How to Grow and Care for the Burrito Plant
Learn to provide the right environment for the delicate Burrito Plant. Our guide helps you achieve its dense, trailing look while avoiding common pitfalls.
The Burrito Plant, or Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’, is a popular hanging succulent known for its trailing stems. These stems are densely packed with small, plump, green leaves, giving them a braided appearance that cascades from a container. Its distinctive look and simple care make it a favorite for adding greenery to indoor spaces.
Burrito Plant vs. Donkey’s Tail
Though often confused, the Burrito Plant and the standard Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) have distinct differences. The primary distinction is their leaves. The Burrito Plant has shorter, rounded, bead-like leaves packed densely along the stem, often obscuring it from view.
In contrast, the Donkey’s Tail has longer, pointed, crescent-shaped leaves that are more spaced out. This gives the Burrito plant a more compact look, while the Donkey’s Tail appears more elongated and delicate. The ‘Burrito’ variety is also considered less fragile, with leaves that do not detach as easily.
Ideal Growing Conditions
This plant requires bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. An east-facing window provides gentle morning sun, but avoid harsh direct afternoon rays that can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where stems stretch and leaves become sparse as the plant reaches for light.
Use a gritty, well-draining soil mixture to prevent water from lingering around the roots. A commercial cactus mix is an excellent choice, or you can amend standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. This quick drainage is the primary defense against root rot.
Water using the “soak and dry” method. This involves thoroughly watering the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allowing the soil to dry completely before watering again. Reduce watering significantly during the winter when the plant is dormant.
The Burrito Plant prefers average household temperatures between 65 and 75°F and low humidity. It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from temperatures below 40°F. As a light feeder, it only needs a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half-strength once or twice during the spring and summer.
Propagation Techniques
New Burrito Plants can be propagated from stem cuttings. Snip a healthy stem a few inches long, remove the leaves from the bottom inch, and let the cut end dry for several days to form a callus. Plant the callused cutting in well-draining succulent soil and water sparingly until a root system is established.
This plant can also be propagated from its individual leaves. Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring its base remains intact. Place the leaf on top of dry succulent soil in a spot with bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, tiny roots and a small plantlet will begin to form at the base.
Common Issues and Solutions
Mushy, yellowing stems or leaves that drop easily are signs of overwatering and root rot. Review your watering schedule and ensure the soil and pot provide adequate drainage. Stems that are stretched out with large gaps between the leaves indicate etiolation. To fix this, move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a window with a sheer curtain.
This plant is occasionally susceptible to mealybugs, which appear as small, white, cottony spots between the leaves. Dab the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. For larger infestations, an insecticidal soap may be required.
General Plant Safety
The Burrito Plant is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it a safe choice for most households. Ingesting the plant material is unlikely to cause serious illness.
However, the small leaves detach easily and could pose a choking hazard to small children or pets. It is best to place the plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf where it is out of reach.