Photo: Sagnik Dutta RoyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Himalayan Rhubarb Plant Care
Rheum australe D.Don
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Originating from the Himalayan region, its striking foliage makes it a sought-after addition to any plant collector's garden. Its vibrant green hue adds a pop of color to any indoor or outdoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Himalayan Rhubarb?
Water Himalayan Rhubarb every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Himalayan Rhubarb?
Himalayan Rhubarb (Rheum australe) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Rheum genus. Himalayan Rhubarb is native to the sub-alpine and alpine Himalayas at an altitude of 4000 m. Himalayan Rhubarb is also known as Indian Rhubarb.
Himalayan Rhubarb displays a large, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Himalayan Rhubarb produces small, greenish-white flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Himalayan Rhubarb?
Rheum australe requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Himalayan Rhubarb Need?
Himalayan Rhubarb thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Himalayan Rhubarb Prefer?
Rheum australe grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Himalayan Rhubarb prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Himalayan Rhubarb?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Himalayan Rhubarb to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Himalayan Rhubarb?
Feed Himalayan 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 Himalayan Rhubarb?
Divide and repot every 3-4 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 Himalayan Rhubarb?
Himalayan Rhubarb can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Himalayan Rhubarb Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Himalayan Rhubarb?
Himalayan Rhubarb is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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 Himalayan Rhubarb Need?
Himalayan Rhubarb grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Himalayan Rhubarb is native to the sub-alpine and alpine Himalayas at an altitude of 4000 m.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Himalayan 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 Rheum genus — compare its care with other Rheum species on PlantoScan.
Rheum is part of the Polygonaceae plant family — browse all Polygonaceae genera and species.
Himalayan Rhubarb thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rheum australe D.Don, family Polygonaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 75 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Himalayan Rhubarb is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sagnik Dutta Roy, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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