Everything You Need to Know About Watermelon Peperomia Plants

Name of the plant:

Common name: Watermelon Peperomia

Botanical or Scientific name: Peperomia Argyreia

 

Watermelon Peperomia, or what we commonly call it  ‘watermelon’ is a common name that is used for the species that belong to the genus pepperoni Argyreia. It looks similar to the skin of watermelon, and therefore, it is called by the same name. It is a very commonly bred plant in homes as it is quite easy to be taken care of.

 

About the plant:

Watermelon Peperomia is said to have its origin in South America. It has small but really attractive leaves. The plant is all about its foliage rather than the flowers. The large ones can grow up to 12 inches tall while the smaller ones can grow up to 6 inches. They have a bushy unseat appearance and, therefore, can be used as ground cover or can be used in combination with other plants kept indoors. The roseate bushy appearance of these plants makes it pleasing to look at.

 

Leaves of the plant:

The leaves of these plants are fairly large, and they are attached to the stem. The leaves are oval in shape and green in color with silver stripes. They are fleshy and attached to thin red non-woody stems.

 

Flowers:

The flowers of the plant are not showy. They appear during the summer or the spring season. They grow very less, and they are not even that attractive. The most noticeable part of this plant ally the leaves.

 

How it looks when displayed:

They should be grouped as they are smaller in size because otherwise, they look a bit different and isolated. They can be potted in a planter as well and can be grouped with plants that have the same care need as these plants.

 

How to take care of these plants:

They are very easy to take care of and grows under moderate conditions. One just has to follow the basics of caring for a plant. The plants should be kept at a suitable temperature that is not too warm but with enough light. Also, the plants should not be over-watered, and slightly colder conditions are best for its growth. Even a beginner can very easily take care of these plants.

 

Origin of the plant:

South-America

 

Approximate maximum height it grows to:

6-12 inches.

 

Toxicity:

These are not harmful or toxic to cats and dogs.

 

Temperature:

It requires moderate temperatures ranging from 18-24 degrees Celsius. Slightly lower temperatures can also work out, but it should not be less than 10 degrees as then it stunts the growth of the plant.

 

Light required:

The light that is provided to these plants when they are nurtured at home should be quite similar to the wild conditions they are found in. Usually, they grow in shade spots with no direct contact with the sunlight. So we also need to provide the same kind of conditions at home for them. So a room that has light but no direct contact with the sunlight is best for the growth of these plants.

 

The watering need of the plant:

When you feel like the soil is starting to dry, you should water the plants. However, we should never over-water the plants. Overwatering the plants will make them wilt, and they will die sooner. So one should water the plants in a restricted amount only when the soil starts getting dry. Not before that or not, even when the soil is completely dry and has lost all its nutrients.

 

Soil requirements:

Peat based soil is said to be the best for growing such plants. Also, if you use perlite soil with peat soil in a 2:1 ratio, it is the best for the growth of the plant.

 

Re-potting time:

The best season for re-potting the plant is the spring season. You do not need to re-pot the plant again and again. This can only be done once in three or four years. However, you should use a bigger pot the next time you are re-potting the plant.

 

Humidity level:

 The average room humidity is suitable for the plant. You can also mist the plants if the temperature is too high to maintain their health. Plants that you are growing inside are to grow much better than the plants growing outside of your home due to the appropriate humidity level that they receive inside.

 

Propagation techniques:

The most common and the most used way to propagate this plant is by using stem cuttings. About one inch of the stem cutting is used and is kept inside the soil, which is moist and warm. If the temperature is low, the soil is given heat so that it can easily initiate the root formation.

 

Fertilizer:

Fertilizer helps to boost the growth of a plant, so you can always use fertilizers. But they should be used in the minimum amount to help your plants grow. You can use fertilizer during the spring season. Using diluted liquid fertilizer once a month until the end of the spring season would be the best option.

 

 

So we discussed as to how we can grow watermelon peperomia at home easily. a

All we need is to provide the best conditions for it to grow in. It can be grown inside the home where the light comes in, but it should have no direct contact with the sunlight. The humidity level should be kept moderate, and the temperature should be from 18 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius. It should not be over-watered. It can harm the plant. Soil should be well aired so that it can help in its growth. Fertilizers can be used at times so that it can be grown well. Also, if you want to propagate a new plant, stem cuttings are a very easy method to use for the propagation of a new plant.