Watermelon Peperomia: complete file and care

Peperomia watermelon is tropical

Image – Wikimedia/Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Watermelon Peperomia, trade name by which the species is known Peperomia argyreia, is that of a grass of tropical origin which has small but very pretty leaves. It doesn’t grow much; In addition, it is normal that it does not exceed ten centimeters in height. The roots are superficial and short, so we are talking about a plant that can be potted, which, on the other hand, is necessary if it is grown in an area with cold winters.

It grows at a slow but steady rate, although it stops in fall or winter if the temperature drops below 18 degrees Celsius. And it is that it is a plant that likes heat if it is not extremewe will therefore only see it “active” in spring and summer.

Contents

What is the origin of peperomia watermelon?

Peperomia watermelon is a perennial herbaceous plant

Image – Wikimedia/Yercaud-elango

watermelon peperomia is a small perennial herb that grows in tropical regions of Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela. It grows in places where there is plenty of light, but it will always be found in protected areas, as it does not tolerate direct sun.

In popular parlance, it receives various names, such as garden meloncito, watermelon peperomia, watermelon peperomia or even watermelon begonia, despite the fact that it has no relation to begonias.

What are their characteristics ?

It is a compact plant that reaches a height of about 30 centimeters and which reaches more or less the same width. It grows forming a basal rosette of leaves, from the center of which grow new ones as well as flowers. These leaves are rounded, pointed, green with white lines and a long reddish petiole. These are its main attraction.

As for the flowers, they are grouped in an inflorescence about 10 centimeters high and less than half a centimeter wide, and they are white.

care guide for Peperomia argyreia

Peperomia watermelon is a small herb

Image – Wikimedia/David J. Stang

Let’s move on to care, since peperomies in general and Peperomia argyreia in particular, they are very delicate. If the climate is tropical; that is, if the temperatures remain between a minimum of 18 ºC and a maximum of 30 or 35 ºC, and if the humidity of the air is also high, either because it rains frequently and/ or because you are near the sea, a river or a swamp, then it will not be very difficult for you to keep it beautiful, because these are the conditions it needs to grow well.

Now, when it is grown in a country like Spain, where there are very few places where these conditions exist, things get complicated. As we said before, the cold is one of its main enemies, so if there is any we will have no choice but to keep it indoorseither during the fall and winter months or throughout the year.

Let’s see how to take care of it:

Indoor or outdoor?

watermelon peperomia It can be indoors and outdoors as long as there are no frosts.. If he must be indoors, we will place him in a room with plenty of light, a little away from the window so that he does not suffer burns. Likewise, it is very important that it is not exposed to drafts, such as those generated by the fan or the air conditioning device, since these dry out the environment and cause burning of the extremities.

If he’s going to be outside, we’ll put him in the shade, in an area where there is a lot of light. For example, a good spot might be in the shade of a leafy tree.

In a pot or in the ground?

Peperomia watermelon is a tropical herb

Image – Wikimedia/Yercaud-elango

Of course, if he has to be at home, there will be no choice but to have him in a pot. But if you intend to grow it outdoors, even if there is frost in your area, you can decide whether to plant it in the garden or not since if so, you can plant it with the pot so that in the fall it is easy for you to take it out and put it back inside. But in any case, it should be borne in mind that the soil should be rich in organic matter and well drained.

A) Yes, in pots it is advisable to use a universal substrate for plants whose mixture contains perlite like that. And if the garden soil is compact, you will have to dig a hole of about 50 x 50 centimeters and fill it with this substrate, or mix the garden soil with 50% clay.

When is it watered?

Peperomia watermelon is a plant that need to be watered from time to time, with rain or soft water. Avoid watering with lime-rich water, as this will clog the pores of the leaves.

Likewise, it must be ensured that the soil always remains a little moist, but not waterlogged. So that problems do not arise, we advise you to check the humidity of the soil as indicated in this video, and to water if it is dry:

If the air humidity is very low, in addition to watering, we will need to spray the plant daily so that it does not suffer any damage. But be careful, I insist: only if it is low, less than 50%. And it is that if it is high and we pulverize it, what we will get is that it fills up with fungus and rot. You have more information in this article.

When do you have to pay it?

Watermelon peperomia will enjoy being paid for while it grows, i.e. in spring and summer. To do this, you can apply fertilizers such as guano (on sale here) or compost.

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