro’s Tail is a very tricky plant to grow. This plant is fragile and quick to drops its leaves. It is a happy growing plant in the morning sunlight and sandy soil. It is very crucial to know the appropriate growing conditions for this plants. Here are the best care conditions for growing Burro’s Tail.

Water

It needs a considerable amount of water to keep the leaves attractive and plump. Do not water it until the topsoil dries out completely. It is a drought resistant plant. So, do not water it. If over watered, it will rot out. It is good to water your plant once in every 14 days.

Light

Burro’s Tail need bright light or partial sun. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it will turn the leaves pale green or yellow.

Temperature

It thrives in indoor temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

Burro’s tail does not require frequent fertilization, but you can feed it with a succulent fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season.

Humidity

Burro’s tail does not require high humidity levels, but it does appreciate some humidity. You can mist the plant occasionally or place a tray of water near it to increase humidity.

Pruning

If your burro’s tail becomes too long and leggy, you can prune it to encourage branching and a fuller appearance. Simply trim the stems to the desired length using clean, sharp scissors.

Propagation of Burro’s Tail Plant

It is very easy to propagate Burro’s Tail by planting calloused stem cuttings or by planting single leaves.

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings can be propagated in water or in soil.

Step 1: Use clean, sharp scissors to cut a stem that is at least 3-4 inches long. Make sure the stem is healthy and has several sets of leaves. Take a stem cutting and remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem.

Step 2: Place the cutting in a warm, dry place and allow it to dry for a few days. This will allow the cut end to callus over, which will help prevent rot when it is planted. Let the cutting dry and callus for about 2-3 days.

In Water

Step 3: Place the cutting in a glass or jar with just enough water to cover the bottom part. Keep it in bright, indirect light and make sure to change the water regularly. Wait for roots to grow.

Step 4: Transfer the new pups in the soil or just let them grow in water.

In Soil

Step 3: Once the cutting has callused over, plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Make a small hole in the soil with your finger, insert the cutting, and gently firm the soil around it.

Step 4: Water the cutting lightly to settle the soil around it, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent rot.

Step 5: Place the pot in a bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves of the cutting.

Step 6: It may take several weeks for roots to form on the cutting. Be patient and avoid disturbing the cutting during this time. Once the cutting has rooted and begins to grow, you can treat it like a mature burro’s tail plant. Water sparingly, provide bright, indirect light, and protect it from cold temperatures.

Leaf cuttings

Propagating from leaf cuttings is the most straightforward method.

Step 1: Choose a healthy leaf from the plant and gently remove it from the stem. Make sure the leaf is at least 3-4 inches long and has a clean break.

Step 2: Plant them in moist soil.

Step 3:And sprouts should appear in a few days. When they reach a half-inch in length, transplant them into individual pots.

Step 4: Water sparingly, provide bright, indirect light, and protect it from cold temperatures.

Common Problems with Burro’s Tail

There are several common problems associated with growing a burro’s tail plant. These include:

1. Leaf withering

If the leaves of your burro’s tail are withering, it may be a sign of overwatering, especially during the winter months. To address this issue, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

2. Leaves turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can be an early sign of overwatering, which can eventually lead to weak leaves that fall off easily. To prevent this issue, be careful not to overwater your burro’s tail and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

3. Dry Leaf Spots

If you notice dry spots on the leaves of your burro’s tail, it may be a sign of insufficient watering, especially during the summer months. To address this issue, water your plant more frequently, but be sure not to overwater.

4. Pests

The main pests to look out for with burro’s tail are mealybugs. To get rid of these pests, you can try putting the entire pot in a bag with a few mothballs overnight so that the fumes can kill the bugs.

By addressing these common problems, you can help your burro’s tail plant thrive and stay healthy.

#This plant is non toxic to pets and humans.

In Conclusion, the burro’s tail plant requires very little care. It prefers a sun exposure of about one to two hours around midday, followed by shade for the rest of the day. This allows the plant to receive enough sunlight to thrive without being exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, which causes its leaves to dry out and turn brown. So, it’s important to find the right balance of sun and shade for your burro’s tail plant to keep it healthy and thriving.

Enjoy Planting!!