Pilea argyreia
Watermelon peperomia plants, native to the tropical regions of South America, are easy to care for and make a great addition to any houseplant collection. These eye-catching plants are known for their heart-shaped leaves with a unique watermelon pattern on them and can last years with the right care. Let's take a look at what you need to know about caring for watermelon peperomia plants.
Watermelon peperomias thrive in bright indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. It is best to keep them away from windows or direct sunlight as too much sun exposure can burn their leaves. You may need to move your plant closer or farther away depending on the amount of light it receives throughout the day.
When it comes to soil, watermelon peperomias prefer well-draining potting mix that is high in organic matter such as sphagnum peat moss or coco coir. Adding some perlite or sand can also help with drainage and aeration of the soil.
Watering your watermelon peperomia regularly is important, as they prefer moist but not soggy soil conditions. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again, and then give it a thorough soaking until water begins draining from the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering as this could cause root rot or other issues for your plant.
These plants prefer temperatures between 65 - 80°F (18 - 27°C) and higher humidity levels around 50 – 60%. Since these conditions can be difficult to maintain indoors, you may want to consider misting your plant with lukewarm tap water every few days or placing it near a humidifier if possible.
It's recommended that you fertilize your watermelon peperomia once every two weeks during its growing season (spring through summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half its strength and make sure not to overfertilize as this could harm your plant’s growth. Additionally, be sure that you only fertilize while actively growing and reduce frequency during winter when growth slows down significantly.