Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro's Tail is a striking succulent that creates an enchanting waterfall effect with its trailing stems that can grow up to 4 feet long. The plant's most distinctive feature is its densely packed, plump leaves that overlap like chubby little pearls along the stems. These blue-green leaves are approximately 1cm long and have a slight powder-like coating that gives them an ethereal, frosted appearance. When in bloom, usually in summer, it produces small pink to red flowers at the ends of its stems, though flowering is relatively rare in indoor specimens.

Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, Burro's Tail was discovered in 1935 by Eric Walther at Balmorhea, Texas. The plant was actually a garden escape from cultivation, leading to an interesting mystery about its true origins that wasn't solved until several years later when it was found growing wild in Veracruz, Mexico. Its scientific name honors Daniel Morgan, a US horticulturist, while its common name "Burro's Tail" comes from its resemblance to the tail of a donkey when its stems hang down.

When it comes to light preferences, Burro's Tail thrives in bright, indirect light but can also handle some direct morning sun. In its natural habitat, it often grows in the shadows of larger plants or rock formations, receiving dappled sunlight throughout the day. Indoors, an east-facing window is ideal, though it can also do well in south or west-facing windows if protected from intense afternoon sun by a sheer curtain. The more light it receives, the more compact and vibrant its growth will be.

One of the most crucial things to be aware of with Burro's Tail is its extreme fragility. The leaves detach incredibly easily at the slightest touch, earning it the nickname "the plant that cries." Moving or repotting must be done with extreme care, as even gentle handling can cause leaves to fall. However, this sensitivity to touch has a silver lining – fallen leaves can be used for propagation, readily growing into new plants when placed on soil.

Being a succulent, Burro's Tail is highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so proper drainage is essential. The plant should be potted in well-draining cactus soil and watered only when the soil is completely dry. During winter, it enters a semi-dormant state and requires even less water. Despite these challenges, Burro's Tail can be incredibly long-lived when properly cared for, with some specimens surviving for decades and becoming magnificent centerpieces in any indoor garden.