The Lamb’s tail cactus is technically a succulent perfect for hanging baskets due to its trailing growth pattern. Sedum morganianum is native to Honduras and Mexico and is sometimes called Donkey’s Tail or Burro’s tail. It’s an easy to grow plant, making it popular with house plant enthusiasts.
Lamb’s Tail Cactus Appearance
The Lamb’s Tail cactus features stems that grow to a length of between 2 to 4 feet ( 0.6 to 1.2 meters). The stems grow fleshy, tear-drop shaped leaves in rows which are fragile and easily broken when handled. The plant reaches a width of 1 to 2 feet wide ( 0.3 to 0.6 meters). Blooming when grown indoors is rare but flowers are small, red, and appear at the tips of the fleshy stems in clusters.
Lamb’s Tail Cactus Light Requirements
Give your Lamb’s Tail cactus a sunny location near a bright window with several hours of exposure to direct sunlight per day. If grown outdoors, beware of too much sun exposure as it will scorch the delicate leaves. Hang the plant in a basket with morning sun, but be prepared to move it if necessary.
Water Needs
Due to its fleshy leaves, the Lamb’s Tail is drought tolerant once it is established and stores water. Water the plant heavily once per month, or once the soil feels dry when a finger is inserted. Taper off watering frequency in the fall and withhold water in the winter. If in doubt, do not water as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Keep your Lamb’s Tail cactus in temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit ( 18 to 24 degrees Celsuis). Lamb’s tail will tolerate short exposure to temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit ( 4 degrees Celsius) but is not frost tolerant. Avoid excessive humidity levels and do not mist the leaves or place it in a bathroom.
Soil and Fertilizer
Grow your Lamb’s Tail cactus in a well-draining, sandy soil such as a mix for cacti or succulents. House plant potting soil amended with coarse sand is also acceptable. Lining the hanging basket with sphagnum moss helps retain moisture but watch for soggy soil to avoid root rot. Feed the plant in the spring with a controlled-release 20-20-20 fertilizer. Young plants are susceptible to excessive nitrogen. Switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer if the plant shows signs of stress.
Lamb’s Tail Cactus Propagation
Propagate this cactus with its fleshy leaves by collecting fallen leaves or carefully removing attached ones. Allow two to three days for the open end to callus. Insert the callused end into a small pot filled with a cacti or succulent soil mix. Water enough to keep the soil consistently moist until new growth starts. Once established, water once the soil dries.
Lamb’s Tail Cactus Pests and Diseases
Lamb’s Tail are susceptible to infestations from both mealybugs and aphids. Check your plant regularly for signs of the insects. To rid your Lamb’s Tail of these pests, fill a spray bottle with neem oil and mist the plant thoroughly.
As with most cacti and succulents, Lamb’s Tail will develop root rot if overwatered. Immediately cut back on waterings and remove the plant from its pot. Inspect the roots and remove any dark or mushy roots with sharp and sterile shears. Mist the roots with a mixture of one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and two parts water to kill any remaining bacteria.
The Lamb’s Tail cactus is a house plant with a unique appearance and straightforward care needs. Its trailing growth looks stunning when displayed in a hanging basket near a sunny window. Add this adorable succulent to your indoor plant collection.
Lamb’s Tail Cactus FAQ
Repot your Lamb’s Tail only when it has become root bound as its stems are fragile and break easily. Spring is the best time to repot and ensure the soil is dry before starting. Once repotted, withhold water for one week to allow the plant to rest.
Yes, you can grow this succulent outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11. Be sure to bring it indoors when temperatures cool to near freezing.
No, this plant is not considered toxic to pets or humans.
Wilting is often a sign of overwatering. Reduce the frequency of waterings, especially in the winter when the plant needs little moisture during dormancy.
Changes like these in succulent leaves is another indication of overwatering. Reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is growing in a well-draining soil mixture.
