Plant care guides
Donkey’s tail care guide Sedum morganianum
How to grow and care for Donkey’s tail at home. Trailing beaded succulent.
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Watering (summer)
- Every 14 to 21 days
- Watering (winter)
- Every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Scientific name
- Sedum morganianum
- Origin
- Mexico
- Humidity
- 30-60%
Fun fact
Discovered as a single cultivated plant in a Mexican garden in 1935; the wild source population was not located again until 2008.
When and how much water
Water Donkey’s tail when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
- Every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less
- Every 14 to 21 days
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can’t see: the actual light at the plant, the pot’s size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly’s app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
How bright a spot it needs
Donkey’s tail needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east 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. Below 5 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Most Donkey’s tail problems trace back to watering — here’s how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for
- Mushy translucent leaves
- Leaves shedding easily
- Root rot
- Black soft stems
Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for
- Shriveled beads
- Wrinkled leaves
- Puckered tips
Water a little more often and don’t let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Toxic to pets?
NoPet-safe.
Donkey’s tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Browse all pet-safe houseplants →
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Propagation
Grow more Donkey’s tail from a cutting.
- Choose a healthy, mature leaf (not old and leathery, not brand new and soft).
- Pull the leaf off cleanly at the base or cut it with a clean knife, keeping a small section of petiole (leaf stalk) attached if possible.
- Let the cut end callous over in open air for 30–60 minutes — this reduces the risk of rot.
Common questions
How often should I water a Donkey’s tail?
Water your Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter, slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Botanicaly’s app tunes this further based on your home’s actual light, pot size, and local weather.
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. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east 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. Botanicaly’s Plant Doctor can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Botanicaly
A schedule that reads your room.
You don’t need to work out your Donkey’s tail’s care from scratch each time. Botanicaly uses its saved setup and care history for the next step. Identifying is free. Pro adds Plant Doctor and Weather-smart care.
Still wet
Check again in 2 days
Botanicaly updates the next step when the soil isn’t dry.
