Satin Pellionia (Pellionia pulchra) Care, Pruning, Propagation and Common Problems
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Satin Pellionia (Pellionia pulchra) does well in medium to bright light, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Pellionia pulchra bears small variegated leaves in green and silver, with darker stems and is perfect for the terrarium, bottle garden or a hanging basket. It is one of best plants for hanging baskets.
The Watermelon Pellionia has a high humidity requirement and does not like cold drafts placing it among the popular plants for a closed terrarium as these conditions can be provided inside a terrarium.
Botanical name: Pellionia pulchra
Family: Urticaceae
Common names: Satin Pellionia, Watermelon Pellionia
Origin
Pellionia pulchra is native to South East Asia in Burma, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Related Plants
Another variety of Pellionia that is grown indoors is Pellionia repens commonly called Polynesian Ivy Vine which bears a pale central band on each leaf where the outer margin may be olive or bronzy green.
Toxicity
Satin Pellionia (Pellionia pulchra) is non-toxic to humans and pets as outlined by ASPCA. It is safe to grow in the home or office space.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add Pellionia Plants to your collection, you may acquire the plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Pellionia pulchra Care Indoors
Satin Pellionia (Pellionia pulchra) prefers medium to bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-260C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting mixes coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Pellionia pulchra requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat and tidy, to encourage a bushy growth as well as get rid of the insignifacant flowers to redirect energy to growth. Repotting is only needed when the plant becomes extremely pot-bound. Keep reading for more on the best growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Satin Pellionia liberally during the growing season and keep the soil moist at all times. Reduce watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist.
Ensure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and loss of the plant.
Light Requirements
Satin Pellionia grows best in medium to bright indirect light (filtered light). Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can cause scorching on the leaves (unsightly brown marks on the leaves).
Pellionia pulchra can be grown under a grow light if the natural lighting is insufficient. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth as well as prevent legginess.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for Satin Pellionia is an average warmth of 18-260C. Too cold temperatures may lead to reduced growth. Keep it away from cold drafts as they can cause stunted growth and leaf drop.
Satin Pellionia prefers a humidity of 60-70%. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. You may also grow the plant in a terrarium as a high humidity and warmth can be maintainted inside a terrarium.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Satin Pellionia should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Satin Pellionia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may cause fertilizer burn.
Repotting
Repot Satin Pellionia during the growing season only when the plant has become extremely pot-bound as it grows best when the roots are confined.
Use a pot one size larger than the current one and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these self watering planters on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Satin Pellionia involves pinching any flower buds as they appear. The flowers require a lot of nourishment from the plant which may affect its proper growth.
Remove any dead foliage frequently to keep the plant tidy and discourage pests and diseases. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage a bushy, compact growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy too soon.
Propagation
Satin Pellionia (Pellionia pulchra) propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings or by plant division.
How to propagate Satin Pellionia from stem-tip cuttings
Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy Satin Pellionia. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes. The stem cuttings root easily and there is no need for a rooting hormone.
Insert the cuttings in moist, well-drained soil. Ensure that the rooting container has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Place the set up in warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth on the cuttings is observed.
Transfer the new Watermelon Pellionia to individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.
How to propagate Satin Pellionia by plant division
Water the Satin Pellionia thoroughly at least one day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment. A well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.
Take the plant out of its pot and carefully divide it into several sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least one set of leaves.
Select a 6 or 8 in. pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Fill the pot with free-draining, rooting soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.
Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain it at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.
Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunlight.
Allow the new Watermelon Pellionia to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
Pellionia pulchra Problems
Satin Pellionia (Pellionia pulchra) problems include brown leaf tips, leaf drop, wilting, mildew, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Brown leaf tips and edges
Brown leaf tips and edges in Satin Pellionia are caused by dry air (low humidity) especially where the temperatures are very high. To raise the humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other moist areas in the the home.
You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium where a high humidity can be maintainted. Check out these techniques on how to increase humidity for houseplants.
Brown, wilting leaves
Satin Pellionia brown, wilting leaves are brought about by underwatering which results in too little moisture in the rootzone. If there isn't enough moisture for the plant to take up, the leaves begin to wilt.
Water the plant liberally and maintain the soil moist at all times during the growing season. Decrease watering in the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water houseplants the right way.
Brown-grey dust on the leaves
Brown-grey dust on the leaves of Satin Pellionia is an indication of powdery mildew which is prevalent in a warm humid environment. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it accordingly. Ensure that there is free air circulation for the plant to minimize disease infestations.
Pests
Common pests in Satin Pellionia are aphids, scale insects, whiteflies and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it accordingly. Learn how to identify and control houseplants pests.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop in Satin Pellionia is due to sudden drop in temperature as a result of exposure of the plant to cold drafts. Protect the plant from cold drafts to prevent sudden drops in temperature and maintain an average temperature of 18-260C. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
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