Crochet Houseplant: Make this easy Donkey’s Tail

Overflowing with thick reams of grape-like succulents, this plant (Sedum morganianum) has a luxuriant look to it and is often found hanging in bathrooms. You could extend the luscious vines further by adding chain stitches to the pattern.

FINISHED SIZE
The longest strands are 
approximately 6in (15cm) long.

What you need

YOU WILL NEED

• Scheepjes River Washed, 78% cotton, 22% acrylic (142yd/130m per 50g ball):
  1 ball in 962 Narmada (A)
• Scheepjes Merino Soft, 50% wool, 25% microfibre, 25% acrylic (115yd/105m per 50g ball):
  1 ball in 607 Braque (B)
• 3.5mm (UK9:USE/4) crochet hook
• Polyester stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Plant pot approximately 2¾in (6cm) in diameter

TENSION

Tension is not essential for this project. 

NOTE

This plant’s distinctive leaf structure is recreated using loop stitch

Instructions

Small vine (make 3)

Using 3.5mm hook and A, ch 11 sts.

Row 1: 1 dc in second ch from hook,
dc to end, turn.

Row 2: 1 ch, work 1 loop in st at base of ch, and then in every dc to end, turn and work down the other side of the chain sts (20 loops).

Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.

Medium vine (make 3)

Using 3.5mm hook and A, ch 21 sts.

Row 1: 1 dc in second ch from hook,
dc to end, turn.

Row 2: 1 ch, work 1 loop in st at base of ch, and then in every dc to end, turn and work down the other side of the chain sts (40 loops).

Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.

Large vine (make 2)

Using 3.5mm hook and A, ch 31 sts.

Row 1: 1 dc in second ch from hook,
dc to end, turn.

Row 2: 1 ch, work 1 loop in st at base of ch, and then in every dc to end, turn and work down the other side of the chain sts (60 loops).

Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.

Soil

Using 3.5mm hook and B, make a magic ring.

Round 1: 1 ch, 6 dc into the centre of the ring.

Round 2: 2 dc into each st (12 sts).

Round 3: (1 dc, dc2inc) 6 times (18 sts).

Round 4: (2 dc, dc2inc) 6 times (24 sts).

Rounds 5–12: Work 8 rounds straight.

Round 13: (2 dc, dc2tog) 6 times (18 sts).

Stuff firmly with polyester stuffing.

Round 14: (1 dc, dc2tog) 6 times (12 sts).

Round 15: (Dc2tog) 6 times (6 sts).

Using a tapestry needle, weave this yarn through the last dc sts of the round and gather hole together. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Making up

Using the tails of yarn, sew the end of the vines to the centre of the soil.

Reprinted with permission from Crocheted Houseplants by Emma Varnam, GMC Publications, RRP $27.99, available online & from all good bookshops.