Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look for slimy trails on the leaves or soil.
- Check the undersides of leaves for tiny clusters of insects.
- Inspect the plant at night with a flashlight.
Likely causes
Slugs and Snails
Most likelyHow to tell: Large, irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails left behind.
What to do: Handpick them off in the evening or set up shallow traps with beer. You can also use copper tape around the base of the plant to deter them.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: Small, soft bodied insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or on new stalks.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If the infestation is heavy, use insecticidal soap according to the label.
Find out what's wrong with your rhubarb
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Minor leaf damage is normal and rarely kills the plant. You should only worry if the pests are stunting growth or if the damage is widespread.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around your rhubarb clear of debris where slugs and snails like to hide.
Rhubarb: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rhubarb and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Do I need to use pesticides?
- Avoid harsh chemicals, especially since you are growing food. Physical removal and mild soaps are safer options.
- Will aphids kill my rhubarb?
- Aphids rarely kill established rhubarb, but they can weaken the plant. Keep an eye on them and wash them off early.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Rhubarb
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.