Is Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail) Poisonous to Humans or Pets?

Is Sedum morganianum Burro’s Tail Poisonous? No! It’s not toxic to your dog, cat, or even your curious toddler! Yep, Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail) is on the ASPCA’s safe list. Common Name: Burro’s Tail, Donkey’s Tail, Cola de Burro, 串珠草, etc.

If you’ve got a Burro’s Tail, that’s Sedum morganianum by the way, trailing down your windowsill. This pretty plant comes from rocky cliffs in southern Mexico and Honduras and belongs to the Crassulaceae family.

But still, if someone eats a leaf, it might upset their belly. A little vomiting or diarrhea could happen, especially for pets. Some folks even say they get a mild rash from touching it, so maybe wear gloves when you move it around.

Those plump little leaves? Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail)  looks soft and fun to touch, so keep the plant high up to stop kids or pets from munching on it like candy. It loves bright light, not too much water, and warm air.

If you drop a leaf, don’t worry, that’s how it grows new plants! However, note that it’s often confused with a plant called Euphorbia myrsinites, which is toxic. Be sure you’ve the right tail before allowing it to hang out in your home.

What Makes Burro’s Tail So Fragile?

Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail) may look thick and tough, but it’s very easy to break. Its trailing stems are soft. Even a small touch can make the plump leaves fall off. This happens more when it’s moved or bumped.

That’s why many people hang it high, away from pets and kids. The plant likes bright, indirect light, but not full sun all day. Too much heat can burn its leaves. And if the soil stays wet, the roots can rot.

This is called root rot or stem rot, caused by fungi like Fusarium. So if your Burro’s Tail looks weak, check the soil. Make sure it drains well and never stays soggy.

Which Hanging Succulent Plants Are Similar to Donkey’s Tail (Sedum Morganianum) Families?

The Donkey tail (Sedum morganianum) is a warm-weather succulent that thrives indoors, in temperatures between 60 and 75°F. It’s a hardy plant. Here is a list of the most popular hanging succulents that are great for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

1. Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

The Senecio Rowleyanus plant looks like a necklace of tiny green beads. The round leaves help it hold water, so it’s great for dry places. Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls) likes bright, soft light and doesn’t need much water. Keep it in a hanging pot so the long strands can hang down. It’s fun and easy to grow, but keep it away from pets; it can be toxic.

2. Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail)

Burro’s Tail has thick, teardrop-shaped leaves that grow in long, trailing lines. The leaves are soft and blue-green. It doesn’t like being touched too much because the leaves fall off easily. Put it in a bright spot and water only when the soil is dry. It’s safe for both people and pets.

3. Senecio Peregrinus (String of Dolphins)

The Senecio Peregrinus looks like little green dolphins jumping in the air! The leaves really do look like dolphins. It loves sunlight and needs very little water. It’s a great plant for shelves or hanging pots. Like many senecio plants, String of Dolphins is not safe for pets, so place it high up if you have animals.

4. Ceropegia Woodii (String of Hearts)

This Ceropegia Woodii plant grows heart-shaped leaves on long vines. The leaves are green with purple or silver lines. It looks great in hanging pots and can grow very long. Ceropegia Woodii (String of Hearts) likes some sun and some shade. Water it when the soil is dry. It’s safe for homes and pets, and it grows fast if it’s happy.

5. Senecio Radicans (String of Bananas)

The leaves on this plant look like tiny bananas. It’s fun to look at and grows fast. Senecio Radicans (String of Bananas) loves bright light and does best in a hanging pot. Water it when the topsoil feels dry. It can be toxic to pets, so be careful where you place it.

Easy Care Tips for a Happy Burro’s Tail

To keep your Burro’s Tail healthy, you don’t need to do much. Sedum morganianum plant loves to be left alone. Just follow these simple steps:

• Light: Put it in a spot with bright, soft light. A sunny window is perfect. But don’t place it in hot, direct sun all day that can burn the leaves.
• Water: Wait until the soil is dry. Then water deeply. Let all the water drain out. If the pot holds water, the roots may rot.
• Soil: Use a well-draining mix, like one made for succulents. A mix with sand or perlite works great.
• Pot: A pot with holes is a must. If water gets stuck, it can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizer: You can feed it a little during the growing season (spring to summer). Use a diluted liquid fertilizer, just once a month.
• Handling: Be very gentle. The leaves fall off easily. If some do drop, don’t worry, you can propagate them by placing them on top of the soil.

This Donkey tail plant is non-toxic to humans and pets, so it’s safe for homes with kids and animals. But still, try to hang it high so it doesn’t get touched too much; it’s very delicate.

How to Propagate Burro’s Tail Without Fuss?

You don’t need any fancy tools or skills. Burro’s Tail is super easy to grow from its own leaves or stems. Here’s how to do it:

Leaf Propagation (using fallen leaves):

1. Pick a healthy leaf that fell off or gently twist one off.
2. Let it dry for 1–2 days. This forms a tiny “callus” to stop rot.
3. Place it on top of well-draining soil (no need to bury it).
4. Mist lightly with water every few days. Keep the soil just a little damp.
5. In a few weeks, you’ll see tiny roots or baby plants starting to grow.

Stem Cuttings (for fuller pots):

1. Use clean scissors to snip off a healthy stem.
2. Let the stem dry for a few days.
3. Stick it gently into dry, sandy soil.
4. Wait a few days before watering. Then, water as usual.

You’ll love watching your new Burro’s Tail babies grow! You can keep them, share with friends, or fill in empty spots in your pot.

