About Burro's Tail
A trailing succulent with long, rope-like stems densely packed with plump, blue-green, teardrop-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully from hanging pots. Each stem can grow up to 60 cm or more, creating a lush curtain of succulent beads. A favorite for balcony gardens and plant shelves in the Philippines. Burro's Tail belongs to the Crassulaceae family and originates from Southern Mexico and Honduras; widely cultivated as a hanging ornamental succulent..
Burro's Tail is extremely popular with Filipino plant hobbyists and looks stunning in hanging macrame planters on condo balconies. It's widely sold at weekend plant markets, Shopee, and Lazada at affordable prices. The main challenge in the Philippines is rain — hang it under eaves, covered patios, or carports where it gets light but stays dry. Many Manila growers suspend pots from ceiling hooks on their covered balconies. It also does well under shade netting in rooftop succulent collections.
Also known as: Donkey's Tail, Horse's Tail.
Popular Varieties
- Sedum morganianum (classic blue-green, pointed leaves)
- Sedum burrito (Baby Burro's Tail — shorter, rounder leaves, more compact)
- Sedum morganianum 'Harry Butterfield' (slightly thinner leaves)
How to Plant Burro's Tail in the Philippines
Burro's Tail can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings. The recommended method is leaf cuttings (leaves drop easily and root readily).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Gently twist off individual leaves — they detach very easily from the stem.
- Step 2: Lay leaves on top of dry succulent mix. Do not bury them.
- Step 3: Mist lightly every 2-3 days. Keep in bright indirect light.
- Step 4: Tiny rosettes and roots appear at the leaf base in 2-4 weeks.
- Step 5: Once new plants are 2-3 cm tall, transplant into small pots with gritty mix.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light or gentle morning sun. Harsh direct sun scorches the delicate leaves.. Position your burro's tail where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water thoroughly when soil is completely dry — about every 10-14 days. Reduce to monthly in rainy season. Leaves wrinkle slightly when thirsty, a helpful visual cue. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-30°C ideal. Tolerates Philippine heat if kept in shade. Avoid temperatures above 35°C.. Moderate — tolerates Philippine humidity better than many succulents if given good airflow. Avoid misting the leaves. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing burro's tail outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength, once a month during dry season only.
Pruning
No regular pruning needed. Trim leggy stems to encourage branching. Save fallen leaves for propagation.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for households with children and animals.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leaves falling off at the slightest touch
Cause: Natural characteristic — leaves are very loosely attached
Solution: Handle as little as possible. Hang pots where they won't be bumped. Fallen leaves can be propagated into new plants.
Stems rotting from the base
Cause: Overwatering or rain splashing into the pot
Solution: Hang under a covered area away from rain. Let soil dry completely between waterings. Use very well-draining mix.
Shriveled, wrinkled leaves
Cause: Underwatering or root damage
Solution: Water thoroughly and check roots. If roots are healthy, leaves plump back up within a day or two.
Pale, stretched-out growth
Cause: Not enough light
Solution: Move to a brighter spot with morning sun. New growth will be more compact and bluer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Burro's Tail in the Philippines?
Burro's Tail needs bright indirect light or gentle morning sun. harsh direct sun scorches the delicate leaves.. Water thoroughly when soil is completely dry — about every 10-14 days. reduce to monthly in rainy season. leaves wrinkle slightly when thirsty, a helpful visual cue.. Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength, once a month during dry season only.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-30°C ideal. Tolerates Philippine heat if kept in shade. Avoid temperatures above 35°C. works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Burro's Tail?
The recommended method is leaf cuttings (leaves drop easily and root readily). Gently twist off individual leaves — they detach very easily from the stem. Lay leaves on top of dry succulent mix. Do not bury them.
Is Burro's Tail toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for households with children and animals.
Can Burro's Tail grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Burro's Tail grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Burro's Tail?
Common issues include: Leaves falling off at the slightest touch (caused by natural characteristic — leaves are very loosely attached — handle as little as possible. hang pots where they won't be bumped. fallen leaves can be propagated into new plants); Stems rotting from the base (caused by overwatering or rain splashing into the pot — hang under a covered area away from rain. let soil dry completely between waterings. use very well-draining mix); Shriveled, wrinkled leaves (caused by underwatering or root damage — water thoroughly and check roots. if roots are healthy, leaves plump back up within a day or two).
Growing burro's tail in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!