If the leaves start looking spaced out on the stems (rather than densely packed together), your plant isn’t getting enough light. Reposition it to a sunnier spot. If the blue-green leaves turn yellowish, the light is too intense for your plant. Find a spot that gets bright morning light or move the pot into partial shade. [2] X Research source
In winter, you’ll only need to water donkey’s tail once a month. Cold water may shock your donkey’s tail, so it’s best to use tepid water. [4] X Research source
Spring/summer is donkey tail’s natural growing season. Growth slows down in the fall and the plant goes dormant in the winter. If you use a liquid fertilizer, be careful not to oversaturate the plant! Too much liquid can cause root rot.
No matter what container you choose, make sure it has at least one drainage hole in the bottom so water doesn’t get trapped inside the pot. [7] X Research source Place your succulent in an area with light foot traffic since the leaves are delicate and break off easily. [8] X Research source Donkey’s tail is a great houseplant for pet owners since it’s non-toxic to cats and dogs. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Just make sure your pet can’t get to the plant (since the leaves and stems are quite fragile).
Growing potted donkey’s tail outdoors in summer and indoors in winter can encourage flowering. [11] X Research source
If you’re planting donkey’s tail outdoors, it will do just fine in rocky soil. [13] X Research source Avoid planting in regular potting soil and sandy soil since both types tend to hold onto moisture (which promotes root rot).
Hold off on watering for about a week after repotting donkey’s tail. Then, water sparingly until the plant is reestablished.
Use a sterile knife to make your cuts so bacteria won’t get in the wound. [16] X Trustworthy Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities Go to source You can also choose to propagate new plants from fallen leaves using the same process, but the leaves will take longer to grow roots and establish themselves.
You can also use a liquid root hormone. Just dilute it according to the product’s instructions and pour it into the growing medium after planting the cutting. [19] X Trustworthy Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities Go to source
Once roots are established, cut back watering to 1-2 times a month. Repot your established succulent in a more permanent container, if you’d like.
If you notice gnats gathering around your plant, this is another common sign that the soil is too moist.
Use a new container, or clean the inside of the old container thoroughly with soap and water before reusing it. Avoid watering the plant for the first week after repotting. Then, resume watering 1-2 times per month.
If the base of the plant is mushy or dark, the plant can’t be saved. If there are any healthy leaves or stems left, you can use those to create new plants! Just trim the healthy stem off and follow the instructions for propagation. Hold off on watering for about 2 weeks after repotting the plant so it can get reestablished.
