If you want to know how to grow watermelon peperomia then you are at the right place. Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) has become extremely popular among houseplant enthusiasts due to its stunning watermelon-patterned foliage. They have a compact growth habit, and their leaves are not only colorful but also shimmery, which is especially beautiful when the sunlight catches them.
Watermelon peperomia are tropical plants native to South America that grow naturally in the rainforest understory and adapt exceptionally well to indoor growing.
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Watermelon Peperomia Treatment: How to Grow Watermelon Peperomia
Overall, watermelon peperomia are simple to care for and grow as houseplants, especially if you keep track of your watering schedule. Because peperomia are moisture-loving plants, this plant may not be for you if you have a habit of forgetting to water your plants for weeks at a time. While they do produce flower spikes in the spring and summer, the blooms are insignificant, and some growers choose to remove them so that the plant can concentrate its energy on producing foliage instead.
1. Light
Choose a location that receives bright to medium indirect light for your watermelon peperomia. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time because their leaves are prone to burning. They can survive in lower light conditions, but their leaves will be smaller and their growth will be leggy.
2. Soil
These peperomia thrive in most standard potting mixes as long as they are well-draining and can retain some moisture. Avoid soil designed for plants that prefer drier soil, such as cacti and succulents, as it will not absorb enough water to sustain the plant. A 1:1 mixture of peat moss and perlite can also be used to treat watermelon peperomia.
3. Water
Allow the top couple inches of soil to dry out between waterings, then thoroughly water. Watermelon peperomia are susceptible to both overwatering and underwatering and should not be allowed to dry out or sit in water for an extended period of time.
4. Humidity and temperature
Watermelon peperomia thrives in warm, slightly humid weather. However, typical household temperatures and humidity levels are sufficient for these tropical plants. Simply keep your peperomia away from vents and drafty windows, which can dry out the air around the plant.
5. Fertilizer
During the growing season, these peperomia can benefit from regular fertilization. During the spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
Watermelon Peperomia Propagation
Watermelon peperomia are delightfully easy to propagate and are sometimes referred to as “friendship plants” because it is so simple to share your plant with a friend. Propagation is best done during the growing season, which is either spring or summer. Watermelon peperomia propagates primarily through division and leaf cuttings.
Watermelon peperomia that is happy and healthy will begin to send up offshoots/pups that can be divided and planted in their own pots. Watermelon Peperomia Propagation Steps:
- Remove the entire plant from the potting container to examine the roots and carefully separate the offshoots.
- Identify the offshoots you want to separate from the plant (smaller than 1 inch offshoots should be left in the original pot) and gently tease the roots away from the main plant.
- Plant the newly separated offshoot in its own pot and thoroughly water the soil.
- For the first 1-2 weeks after separation, place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.
- After a few weeks, you can easily resume your normal watering cycle/schedule without any doubt.
Watermelon peperomia, unlike other plants, do not branch at the location where the stem is cut, so if you cut a leaf off, you are permanently sacrificing that stem. Keep this in mind before you begin. On the other hand, a single leaf cutting can be done in two ways. Follow these steps to propagate by leaf cuttings:
- Determine which leaves you want to use and cut the stem so that the separated leaf has 2-3 inches of stem left.
- Take the split leaf and cut it in half, separating the “top” and “bottom” of the leaf. You’ll be left with two halves, one of which still has the stem attached.
- Before planting, fill a container with regular potting soil and moisten it.
- Place the top half of the leaf cutting in the soil, with the cut edge buried and the top half visible.
- Then, take the bottom half of the cutting and plant the stem in the soil, leaving the top half of the leaf exposed.
- Then, place your newly potted cuttings in an area with medium to bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
- After 1-2 months, you should notice new growth sprouting from the cuttings’ leaves/stems. On the other hand, you should allow a few months in order to establish the new plant before transplanting them to their own containers.
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Common Pests & Plant Diseases
A variety of common houseplant pests and diseases affect these plants. Watermelon peperomia can be caused by fungus gnats and sap-sucking pests such as mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These peperomia are also sensitive to overwatering and can quickly develop root rot if their watering is not properly managed.
1. Common Watermelon Peperomia Issues
Watermelon peperomia is typically caused by insufficient watering or pest damage. Otherwise, watermelon peperomia is not a major issue.
2. Curly Leaves
Curling leaves are usually an indication that your plant is overly dry or that the leaves are exposed to too much direct sunlight.
3. Sagging Leaves
Drooping leaves indicate that your plant is thirsty and requires water. This is usually quickly remedied by a thorough watering.
4. Browning of the Leaves
Your peperomia’s leaves could be turning brown for a variety of reasons, including new environmental stress or changes, pest damage, a lack of humidity, or overwatering (if they are brown and mushy). Determine which is applicable to you by evaluating your plant’s environment and care.
5. Yellowing of the Leaves
You might be wondering why this happens. The clear answer is overwatering is the most common cause of yellowing leaves on a watermelon peperomia. To avoid this, ensure that you allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and that you have proper drainage. On the other hand, yellowing leaves can also be caused by some dangerous pests.
FAQs
Q1. How Fast Does Watermelon Peperomia Grow
It is simple to grow more plants when you already have one! Simply cut a healthy leaf from the stem and place it in a vile of water in a sunny location. It will take 6-8 weeks, but you will soon see white roots appear. Plant in soil once a couple of roots have grown between 3-4cm in length.
Taking a leaf cutting is another way to propagate your peperomia. Divide the leaf in half horizontally and place the cut side down in the soil.
Q2. How Big Does Watermelon Peperomia Grow
Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a stunning and extremely fashionable houseplant. On the other hand, it has lovely tear-drop-shaped green leaves with striking silver stripes which look exactly like watermelon. Red leaf stems (petioles) are an eye-catching addition.
This small houseplant, native to South America, is ideal for well-lit desks and tabletops. It only grows to be about 8 to 12 inches tall, making it ideal for displaying on shelves and in large terrariums. Place the watermelon peperomia somewhere you can see it up close: the silver variegation sparkles in bright light.