Watermelon Peperomia: Care, Maintenace & Common Problems
If you’re a plant lover like me, you might have come across the Watermelon Peperomia. This stunning plant is known for its unique, watermelon-like leaves and is a popular choice among indoor gardeners. However, taking care of this plant can be tricky, especially for beginners.
In this ultimate care guide, I’ll be sharing all the tips and tricks you need to know to keep your Watermelon Peperomia healthy and happy.
All About Watermelon Peperomia
Watermelon Peperomia, also known as Peperomia argyreia, is native to South America, specifically Brazil. It is a small, evergreen plant with leaves that resemble the skin of a watermelon, hence the name.
This plant is considered semi-succulent and has a compact growth habit, reaching up to 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and slightly glossy, making it an excellent choice for indoor decoration.
Toxicity
Watermelon Peperomias are not toxic, making them a great choice for households with small children or curious pets. However, it’s important to note that while they are not poisonous, they can still cause mild discomfort if ingested.
It’s always best to keep any houseplant out of reach of children and pets to avoid any accidental ingestion.
Now that you know a little bit about this unique plant, let’s dive into how to care for it.
How To Care For Watermelon Peperomia
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Watering | Moderate, every 1-2 weeks |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous |
| Temperature | 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 26°C) |
| Humidity | 40% to 50% |
Watermelon Peperomias are great plants for those who are new to plant care, or those who want a low-maintenance addition to their plant collection. They are not particularly difficult to care for and are tolerant of occasional neglect.
With proper lighting, watering, and soil, they can thrive with little attention. Therefore, Watermelon Peperomias are ideal for beginners, busy people, or anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of plants without too much fuss.
Lighting & Placement
When it comes to lighting and placement for Watermelon Peperomias, it’s worth noting that they’re adaptable to various lighting conditions, but prefer bright yet indirect light. While they can manage with low light, they won’t thrive in a dim environment.
It’s best to place your plant in a spot that gets a few hours of morning or evening light, but ensure it’s shielded from direct sun rays, which can scorch the leaves and cause irreversible damage.
If the plant isn’t getting sufficient light, you may observe its leaves turning yellow or dropping off. Conversely, if it’s exposed to too much light, the leaves may start to curl or develop brown spots.
I have experimented with different areas of my house and found that my Watermelon Peperomia is happiest in a bright, northeast-facing room, near a window where it can receive ample light without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Watering
Watering is a crucial aspect of Watermelon Peperomia care. These plants thrive in well-draining soil, so it’s crucial not to overwater them. To determine when to water your Watermelon Peperomia, check the top inch of soil. Water it only when it’s dry to the touch. These plants don’t like to be underwatered, but they also can’t tolerate sitting in waterlogged soil.
When I first got my Watermelon Peperomia, I noticed it was deteriorating quickly, and I couldn’t figure out why. I assumed it needed more water since it was in a small pot that dried out quickly. However, I soon realized that I was watering it too frequently.
Watermelon Peperomias have thick leaves that retain water for an extended period, allowing them to go longer between waterings. Additionally, their thin roots can quickly rot if the soil stays wet, making it essential to avoid overwatering. After cutting back on the watering, my plant started to thrive!
Soil
When it comes to the proper soil and potting requirements for Watermelon Peperomias, it’s important to provide a mix that is both well-draining and moisture-retaining. This ensures that the roots are neither too wet nor too dry.
I recommend a 1:1:1 mixture of peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and compost. This combination allows for proper drainage while also retaining the necessary moisture levels.
Be sure to avoid using heavy, clay soils, as they can lead to root rot due to poor drainage. Using the wrong soil mix can also cause poor growth and nutrient deficiencies, leading to other issues with your plant.
Temperature & Humidity
Watermelon Peperomias prefer temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 26°C), so avoid placing them in a cold or drafty area. In terms of humidity, they prefer moderate to high levels, ideally between 40% to 50%.
If the air is too dry, you may notice brown leaf tips.
To combat this, you can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near your plant. I keep a humidifier in the same room as my Watermelon Peperomia, especially in the winter when the air is drier, to maintain a humidity level of around 45%.
Fertilizer
Watermelon Peperomias do not require frequent fertilizing. You can fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, you should avoid fertilizing as the plant enters a dormant phase.
The best types of fertilizers for watermelon peperomias are water-soluble fertilizers, which can be added to the water you use to water your plant. Organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion or compost tea, can also be used. Just be careful not to over-fertilize your plant, as this can lead to burned roots and leaves.
Growth Rate & Repotting Needs
Watermelon Peperomias are relatively slow-growing plants, typically only adding a few inches in height and spread each year. This makes them great for small spaces, as they won’t outgrow their pots quickly.
However, as they grow, they will eventually need to be repotted. A good rule of thumb is to repot every two years, or when you notice the roots starting to come out of the drainage holes. Repotting should be done in the spring, before the growing season begins, using a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one.
It’s important to note that the pot used for a watermelon peperomia should always have drainage holes. This allows excess water to escape, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged and the roots from rotting.
Pruning
Watermelon Peperomias are easy to care for, but a little pruning can help them stay healthy and look their best. Don’t worry, you don’t need to prune them often, just trim any overgrown or damaged leaves and stems. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from getting too tall and spindly.
I’ve found that pruning during the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing, works best. To avoid damaging the stems, use clean, sharp scissors or shears and cut at a 45-degree angle. Cutting too much can stress the plant, so make sure to only take off what’s necessary.
Propagation
Propagation of Watermelon Peperomias is fairly easy and can be done through both water and soil propagation.
For water propagation, simply cut a stem with a few leaves and place it in a jar of water. Once roots have formed, transfer the cutting to soil.
For soil propagation, plant stem cuttings in well-draining soil and wait for new growth before transferring to a permanent pot.
In my experience, water propagation has been more successful than soil propagation, and I find it more satisfying being able to watch the roots grow!
Common Problems
Although Watermelon Peperomias are generally low-maintenance plants, they may encounter some common issues.
- Overwatering: Symptoms include yellowing leaves, drooping stems, and root rot. Treat by reducing the watering frequency, improving drainage, and allowing the soil to dry out before watering again.
- Underwatering: Symptoms include drooping or wilting leaves and dry soil. Treat by watering thoroughly and more frequently, but allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
- Pests: Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Symptoms include webbing, white fluff, or small brown bumps on leaves and stems. Treat by wiping down leaves with a damp cloth, applying insecticidal soap or oil, or using natural predators like ladybugs.
- Low humidity: Symptoms include brown leaf tips or edges. Treat by increasing humidity through misting, using a humidifier, or placing a tray of water near the plant.
- Too much direct sunlight: Symptoms include scorched leaves or wilting. Treat by moving the plant to a spot with indirect sunlight.
- Rootbound: Symptoms include roots growing out of the drainage holes or a plant drying out quickly after watering. Treat by repotting the plant in a larger pot with fresh soil. Do keep in mind that Watermelon Peperomias actually enjoy being slightly rootbound.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop. Treat by fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Leaves splitting: Symptoms include the splitting of leaves, typically caused by underwatering or low humidity. Treat by watering thoroughly and more frequently, or by increasing humidity through misting or a humidifier.
It’s important to identify the problem as early as possible and take action accordingly to prevent further damage to the plant.
