Expert: Will Creed - 3/9/2005

Question
instructions on care and light

Answer
Hi Linda,

Donkey's Tail (Sedum morganianum) is in the same family as the jade plant (Crassula). It is unusual in that it has long hanging stems sometimes as long as 3 to 4 feet. A dwarf variety of this plant, called Sedum burrito, is called Baby Burro's tail.

Like most succulents it does best right in a sunny window where it gets at least 4 hours of direct sun every day; it is not a good low light plant. The leaves are easily knocked loose so locate it in a place where it is not likely to get bumped and handle it gently.

These plants have small, fine root systems that do best when quite potbound; they rarely if ever need repotting.

Water your donkey's tail thoroughly, but infrequently, allowing the soil to become quite dry in between waterings. In the reduced light and cooler temperatures of winter, water less frequently. Fertilize monthly at half strength from May through August.

Keep the plant on the cool side (40 to 50 degrees) in winter, if possible.

This plant practically propagates itself. Simply set individual leaves on their sides in contact with moist soil and new plantlets and roots will soon emerge. Stem cuttings will also root easily if allowed to dry for a day after cutting and before potting them in a damp, porous potting mix.

Watch for cotton-like mealybugs and treat them promptly with a thorough soap spray.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com

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