Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems
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Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia) thrives in bright indirect light, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing period.
Watermelon Peperomia is an easy-care plant, an excellent choice for beginners because it tolerates a range of light levels and does not demand very frequent watering. In this guide you will learn everything you need to know to keep your plant happy.
Let's first look at some facts about this stunning plant. Watermelon Peperomia also called Watermelon Begonia is among the popular Peperomia varieties on account of its compact size and magnificent foliage.
Watermelon Begonia is a compact, upright, bushy plant with slightly-fleshy, oval-shaped, green leaves which are strikingly marked with curved silver stripes resembling the skin of a watermelon, hence the common name.
The stems are red-colored and the flowers are insignificant, rat-tail, flower-heads made up of green flowers on an upright spike.
The spectacular foliage make Watermelon Peperomia one of the best plants for the home as it will be a magnificent sight in any space.
Botanical name: Peperomia argyreia
Synonmy name: Peperomia sandersii
Family: Piperaceae
Common names: Watermelon Peperomia, Watermelon Begonia
Origin
Peperomia argyreia is native to the tropical rain forests of northern South America where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.
How big does Peperomia argyreia get?
Peperomia argyreia is a compact plant which grows to a height of about 12 inches and about 10 inches wide making it one of the best plants for a study table or an office desk without sunlight.
Is Peperomia argyreia toxic?
No. Peperomia argyreia like other Peperomia Plants is non-toxic to both humans and pets. It is among the pet-safe plants ideal for growing in a home with children, cats, dogs and other pets.
Where to Buy
Watermelon Peperomia is a valuable addition to any plant collection. You may obtain these plants online from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Peperomia argyreia Care Indoors
To care for Peperomia argyreia indoors, give it bright indirect light (dappled light), warmth of 18-250C, humidity of 50-60% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained succulents potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing period.
Peperomia Watermelon Plant care requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat and tidy, to encourage a bushy growth as well as minimize pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when the plant is extremely pot-bound as it grows best when the roots are confined. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
How often should I water Peperomia argyreia?
Do not water on aschedule. Water your Peperomia argyreia liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.
Significantly decrease watering in fall and winter to keep the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can lead to wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Use chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent staining and browning of leaf edges. Only water with room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can cause stunted growth and leaf fall.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging which can result in root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Does Watermelon Peperomia like direct sunlight?
No. Watermelon Peperomia grows best in bright indirect light; place it infront of a large, bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunshine to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Can Watermelon Peperomia tolerate low light?
No. Too little light will result in a leggy plant as the plant tries to reach for the light source. Therefore, if the natural lighting is not adequate, consider using a grow light to increase it.
Once in a while turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and also prevent legginess.
Temperature & Humidity
Peperomia argyreia prefers a warmth of 18-250C; a room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant.
Keep the plant away from sources of drafts as they can result in sudden changes in temperatures which can lead to reduced growth, brown leaf tips and leaf drop.
Peperomia Watermelon Plant prospers in a humidity of 50-60%. Too low humidity can cause the plant to develop brown leaf tips and edges. To heighten humidity, set pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Ensure good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other humid areas in the home.
Potting Soil
What is the best soil for Watermelon Peperomia?
The best soil for Watermelon Peperomia should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents mix is ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
What fertilizer does Watermelon Peperomia like?
Feed your Watermelon Peperomia with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks in the growing period for lush growth. Withhold feeding in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time.
Flush out accumulated salts regularly by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to clear most of the salts.
Repotting
Repot Watermelon Peperomia 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 prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these pots with multi mesh drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Watermelon Peperomia involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat as well as minimize pest and disease infestations.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as discourage pest and disease infestation.
Peperomia argyreia Propagation
Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia) propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season from leaf cuttings or by plant division.
1. Propagating Watermelon Peperomia from leaf cuttings in water
The leaf cuttings root easily, therefore there is no need for a rooting hormone.
- Take leaf cuttings from a healthy plant and ensure each leaf cutting has a petiole.
- Allow some time for the formation of a protective callus tissue over the cuts of the cuttings to prevent rotting.
- Submerge the petiole of the cuttings in a jar of clean plain water.
- Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.
- Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
- After some time new growth will begin at the base of the cuttings leaf petiole. Allow enough time for substantial growth of the roots and new leaves before tranplanting.
- Transfer the rooted cuttings to individual pots in moist, well-draining soil. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot
- Place the new plants in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established afterwhich you can begin routine care.
2. Propagating Watermelon Peperomia by plant division
- Water the plant 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.
- Carefully slip the plant out of its pot and divide it into several sections. Ensure that each section has adequate roots for faster establishment.
- Pot these sections in individual pots and place in a warm, well-lit place.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges on the sections.
- Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting afterwhich you can begin routine care.
Related Content: How to Propagate Radiator Plants (Peperomia) in 4 Easy Ways.
Peperomia argyreia Problems & Remedies
Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) common problems are drooping, dropping leaves, curling leaves, plant dying, brown leaf tips & edges, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their solutions.
Drooping leaves
Why is my Watermelon Peperomia drooping?
Your Watermelon Peperomia is drooping due to inconsistent watering, soggy soil, dry air, exposure to direct sunlight, temperature stress, pests infestations among other reasons.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do let the soilball dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and loose, free-draining soil.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to raise humidity. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium.
Exposure to direct sunlight: Move the plant to a more shaded spot or instal a light curtain to filter the sunlight from reaching the leaves. Thoroughly water the plant immediately and it should perk up.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, open doors, drafty windows, hot air vents and others to prevent temperature flactuations.
Pests infestations: Inspect the plant regularly and carry out timely control measures.
Find out more from these 14 reasons why Peperomia leaves are drooping and how to fix them
Dropping leaves
Why is my Watermelon Peperomia dropping leaves?
Your Watermelon Peperomia is dropping leaves due to too little light, drafts, inconsistent watering, soggy soil among other reasons.
How to fix it
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have adequate light in your home.
Drafts: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts to maintain a warmth of 18-250C.
Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out and do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining.
Learn more on these 12 reasons why Peperomia is dropping its leaves with remedies
Curling leaves
Why are my Watermelon Peperomia leaves curling?
Your Watermelon Peperomia leaves are curling due to underwatering or dy air.
How to fix it
Underwatering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but do not allow the soil to dry completely.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium where a high humidity can be maintained.
Plant dying
Why is my Watermelon Peperomia dying?
Your Watermelon Peperomia is dying due to too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress, dry air or salts buidup.
How to fix it
Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter spot where is will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have enough natural light in your home.
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch but do allow the soilball dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like heat sources, AC units, windy doors, drafty windows, hot air vents among others.
Dry air: To increase humidity, group the plants together, set pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Salts buildup: Regularly flush out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it flows out through the drainage hole.
Brown leaf tips & edges
Brown leaf tips and edges on Watermelon Peperomia are caused by temperature stress, dry air or underwatering.
How to fix it
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts like drafty windows, windy doors, hot vents, AC units among others.
Dry air: To step-up humidity, set pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.
Underwatering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but do not allow the soil to dry completely. Do not water on a schedule.
Pests
Common pests on Watermelon Peperomia are spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects and mealybugs which are more common in dry air conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers'.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.
- Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to raise humidity to depress the pests infestations.
Diseases
Watermelon Peperomia is prone to leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist leaf spots. In a serious attack the spots can enlarge and merge, killing the whole leaf. It is prevalent in warm, humid conditions.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize spread to the other plants.
- Spray the affected plant with Neem oil and ensure to cover all the parts.
- Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.
- Ensure a good air flow to discourage the disease.
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