At a glance
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 11 to 17 days (summer)
Every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less (winter) - Climate
- 18–27 °C
- Humidity
- 30–60 %
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
- Scientific name
- Sedum morganianum
When and how much water
Water donkey’s tail when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Light and placement
Donkey’s tail needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed donkey’s tail every 90 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Donkey’s tail is comfortable between 18 and 27 °C. It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Donkey’s tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Donkey’s tail?
Water your donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum) when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less.
How much light does a Donkey’s tail need?
Donkey’s tail needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is Donkey’s tail safe for cats and dogs?
Donkey’s tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why are my Donkey’s tail’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a donkey’s tail, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for mushy translucent leaves, leaves shedding easily, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see shriveled beads, wrinkled leaves, or puckered tips instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
