Donkey's tail care guideSedum morganianum
Trailing beaded succulent. Ranked #62 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen 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.
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.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Donkey's tail is bright / direct light: 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.
TroubleshootingCommon 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.
Pet safetySafe with cats and dogs
Pet-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 is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Discovered as a single cultivated plant in a Mexican garden in 1935; the wild source population was not located again until 2008.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Donkey's tail based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon 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 is bright / direct light: 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 the leaves are shriveled beads, wrinkled leaves, or puckered tips instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.