Burro's Tail 101: How to Grow and Care (Full Instruction)

If you've ever visited our home, you might have noticed the stunning trailing succulents cascading from the wall in our living room. With their plump, adorable leaves resembling little green grapes, this easy-to-care-for succulent is sure to become a talking point in your home.

In this ultimate care guide, Happy Succulent Care will walk you through everything you need to know to grow and nurture your own Burro's Tail (aka Donkey Tail). Get ready to fall in love with this super cute succulent and discover why it's the perfect addition to any succulent lover's space!

Key Takeaways:

• Choose a well-draining pot and use cactus/succulent-specific soil to grow Burro's Tail.
• Provide indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and occasional watering to ensure ideal growing conditions for Burro's Tail.
• Regularly prune, watch out for pests and diseases, and propagate using stem/leaf cuttings or division to care for and expand your Burro's Tail plant collection.

Basic Information: Burro’s Tail Succulents

Native to Southern Mexico and Honduras, this plant has made its way into the hearts of gardeners across North America. Its distinctive appearance is characterized by fleshy blue-green leaves that grow in a compact trailing fashion, resembling the tail of a donkey or burro.

Storing a large amount of water in its thick leaves, Burro's Tail can survive long periods without watering, making it an ideal low-maintenance plant for both indoors and outdoors. Mature specimens can grow up to 4 feet long within six years, although the average length is closer to 2 feet.

Advanced Care for Burro's Tail

Light and Temperature

Burro's Tail thrives best under specific growing conditions, including bright indirect sunlight, moderate temperatures, and controlled humidity levels which align with USDA climate guidelines. For optimal growth, Burro's Tail requires bright indirect sunlight. Placing the plant near a south-facing window or using grow lights for about 6 hours daily can help fulfill its light needs.

Remember, Burro's Tail's plump leaves are easily scorched due to sunburn, so it's crucial to shield the plant from direct sunlight to avoid damaging the delicate leaves. Regarding temperature, maintaining a range between 65-75°F (18-24°C) is ideal. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, which can harm the plant.

Watering Schedule

Burro's Tail is a drought-tolerant plant that requires careful watering to thrive. It's important to provide a balance by allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's health. A general rule of thumb is to water it thoroughly once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season while reducing the frequency during winter months.

Read More: Proper Watering Method for Indoor Succulents

Soil Mixing

Like any other succulent, Burro's Tail needs well-draining soil. Use a mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents or create your own by adding horticultural-grade sand and perlite to regular potting soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the roots.

Fertilizing

For fertilizing, opt for a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Apply this fertilizer once every two months during the growing season to promote growth and blooming. Choose a fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage flowering and overall health, but be cautious not to over-fertilize as it can do more harm than good.

Propagation

Propagating Burro's Tail is a snap! You can easily grow new plants from stem cuttings or individual leaves. For stem cuttings, snip off a healthy stem, remove the bottom third of the leaves (1-2 inch), and let it callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. For leaf propagation, simply place a fallen leaf on top of moist succulent mix and watch it root and grow.

Pests and Pruning

While Burro's Tail is not particularly susceptible to pests, mealybugs and aphids can occasionally be an issue. Regularly inspect your plant, and if you notice any pests, gently remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or spray the plant with a mixture of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 4 parts water.

To keep your Burro's Tail looking its best, pruning is essential. Trim back leggy or overgrown stems using clean, sharp scissors to maintain a compact shape and encourage denser growth. The best time to prune is during the active growing season in spring and summer.

Burro's Tail as a Houseplant

Burro's Tail makes a fine houseplant and is commonly sold as an indoor hanging plant. Place it in a spot with bright indirect light and avoid strong, hot sun. You might need to adjust its location throughout the year as the sun's position changes.

When it comes to watering, less is more. Those plump leaves store a lot of water, so a thorough watering once a month should suffice, depending on the temperature and light conditions in your home. The good news is that Burro's Tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a pet-friendly choice.

Your Burro's Tail might appreciate a yearly feeding of a balanced organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as succulents are sensitive to salts.

My Last Words

I hope this guide from Happy Succulent Care has given you all the information you need to grow and care for your own Burro's Tail. Trust me, once you get started with this adorable succulent, you won't be able to stop!

It's the perfect plant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, and it's sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it. Happy planting, my friends!