Watermelon Peperomia

Introduction

Pilea argyreia, commonly known as the Watermelon Peperomia or Watermelon Plant, is a tropical plant native to Brazil and South America. Its ovate leaves have an eye-catching pattern of swirling silver lines with green centers, creating a striking resemblance to watermelons.

The Watermelon Peperomia is an easy-to-care-for evergreen plant well suited for both indoor and outdoor settings. It prefers bright but indirect sunlight exposure paired with humid air and moist soil. As such, it enjoys regular misting during dry spells in order to keep its foliage full and healthy looking. With minimal effort, this attractive plant will reward you year round with its unique beauty!

Watermelon Peperomia Care

This plant prefers medium to bright light and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The Watermelon Peperomia thrives in room temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. As a tropical plant, it enjoys high humidity, but typical room humidity will suffice. Feeding with a diluted general houseplant fertilizer during the growing season will support its growth.

Light

The Watermelon Peperomia prefers medium to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to permanent damage, so avoid placing it in south-facing windows without some form of shading.

Soil

The Watermelon Peperomia thrives in well-draining, breathable soil rich in organic matter. A good potting mix could be an equal mix of peat moss and perlite. This combination will help to retain moisture while still providing sufficient drainage.

Water

This plant enjoys a 'soak and dry' watering method similar to succulents. Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. This method prevents overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

The Watermelon Peperomia does well in standard room temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn't handle cold drafts well, so keep it away from windows and doors during colder months. As a tropical plant, it enjoys high humidity, but can also tolerate average room humidity. If the air is too dry, consider placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase the humidity around it, or use a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

Watermelon Peperomia has moderate fertilizing needs. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed it with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every month. This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow. In the fall and winter, you can cut back on feeding as the plant's growth slows down.