Indian Rhubarb Plant Care
Darmera peltata (Torr. ex Benth.) Voss
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Darmera peltata, the Indian rhubarb or umbrella plant, is a flowering plant, the only species within the genus Darmera in the family Saxifragaceae. It is a slowly spreading rhizomatous perennial native to mountain streamsides in woodland in the western United States, growing to 2 m tall by 1 m wide.
Every 3–5 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Indian Rhubarb?
Water Indian Rhubarb every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Indian Rhubarb Native To?
What Is the Indian Rhubarb?
Indian Rhubarb (Darmera peltata) belongs to the Saxifragaceae family within the Darmera genus. Indian Rhubarb is native to mountain streamsides in woodland in the western United States, growing to 2 m tall by 1 m wide. Indian Rhubarb is also known as Umbrella Plant, Peltate Rhubarb.
Indian Rhubarb displays a large, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Indian Rhubarb produces pink, star-shaped flowers in clusters on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Indian Rhubarb?
Darmera peltata requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Indian Rhubarb Need?
Indian Rhubarb thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Indian Rhubarb in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Rhubarb Prefer?
Darmera peltata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Indian Rhubarb prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian Rhubarb?
Rich, moist soil with good organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Indian Rhubarb to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Indian Rhubarb?
Feed Indian Rhubarb every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Indian Rhubarb?
Divide and repot every 3-5 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Indian Rhubarb?
Indian Rhubarb can be propagated through division of rhizomes.
Is the Indian Rhubarb Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Indian Rhubarb, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Indian Rhubarb?
Indian Rhubarb is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Indian Rhubarb Need?
Indian Rhubarb grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Indian Rhubarb is native to mountain streamsides in woodland in the western United States, growing to 2 m tall by 1 m wide. In cooler regions, grow Indian Rhubarb as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Indian Rhubarb is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Darmera genus — compare its care with other Darmera species on PlantoScan.
Darmera is part of the Saxifragaceae plant family — browse all Saxifragaceae genera and species.
Indian Rhubarb copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Darmera peltata (Torr. ex Benth.) Voss, family Saxifragaceae (first published in Gärt. Zentral-Bl. 1: 646. 1899 ; see also Madroño, 24(2): 68-74 (1977)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indian Rhubarb, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Indian Rhubarb Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species