Dwarf Rice Flower Plant Care
Pimelea humilis R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pimelea humilis, also known as common riceflower or dwarf riceflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae and is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It is an erect or scrambling shrub with hairy stems, elliptic to lance-shaped leaves and heads of 12 to 52 of creamy-white, bisexual or female flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dwarf Rice Flower?
Plant Dwarf Rice Flower in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dwarf Rice Flower Native To?
What Is the Dwarf Rice Flower?
Dwarf Rice Flower (Pimelea humilis) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Pimelea genus. Dwarf Rice Flower is native to south-eastern Australia.
Dwarf Rice Flower displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dwarf Rice Flower produces small clusters of pink, white, or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Water a young or newly planted Dwarf Rice Flower every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Dwarf Rice Flower Need?
Dwarf Rice Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf Rice Flower Prefer?
Pimelea humilis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Dwarf Rice Flower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Rice Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Feed Dwarf Rice Flower every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dwarf Rice Flower is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Dwarf Rice Flower can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Prune Dwarf Rice Flower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Dwarf Rice Flower in Winter?
Dwarf Rice Flower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Dwarf Rice Flower?
Dwarf Rice Flower can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coastal rice flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dwarf Rice Flower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dwarf Rice Flower, 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 Dwarf Rice Flower?
Dwarf Rice Flower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Dwarf Rice Flower Need?
Dwarf Rice Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dwarf Rice Flower is native to south-eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Rice Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dwarf Rice Flower 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 Pimelea genus — compare its care with other Pimelea species on PlantoScan.
Pimelea is part of the Thymelaeaceae plant family — browse all Thymelaeaceae genera and species.
Dwarf Rice Flower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pimelea Species
Other Pimelea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pimelea humilis R.Br., family Thymelaeaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 361 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf Rice Flower, 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 13a, 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.
