Peperomia argyreia, or, the watermelon peperomia !
Just so we all understand, the watermelon peperomia is no relation at all to watermelons and just because it’s safe for cats and dogs, does not mean we should try it to see if it tastes like watermelon!
The common name occurs because, as you can see, the plant leaves look like a watermelon skin. Peperomia argyreia usually only grow to about 20cms high and about 40cms wide. The have lush deep green leaves that are slightly fleshy and have silver curved stripes, sitting atop red stems. I find that in the right light the leaves sparkle. Also, tiny green flower spikes appear in summer.
This plant is a great wow factor plant once it grows into its shape. Perfect for coffee tables, where you can switch off the TV and just gaze lovingly at its leaves and like all really cool plants, it has gained the gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
This plant requires very little care and attention and any problems with it usually occur due to excessive love/overwatering! In fact, watermelon peperomia is the poster child for KEEP IT SIMPLE - lots of light, no overwatering and no cold conditions (including air conditioning on Arctic temperatures).
It doesn’t need a lot of water, at the moment mine gets a good soak once a week and as the weather cools off, I’ll try to push it out to once a fortnight as my house is very cold in winter and plants don’t dry out as much. Never let them sit in water and always check your soil first, as your indoor conditions my be different to mine....
How do you check your soil for moisture? Easy, simply stick your finger in it, if it’s dry, water, if it’s wet, leave another day! Very technical I know! Another great way is to feel the weight of the pot. If you pick it up and it’s really light, the plant needs a drink. This is a good way to tell dampness with potting mixes that rely heavily on peat or coir.
I have found Peperomia argyreia hate dark spots, they prefer lots of light, but not direct sunlight. They are slow growing and don’t like to be over potted, I only ever pot up to next size pot and only when the original plant is very pot bound.
They do love a bit of humidity, so you can either spray the leaves once a week, or you can soak the entire plant in a bucket for a few seconds so soil and foliage gets wet, but only do this in the warmer months.
I mix a little liquid fertiliser into my spray bottle, so I’m liquid fertilising at same time or if I’m soaking I add a little bit of liquid fertiliser to my soak bucket. I also fertilise all my indoor plants at the turn of every season with Organic Link, a certified organic slow release fertiliser.
Peperomias are usually very easy to care for, but I have found Peperomia argyreia can be a little sensitive, because it’s hard to get the watering and light conditions perfect for them, keep I mind though that they hate to be over loved.
If you have a bright spot in your home and you are a forgetful waterer, than maybe this is the plant for you
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The photo is of mine from last week - in the past, I have struggled with these guys and may have killed a few, but this spot is perfect for them. Morning sun comes in the window, but no actual sun hits the leaves, so it’s really bright and warm. It’s in a spot I constantly look at and think ‘I must water that’, but never do, so the plant dries out! Thirdly, you can see that the pot sits just above the rim of my planter. Normally I hate this look, but in this instance it’s perfect as it’s never sitting in water as the pot isn’t sitting all the way to base of planter.