Very easy to care for species that looks great placed in a hanging basket because of its trailing growing nature.
Description
Native to south Mexico, the Sedum Morganianum is a succulent plant. Like most succulents it has plump and thick leaves, although quite small in comparison to others.
Despite Mexico having a much warmer climate than those of us in temperate regions, this plant has adjusted well and grows easily indoors.
The Donkey's tail can be grown outdoors as well as indoors during the summer and will in fact relish in the sun.
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Flowering: This Sedum is a flowering plant and produces small flowers at the tips of the stems, however, they're difficult to find in bloom indoors. The taking outside during summer and providing direct sun will encourage them to flower. Also the resting in cooler temperatures during winter will help.
Foliage: The foliage of this plant is the same as many other succulent species and has thick soft leaves, although small. The leaves that hang over the pot are green and grayish in color. You have to handle them with care to prevent leaves dropping (this is common). The leaves kind of overlap each other.
Displaying: If your in favor of hanging baskets then this is a perfect plant - because of its trailing nature. They can also be placed in a pot on a shelf or windowsill where the foliage can hang over the sides of the pot. It's important wherever you choose to place them that there is enough direct light and not close to central heating or cold draft areas.
Facts
Origin: South Mexico.Names: Donkey's and Burros Tail (common). Sedum Morganianum (botanical/scientific).Max Growth (approx): Stems trail from 1 - 3 ft long .Poisonous for pets: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Tips: Donkey's Tail Care
Temperature: Temperatures averaging 65°F/18°C - 80°F/26°C are very good and not much below 50°F/10°C. During winter it is fine if the temperature drops down and it can encourage them to actually bloom in the forthcoming spring season.
Light: For this species to grow well you will need to at least provide a good amount of direct light. And, if you can sunshine, but not too much during the afternoon summer sun.
Watering: During the growing season from April - September water the plant thoroughly and then water when the soil becomes dry to the touch. During winter cut down on the watering, which the plant may only need once a month. Remember it's a succulent and stores water in it leaves and stems...when you think it's lacking water it is not. Underwatering is much safer that overwatering and it's the No 1 killer for this plant.
Soil: Potting mix that keeps the roots well aerated and drains well is required. To keep it simple I would pot up with a ready made cactus soil mix.
Re-Potting: You will only need to repot this plant during spring when the existing pot has become to small for it and use a shallow pot (the roots do not grow very long).
Air Humidity: Normal room humidity seems to work fine. Try and provide plenty of air circulation (open windows, doors, etc.) during summer.
Propagation:
Two methods are suitable for propagation. Leaf cuttings can be taken and placed in soil after the leaves have been left to dry for about 2 - 3 days. A couple of inches of stem can also be taken at the tip of the plant stems. After placing the stem tips in soil (only keep 2 or 3 leaves and remove others) and watering the soil once. I would not water again until I could see some sign of growth in case overwatering kills it.
Common Problems
Dry brown leaf spots: This is likely to be a sign of underwatering. Your not likely to to underwater during the colder months, however, during summer it's possible. Make sure you give the plant a thorough watering each time.
Leaves wilting: Leaves wilting can be caused when the plant is overwatered during winter. Be careful because this can become a serious issue. You need the soil to dry out and reduce watering.
Leaves very soft: This is likely to be caused by overwatering and can become serious if watering is not cut down. Allow soil to dry out or even remove the soil for new compost and check roots for any rotting. If this has affected a stem then it must be removed to try and save the plant.
source: www.houseplantsexpert.com
