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An Illustration of a Watermelon Peperomia with heart-shaped green leaves, detailed with dark green stripes and brown stems, set against a beige background.

Watermelon Peperomia

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Peperomia argyreia'

KNOWN AS: Watermelon Begonia

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Northern South America | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: This plant is small, but it will be very noticeable because its leaves look like the rind of a watermelon. You can put this plant by itself or with some friends.

moderate difficulty & pet safe

Watermelon Peperomia Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Place your watermelon peperomia in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Opt for a spot near a west or east-facing window where your plant can enjoy gentle, filtered light. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves of your watermelon peperomia. If your space lacks natural light, using LED grow lights is a great choice.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Peperomia plants that are grown inside need only moderate watering; they shouldn't be overwatered. These plants are native to tropical climates and demand somewhat damp soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely or become soggy. Root rot and other fungal infections are brought on by excessive watering. In order to avoid overwatering and guarantee adequate soil moisture levels, it is advisable to use a well-draining soil mixture and a pot with drainage holes. It's crucial to remember that depending on the size of the pot, the relative humidity of the space, and the quantity of light the plant receives, the frequency of watering will change.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Popular indoor plants known as watermelon peperomia are prized for their eye-catching foliage that has patterns similar to those of a watermelon. The ideal temperatures for these plants are between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius) at night and between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) during the day. Due to their sensitivity to temperature extremes, it's necessary to keep them away from environments that are below or above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). The optimal conditions for Watermelon Peperomia plants to flourish and exhibit their distinctive foliage will be provided by maintaining a moderate and consistent temperature within the advised range.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 50%; Moderate Humidity

Peperomia is a type of watermelon that is native to the tropical parts of South America. It does best in a moist environment. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during the dry winter months, to make the air feel like this. You can also put a tray of water near the plant. As the water evaporates, it will create a humid area around the plant. Another option is to put your Watermelon Peperomia with other plants. When plants evaporate unused water, they make the air around them more humid. But make sure to give each plant enough space so they don't get too close to each other. You can also keep humidity levels up by misting your plant. Mist the leaves and stems with water at room temperature in the morning. The droplets of water can look like the dew that forms in this plant's natural environment. Make sure not to mist too much, because too much water can cause mold or other problems. Lastly, it's important to keep the soil evenly wet, but not so wet that it can't drain. Root rot can happen if you water your plant too much, which is bad for its health. When the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch, water your Watermelon Peperomia.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Stem cuttings can be used to make more Watermelon Peperomia plants. Take a cutting of a stem that is at least 3 inches long and has at least three leaves. Remove the leaves at the bottom of the cutting, leaving only a few at the top, and let the cutting dry out for a day or two. Plant the cutting in a mix of soil that drains well and keeps the soil moist but not soggy. Place the cutting in a bright area that isn't directly in the sun. You can also put the cutting in a plastic bag or a terrarium to make it more humid and help the roots grow. Be patient, because it may take a few weeks for the cutting to grow roots and start to grow. With this method of propagation, you can make new plants from your indoor Watermelon Peperomia plant to add to your collection or give to friends.
Toxicity
Watermelon Peperomia is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage that resembles the patterns found on watermelon rinds. The good news is that Watermelon Peperomia is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other common household pets. This plant is generally safe to have around, and accidental ingestion or contact with the Watermelon Peperomia plant is unlikely to cause significant harm. However, it's important to note that while the plant itself is non-toxic, it's still not recommended to consume the leaves or any parts of the plant, as it may cause minor gastrointestinal upset.
Repotting
Every year or two, or when the plant has grown too big for its current pot, you should repot a watermelon Peperomia. To repot a Watermelon Peperomia plant, pick a new pot that is slightly bigger than the old one and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, fill the new pot with potting mix that drains well, leaving enough room at the top for the root ball of the Watermelon Peperomia plant. Carefully take the plant out of its pot, being careful not to hurt the roots. Loosen the roots gently and get rid of any that are dead or broken. Place the plant in the new pot, making sure that the top of the root ball is even with the top of the pot. If you need to, add or remove soil to get the plant to the right height.
Pruning
Indoor Watermelon Peperomia plants don't need to be pruned often, but they can look neat and bushy if they are occasionally trimmed. First, find the stems or leaves that need to be cut on an indoor Watermelon Peperomia plant. Cut the stem back just above a leaf node or at the stem's base with pruners that are clean and sharp. This will make branches and new growth more likely. You can also cut off the tips of the stems to make them grow bushier. Be sure to clean your pruning shears before and after you use them to keep diseases from spreading. It's important not to cut off more than one-third of a plant at a time because doing so can cause stress and slow growth.
Fertilizing
Feeding indoor Watermelon Peperomia plants on a regular basis helps them grow healthy roots and leaves. The best time to fertilize your plant is when it is growing, which usually happens between spring and fall. Use a balanced fertilizer that dissolves in water and dilute it to half the strength recommended. Before you put fertilizer on your plant, make sure it has plenty of water to keep the roots from getting burned. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks or as directed on the package. Don't use too much fertilizer, though, or the leaves will get burned and the plant won't grow as well. You can also add long-lasting nutrients to the soil by mixing in things like compost or worm castings. To keep salts and other chemicals from building up in the soil, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use fertilizers made just for indoor plants.
Soil
Watermelon Peperomia plants do best in soil that drains well and is full of organic matter. A good mix of soil for Watermelon Peperomia plants should include peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and some organic matter, like compost or old manure, to give the plant the nutrients it needs. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5. Don't use heavy or clay-filled soil mixes because they can cause the soil to hold on to too much water, which can cause root rot. It's also important to make sure the soil is loose and airy so that it drains well and the roots can get oxygen.

Hanging Heights

Watermelon Peperomia Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Watermelon Peperomia

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Watermelon Peperomia

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Watermelon Peperomia

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Watermelon Peperomia

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Watermelon Peperomia

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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