However, wondering where to place your Burro’s Tail for the best look and growth? We’ll talk about display tips and creative hanging ideas next! Let’s go!

When and How to Repot Burro’s Tail?

What	Details
When to Repot	Spring or early summer is best. That’s when your Burro’s Tail starts growing.
Signs It Needs Repotting	Roots coming out of the bottom, plant looks crowded, or the soil dries too fast.
What You Need	Roots coming out of the bottom, the plant looks crowded, or the soil dries too fast.
Step 1	Gently remove the plant. Hold the base. Be careful, leaves fall off easily.
Step 2	Shake off old soil without hurting the roots.
Step 3	Place in new pot. Add fresh soil around it.
Step 4	Don’t water right away. Wait 2–3 days, then give it a little drink.
Extra Tip	Burro’s Tail likes snug pots. Use a pot just a bit bigger than the last one.

How to Care for Your Burro’s Tail?

Care Part	What to Do
Light	Give bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill works well. No harsh rays.
Watering	Let soil dry out fully. Then water deeply. Less is better.
Humidity	Low humidity is fine. This plant loves dry air.
Temperature	Keep it warm. 65°F to 75°F is perfect. No cold drafts or freezing temps.
Fertilizer	Feed once a month in spring and summer. Use cactus fertilizer. Small amount.
Pests to Watch	Mealybugs and spider mites. Wipe leaves and use neem oil if needed.
Handling	Don’t touch too much. The leaves fall off very easily.

Burro’s Tail or Donkey Tail Problems & Easy Fixes.

Your Burro’s Tail might be struggling, but don’t worry. Here’s what’s going wrong and how you can fix Donkey Tail fast!

1. Leaves keep falling off: You might be touching it too much or moving it around.

Fix Donkey tail: Use a hanging pot and try not to handle it often. Keep it in one safe spot.

2. Leaves turning mushy: That means overwatering or bad drainage.
Fix: Let the soil dry out fully. Check for drainage holes in your pot.

3. Shriveled leaves: The plant is thirsty. It needs more water.
Fix: Water deeply. Then let the soil dry before watering again.

4. Faded or pale color: It’s not getting enough light.
Fix: Move it to a bright spot with lots of indirect sunlight.

5. White cotton-like spots: That’s mealybugs hiding on your plant.
Fix: Dab with rubbing alcohol or spray neem oil. Repeat every few days.

6. Stunted growth: It may be hungry or not getting enough light.
Fix: Use a light fertilizer in spring or summer. Place it near a bright window.

How to Propagate Burro’s Tail: Step-by-Step for Beginners.

You don’t need to be an expert to grow more Burro’s Tail plants. All you need is one healthy leaf or stem and a little patience. Propagation means you take part of the plant and grow a new one from the Donkey tail. Super cool, right?

1. Start with a plump, healthy leaf that hasn’t fallen on its own. Gently twist it off the stem. Be careful not to break it. Let the leaf sit on a dry plate or tray for 2–3 days. This helps the end dry out, which stops it from rotting later.

2. After that, place the leaf on top of well-draining soil. Don’t bury it! Just let it rest. Put the tray in a bright spot with indirect light. Now comes the wait; keep the soil a tiny bit damp but never wet. In about 2–3 weeks, you’ll see tiny roots growing. Later, a mini-plant will start to form.

Once it’s big enough, you can move Donkey Tail to its small pot. Boom! You’ve just made a brand-new Burro’s Tail for free!

How to Prune & Propagate Burro’s Tail the Easy Way?

Taking care of your Burro’s Tail isn’t just about watering and light. Sometimes, it needs a little haircut and maybe a baby plant or two!

1. Pruning Burro’s Tail (When & How):

Why prune? : Pruning helps your plant grow fuller and healthier. It also removes old, messy stems.
When to prune: Spring or early summer is the best time. That’s when your plant is ready to grow again.
How to prune: Use clean scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a leaf node on a long or leggy stem. Don’t worry, new growth will pop out soon.
Bonus tip: Always remove damaged leaves, yellow stems, or anything with signs of mealybugs or rot.

2. Propagation: Make Baby Burro’s Tails.

Want more Donkey tail plants from your old one? Easy! Burro’s Tail is super easy to propagate.

What you need: Healthy leaf or stem cuttings, dry soil, and a shallow pot.
Steps Donkey tail:

• Take a leaf or a short stem.
• Let it dry for a few days (this prevents rot).
• Place it on top of dry cactus soil with good drainage.
• Mist lightly every few days. Don’t overwater.
• Wait 2–4 weeks. You’ll see tiny roots!

Best time to propagate: Late spring to summer, when the plant is in full growing mode.

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Conclusion: Keep Your Burro’s Tail Happy and Healthy.

Taking care of your Burro’s Tail is easier than you might think. Just give it the right light, water it carefully, and be gentle when handling its delicate leaves. Remember to watch for common problems like overwatering, mealybugs, or too much sun, and fix them quickly with simple steps.

If you notice your plant getting too big or crowded, don’t forget to repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. And if you want more Burro’s Tails, try propagating using leaves or stems. Donkey tail is a fun and easy way to grow new plants.

With a little care, your Burro’s Tail will stay beautiful and trail happily for years to come!

Burro’s Tail FAQs: Is Donkey’s Tail Safe for Kids, Cats, and Dogs?

Research Source:

• Kikipedia: Sedum morganianum
• N.C. Cooperative Extension
• Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison
• Connecticut’s Official State