Watermelon Peperomia Care: Peperomia Argyreia, Growing and Propagation

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The watermelon peperomia aka Peperomia argyreia [pep-er-ROH-mee-uh ar-GY-ree-uh] is an herbaceous perennial native to South America (Brazil).

The variegated leaves resembling the patterns found on watermelon rinds earned the common name of “Watermelon peperomia.” It is one of the more popular Peperomia varieties.

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a stunning and super-trendy houseplant. It shows off beautiful tear-drop-shaped green leaves with dramatic silver stripes. Red leaf stems (petioles) offer an attractive complement.

The genus name “peperomia” comes from two Greek words: peperi (pepper) and homoios (resembling). “Argyreia” means silvery.

The plant looks like the true black pepper plant. It is a member of Piperaceae (pepper) family and list for growing in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.

watermelon peperomia called 'argyreia'

Watermelon Peperomia Care

Size & Growth

When grown as indoor house plants, this easy care peperomia, low-growing plant reaches 6″ or 8″ inches tall. In the right environment, the plants are is quite vigorous, growing and reproducing quickly.

Flowering & Fragrance

The flowers of the watermelon peperomia are small, green and unscented. They appear on 3″ inch long, red stems rising above the foliage.

Many growers of peperomia plants trim off the flowers. They are not attractive and rob the plant of energy which it could use to produce more attractive fleshy leaves with dark green stripes.

Light & Temperature

For the most part, this plant is a houseplant. It is best to keep it in a sheltered location with bright light.

Grow your watermelon peperomia where it gets medium to bright light for best results. That means it should cast a medium to strong shadow much of the day in the spot where you grow it. Avoid direct afternoon sun through a window in hot climates, though, particularly in summer. It can suffer sunburn.
Tip: Watermelon peperomia does not need natural sunlight to thrive. It enjoys both natural and artificial light.

To keep these warm weather plants happy, maintain a room temperature of 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit. These tropical plants do not like it when temperature’s drop.

These plants do well in bright light but do not handle direct sunlight. Even excessive indirect bright light causes the dark green veins on the peltate leaves (shaped like a shield) to become less prominent.

With too little light the entire leaf loses the “watermelon” silver variegation and becomes darker green. Peperomia thrives in an east facing window.

How Often To Water Peperomia Argyreia

Although water requirements are low, it is important to keep an eye on your watermelon peperomia plant.

When watering allow the soil to almost dry in the top inch or so before you water again. Then thoroughly water the plant.

If the semi-succulent leaves droop or feel a bit thin, it may also be time to water.

Increase humidity levels higher during the spring and summer growing season.

Because watermelon peperomia has relatively thick leaves, it tends to hold up well if it gets a little too dry.

CARE TIPS: Place the plant on a pebble tray or keep a humidifier in the room.

Waterless during the semi-dormant season (late fall and winter).

Fertilizer

As with most houseplants, it’s best to under-fertilize rather than over-feed. Use a water-soluble liquid fertilizer solution at about half or one-third the labeled recommended strength.

Feed plants about once a month during the growing season. Feed once every two or three months during the dormant season.

Soil & Transplanting

Peperomia does well in a rich, well-draining potting soil. A mixture of equal parts peat moss and perlite is an ideal potting mix.

When repotting Peperomia, be careful not to give it too much room. These plants like to be slightly root bound, so it’s best to opt for a pot that seems a little bit too small.

However, make sure the pot has a drainage hole.

Grooming And Maintenance

These plants do not tend to wander or stray. Pinch off dead leaves as needed. Cut back the flowers altogether if you prefer a leafy plant. Otherwise, cut them back after blooming is complete.

How To Propagate Peperomia Argyreia

It is almost impossible not to propagate the watermelon peperomia plant. Grow the plant from a leaf or stem cutting in soil or water.

To propagate plants from leaf cuttings, cut a leaf in half and press it into the soil. New plants will grow from the veins. The use of rooting hormone speeds the rooting process.

To propagate from stem cuttings, leave the stem on the leaf, and place it in clean water. Change the water every couple of days. You will soon see roots appear.

Growing from leaf cuttings in soil is the preferred method. The roots produced this way are stronger than those raised in water.

Watermelon Peperomia Pests and Diseases

This plant does not have any serious disease or insect problems. Like most houseplants, if you overwater, you will have problems with root rot.

Weak plants are susceptible to whitefly, spider mite, and mealybug infestation. More on killing mealybugs.

Suggested Uses For Watermelon Peperomia

In its native South America, this plant is a tropical forest ground cover. This colorful evergreen does well in tropical outdoor settings in partial shade.

As a house plant, you will have the greatest success by providing ample warmth, humidity, and dappled light.

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