After I first noticed the watermelon peperomia’s beautiful leaves, I knew I needed to have considered one of these crops. However after I introduced considered one of these stunning crops residence, I realized there was extra to it than its delicate purple stems and striped inexperienced leaves. Listed here are some stunning information about watermelon peperomia that I’ve found since nurturing considered one of these cute crops.
1. They Have Semi-Succulent Leaves
These crops have thick, fleshy, succulent-like leaves. Nevertheless, individuals debate whether or not or not they’re true succulents. Regardless, their water-filled leaves permit them to outlive quick intervals of drought. So don’t fear if the soil dries out a bit!
2. Attempt the Taco Check
If you happen to ask individuals the way to water these crops, they’ll most likely point out the “taco take a look at.” After I first heard about it, I had no concept what individuals had been speaking about.
Nicely, it seems that folding the leaves in half like a taco shell is an efficient approach to see if it’s worthwhile to water the crops. If you happen to can simply fold the leaves, go forward and water. But when the crops are inflexible sufficient to withstand folding, wait to water.
3. The Flowers Stink
Whereas most individuals purchase these crops for his or her stunning leaves, additionally they produce flowers. The flowers are gentle yellow or off-white and develop in lengthy, skinny spikes.
The flowers could be stunning, however their odor actually shocked me. Some individuals say they odor like a grimy litter field, and others say they resemble canine vomit, however everybody agrees the perfume isn’t nice. Happily, you possibly can simply snip off the flowers to eradicate the odor.
4. Simply Sunburn
Whereas watermelon peperomia crops like a lot of brilliant gentle, they’re delicate to direct gentle. Putting them in an space the place they obtain brilliant, direct gentle can result in burnt and discolored leaves.
A south-facing window is often a good place for these crops, however keep away from a sunroom or outside space that receives direct solar.
5. Susceptible to Root Rot
Root rot is likely one of the greatest issues individuals face with watermelon peperomia crops. Whereas the fungal illness can happen at any time, it’s more likely to look in moist soil. And which means overwatering is usually related to root rot.
Because it’s straightforward to water your plant to demise, keep away from watering till you’re positive it wants it. Keep in mind to make the most of the taco take a look at I discussed above!
6. Straightforward to Propagate
If you happen to occur to overwater your plant and trigger its decline, take into account propagating a brand new plant to take care of. Happily, you possibly can simply type a brand new plant from a leaf reducing.
Use a pointy knife to chop a purple petiole close to the soil floor, then trim it so it’s about half an inch lengthy. Place the top of the petiole in a pot stuffed with a peat-based soil combine, water properly, and canopy it with a plastic bag to lure moisture. The reducing ought to type roots inside a month.
7. Free Soil Combine Is Key
Simply because your plant arrives in a tightly packed peat-based potting combine, it doesn’t imply that is the very best soil on your plant! Since watermelon peperomia crops have semi-succulent leaves and are liable to root rot, they may carry out higher in a chunky and well-draining soil combine.
A regular orchid potting combine works properly for these crops. You may also seize a normal houseplant potting combine and add some pine park and perlite for additional drainage.
8. Pests Can Nonetheless Assault
Though watermelon peperomia crops aren’t as vulnerable to pests as different houseplants, they aren’t immune. Sap-sucking pests like aphids, thrips, and spider mites can take over the leaves and take away the plant’s juices.
Examine new houseplants for pests earlier than including them to your own home, and search for pests once you water. If you happen to discover little pests, take away them with a soapy rag or spray them with neem oil.
9. Good for Pets
Watermelon peperomia crops are non-toxic to canines and cats, so that they’re an important addition to pet-filled properties. After all, you shouldn’t encourage your pets to munch on the leaves, however you don’t have to fret in the event that they do.
Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is within the Peperomia genus, which suggests it’s intently associated to different common Peperomia houseplants! Another crops on this genus embrace the emerald ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata), ivy peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea), and child rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia).
Though these crops are in the identical genus, they’ve completely different progress habits and appearances. Some develop as epiphytes in tropical forests, whereas others have thick, succulent leaves and develop within the soil at excessive altitudes.
Wrapping Up
Now that you recognize some lesser-known information about watermelon peperomia, you’re able to take care of considered one of these crops. Present it with brilliant gentle, use a well-draining potting combine, and keep away from overwatering.
For extra, see my step-by-step Watermelon Peperomia care information. Plus, study all concerning the many makes use of and advantages of Watermelon Peperomias.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State College. She manages a small market backyard the place she grows greens and herbs. She additionally enjoys rising flowers and houseplants at residence.
