Burro's Tail vs String of Bananas
Burro's tail is pet-safe but drops beads if you brush it; string of bananas handles handling and grows faster, but is toxic to cats and dogs.
Burro's Tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. String of Bananas is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so it needs a shelf pets cannot reach. String of Bananas is rated easy to care for, Burro's Tail medium. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the String of Bananas.
What they share: both want bright indirect light, both take very low watering, both are happy in the same humidity and both stay small.
Choose
Burro's Tail if…
- ✓you are happy to fuss a little for the better-looking leaves
- ✓cats or dogs chew your plants - this one is non-toxic
- ✓you would rather not prune and repot often
Choose
String of Bananas if…
- ✓you want the lower-risk plant of the two
- ✓it can go somewhere pets genuinely cannot reach
- ✓you want visible growth and free cuttings quickly
Burro's Tail vs String of Bananas: side by side
| Attribute |
Burro's Tail
|
String of Bananas
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Succulent | Succulent |
| Difficulty | medium | easy |
| Light | ●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●○○○○ 1/5 Very low |
●○○○○ 1/5 Very low |
| Humidity | ●○○○○ 1/5 Low |
●○○○○ 1/5 Low |
| Pet safe | Safe | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | Mexico | South Africa |
Key differences between Burro's Tail and String of Bananas
Burro's Tail is pet-safe, String of Bananas is not
Burro's Tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. String of Bananas is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so it needs a shelf pets cannot reach.
String of Bananas is the easier plant
String of Bananas is rated easy to care for, Burro's Tail medium. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the String of Bananas.
String of Bananas fills out faster
String of Bananas is a fast grower and gives you cuttings or a full pot sooner. Burro's Tail is slow, which means less pruning and repotting but a longer wait.
They come from different habitats
Burro's Tail originates in Mexico; String of Bananas in South Africa. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Burro's Tail and String of Bananas apart
Burro's tail has plump, tightly packed beads that fall off the moment you brush past, so hang it where nobody walks. String of bananas is far more robust to handling and grows faster, but is toxic to pets where burro's tail is not.
Care at a glance
Burro's Tail
Sedum Morganianum, Donkey's Tail
Trailing succulent with plump, overlapping blue-green leaves. Fragile but beautiful.
Care in one line: Bright light, water sparingly, handle gently - leaves fall easily.
Full Burro's Tail care guide →
String of Bananas
Senecio Radicans, Fishhook Senecio
Trailing succulent with banana-shaped leaves. Easier than String of Pearls.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water when dry, very forgiving.
Full String of Bananas care guide →Burro's Tail vs String of Bananas: common questions
What is the difference between Burro's Tail and String of Bananas? +
Burro's tail has plump, tightly packed beads that fall off the moment you brush past, so hang it where nobody walks. String of bananas is far more robust to handling and grows faster, but is toxic to pets where burro's tail is not. On care, burro's Tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. String of Bananas is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so it needs a shelf pets cannot reach.
Which is easier to care for, Burro's Tail or String of Bananas? +
String of Bananas. It is rated easy while Burro's Tail is medium, and it is more forgiving about light and watering mistakes.
Is Burro's Tail or String of Bananas safe for cats and dogs? +
Burro's Tail is non-toxic to cats and dogs. String of Bananas is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it out of reach or choose the Burro's Tail.
Which needs less light, Burro's Tail or String of Bananas? +
They are the same. Both score 4/5 for light, meaning beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, Burro's Tail or String of Bananas? +
Neither - both score 1/5. For each one, water every 2-3 weeks, once the pot is bone dry.
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