It’s time to learn the secrets of watermelon peperomia care! This tropical plant is a perfect indoor plant for beginners.
Watermelon peperomia grows naturally in the rainforest, but adapts exceptionally well to indoor growing. It is a charming, compact houseplant known for its eye-catching foliage, which resembles the pattern of a watermelon rind.
Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for this low-maintenance plant.
Watermelon peperomia overview
This pretty tropical plant has oval-shaped leaves with a striking combination of dark green hues and silver or cream-colored stripes. It grows to a moderate size, making it an ideal choice for tabletops or shelves.
Here are some other interesting facts about this pretty plant:
- botanical name – peperomia argyreia
- family – Piperaceae
- type – tender perennial, generally grown as a houseplant.
- sun exposure – bright, indirect light
- bloom time – grown for its foliage, not its flowers. It has small, greenish-white flower spikes in spring and summer, but flowering is relatively rare when grown as a houseplant.
- native to – South America, particularly the regions of Brazil.
- common names – watermelon peperomia, watermelon begonia, watermelon radiator plant, watermelon plant. sometimes mistakenly called peperomia sandersii.
- propagation – Get new plants for free by taking stem cuttings, planted in moist soil or water until roots develop.
- symbolism – watermelon peperomia’s lush foliage is thought, by some, to symbolize growth and abundance.
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Watermelon peperomia care tips
Even though this is a tropical plant, peperomia argyreia is relatively easy to care for. It is tolerant of different light conditions and adapts to the average humidity in most homes.
Here are some growing tips to get the most out of your plant.
Watermelon peperomia light conditions
In its native environment, the plant receives filtered or dappled sunlight which comes through the dense canopy above, resulting in moderate light conditions.
Indoors, try to provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Readers often ask “Can peperomia grow in low light?”.
Although it can tolerate lower light conditions, the plant may grow more slowly in darker rooms. The plant will retain its striped pattern even in lower light conditions, but the intensity of the stripes might diminish slightly compared to medium light conditions.
Insufficient light can also cause the leaves of the plant to droop.
Temperature and humidity needs for peperomia argyreia
Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day. Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C) since the plant is sensitive to cold.
Although higher humidity is always appreciated by tropical plants, watermelon peperomia can tolerate average indoor humidity levels.
You can increase humidity by misting the plant occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby. Grouping it with other plants, or using a humidity tray, will also raise the relative humidity.
Soil needs
Watermelon peperomia doesn’t like to be waterlogged, so use well-draining soil. If your soil is poor quality, add peat moss, perlite, or sand to help improve drainage.
Regular potting soil mixtures for houseplants work well. Watermelon Peperomia likes to sit in snug pots.
If it becomes too pot-bound, repot in the spring using fresh, well-draining soil.
Watering and fertilizer requirements for watermelon peperomia
Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again. When watering, do so thoroughly, but ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Drooping leaves can result from both overwatering and underwatering.
During the growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support growth.
Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Pests and diseases
Keep an eye out for common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, or fungus gnats. Treat any infestations promptly using natural remedies or insecticidal soap.
Where to buy watermelon peperomia
I have found peperomia argyreia at Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. Another good place to look is your local Farmer’s Market and the plant department at Walmart.
Many places sell the watermelon peperomia online:
- You can find it on Etsy
- Amazon has it for sale
- You can find it on Plant Vine
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How to Grow Watermelon Peperomia
Watermelon peperomia is a tropical plant with leaves that look like a watermelon rind. It is easy to care for and adapts to many household conditions.
Print out my growing tips and add them to your garden journal.
Materials
- 1 watermelon peperomia plant
- Potting soil for tropical plants
- Balanced liquid plant fertilizer
Tools
- Watering can
Instructions
- Plant in a soil mix designed for tropical plants. If you don't have this, combine normal potting soil with perlite for best drainage.
- Place watermelon peperomia plant in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Water less in winter.
- Pinch growing tips to make the plant more bushy.
- Watermelon peperomia flowers are insignificant. The plant is normally grown for its pretty foliage.
- Group with other plants to increase humidity.
- The plant likes temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Propagate by taking stem cuttings.
- Does not over winter outdoors, and is normally grown as a houseplant.