Question
HI, I have purchased a Burrows Tail in a 6" pot which seems to be pretty small for the size of the plant.  Is there a way to transplant it into a bigger pot without too much damage considering how easily it drops leaves when touched?  Does the Burrows Tail like to be potbound or need room?

Answer
Hi Christine,
  A good rule of thumb for all plants is to avoid unnecessary repotting. It is one of the most common reasons for plant failure. Some signs a plant needs to be repotted is little or no new growth, roots growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot and sometimes even on top of the soil and the most common sign a plant needs repotted is an almost constant need for water. To check if a plant needs repotted carefully lift the plant out of the pot. If there is little or no soil visible in the bottom of the pot and the rootball looks like mostly roots then the plant probably needs repotted. Never repot a plant into a pot more than 2 inches bigger than the pot it was in. The soil in a pot that is too big can stay wet too long and cause root rot.

Also you should not repot a plant within the first month that it is in the new environment of your home unless it is absolutely necessary. 'Absolutely necessary' means that the plant will actually come to harm if left in it's current pot for a month.

It should be fine since Sedum morganianum (Burrow's Tail, also known as Donkey Tail and Jelly bean plant) has a very small and fine root system. Plenty of plant novices will go to repot this plant because it seems top heavy only to find little roots that easily fall apart when they get it out of the pot.
If (or when) you do repot this plant I would recommend you use a potting mix especially made for cactus. This kind of potting soil has exceptional drainage, which is needed by cactus and succulents.

Another thing you can do is when the leaves fall off, just put the fallen leaves back in the pot or in another pot of fresh, damp soil. Put the leaves with the petiole  (the leaf stem) sticking down into the soil and it will sprout roots fairly quickly. If you want you can even dip the leaf stem in rooting hormone, that will help it sprout stronger, healthier roots more quickly.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
     Thanks
       Tracy