Succulents may have a reputation for being easy plants to care for, but they actually have some very specific care requirements. In fact, you may quickly find yourself with a dead succulent if you aren’t careful. One popular succulent that you may want to try growing is a burro’s tail, or Sedum morganianum. Here’s a brief guide to caring for this succulent and adding it to your beautifully landscaped yard.
Use the Right Soil
All succulents, including the burro’s tail, require well-draining soil. This means that the soil should not have too much organic matter, which tends to retain water. Look for a potting soil marketed specifically for cacti and succulents. You can also try creating your own with a 50/50 mix of standard potting soil and perlite or pumice. Be sure that the planter you use has a drainage hole at the bottom.
Water Carefully
Having well-draining soil won’t be enough if you overwater your burro’s tail succulent. These plants are adapted to drought conditions, so keep a watering schedule that reflects that. Only water your burro’s tail when its soil is completely dry. When you do water it, don’t be stingy—water the plant thoroughly until you see water draining out from the bottom of the planter.
Ensure Plenty of Sun Exposure
Most succulents, including burro’s tail plants, require a lot of sunlight to remain healthy. Consider placing your plant in a south-facing or east-facing area to ensure that it receives plenty of light. If you notice that your burro’s tail seems “leggy”—in other words, that the leaves are becoming spaced out further than they were with previous growth—it’s time to move the plant. This type of growth is a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.
Handle with Care
Burro’s tail succulents are incredibly fragile. If you jostle the plant too much, you’ll notice that its leaves fall off very easily. Handle with extreme care when you are repotting this succulent, and avoid moving it too often. If a leaf does fall off, you can try propagating it to grow an entirely new plant.
While potted succulents are a great addition to any property, you are likely to want additional plant life in your yard. When you need landscaping services in Tucson, count on the expertise of Complete Landscaping. For more information, call (520) 323-8918 today.