Sedum morganianum
| Light | Bright light; some direct sun, but shelter from harsh midday sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Water thoroughly, then allow to dry out; reduce in winter |
| Soil | Free-draining succulent mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Leaf and stem cuttings (very easy); see Propagation — cuttings |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Sedum morganianum is a trailing succulent whose long, ropey stems are densely packed with plump, pointed blue-green leaves, making it one of the most beloved of all hanging-basket plants. Cascading up to a metre from a mature basket, its overlapping leaves give each stem the look of a braided, fleshy tail — the source of its common names burro's tail and donkey's tail. It is a member of the stonecrop genus Sedum and, like its relatives, is undemanding once its simple needs are understood.
Description
Sedum morganianum produces slender, pendent stems that lengthen steadily over the years, eventually trailing well past the rim of the pot. Each stem is closely clad in fleshy, lanceolate leaves 1–2 cm long that overlap like tiles or scales, spiralling around the stem so densely that the stem itself is hidden. The leaves are a soft blue-green, coated in a powdery, waxy glaucous bloom that rubs off easily at a touch — one reason the plant resents handling.
Given enough light and maturity, terminal clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in pink to deep red may appear at the stem tips in spring or summer, though flowering is far from guaranteed indoors. The plant is most often grown simply for its distinctive cascading foliage.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to southern Mexico, where it grows on rocky slopes and cliff faces, its stems hanging down over the rock. Wild populations are localised and the plant is rarely encountered in habitat, but it has become one of the most widely cultivated succulents in the world, passed from grower to grower as cuttings for generations.
Cultivation
Sedum morganianum is easy to please and forgiving of neglect, which suits its role as a low-maintenance hanging plant. Grow it in a free-draining, gritty succulent mix in a pot or basket that can drain freely. Give it bright light — a few hours of gentle direct sun bring out the best colour and keep growth compact — but shelter it from scorching midday sun, which can bleach or burn the leaves.
Water thoroughly when the soil has dried out, then let it dry again before the next drink; through winter, when growth slows, water only sparingly. Overwatering and soggy soil are the main causes of loss, leading to soft, dropping leaves and stem rot. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
The single most important cultivation note is simple: handle it as little as possible. The leaves detach at the slightest knock, and a bumped basket can shed a shower of them. For this reason many growers hang it where it will not be brushed against and move it rarely.
Propagation
Few plants are easier to propagate. Individual leaves that fall — and they fall readily — will often root where they land; laid on the surface of a dry, gritty mix, each plump leaf sprouts a tiny rosette and roots at the base within a few weeks. Stem cuttings root just as willingly: take a length of stem, let the cut end callus for a day or two, then lay or insert it on well-draining mix and water sparingly until established. See Propagation — cuttings and leaf propagation for a full walkthrough. Because the plant sheds so freely, most growers accumulate spare plants almost by accident.
Common problems
- Leaf drop — the leaves detach at the lightest touch; frequent handling or a knocked basket leaves bare stems. This is mechanical, not disease, though the leaves themselves will usually root if saved.
- Rot — from overwatering or a slow-draining mix; stems turn soft, translucent and mushy.
- Etiolation — too little light causes stretched, sparse growth with widely spaced leaves and a paler colour.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked between the leaves) and the occasional aphid on flower stalks; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Sedum — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting