Amazing Tips for WaterMelon Peperomia Care
Are you tired of witnessing your watermelon peperomia plants die one after another? Then go through the article to know about a plant, which is classy and easy to nourish. Watermelon Peperomia Care is money for old rope.
Native to northern South America, including Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, and Ecuador, Watermelon Peperomia hails from the family of Piperaceae. The plant is appreciated for its beautiful, fleshy, rounded leaves, which resemble the watermelon rinds. Other than that, this one is a low-growing plant and it grows only upto 6 to 8 inches tall.
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Watermelon Peperomia Care is No Sweat!
The leaves of watermelon Peperomia will remind you of the juicy, round watermelon and thick rinds. However, growing Peperomias is not as critical as it may sound. That is so because normally, the plant can be grown in small pots and is easy to shift.
When fully grown, it develops into such elegant foliage that even Hoyas look ordinary in comparison. As well as thick leaves marked with silver and dark green stripes, check all the boxes on your list for a graceful plant. So, check out some basic daycare tips for the healthy growth of the plant.
Growing Conditions
Watermelon peperomia grows best when planted in containers or hanging baskets. To ensure proper drainage, do not forget to make a hole at the bottom of the pot.
When it comes to soil, peperomia isn’t demanding. It can grow in any regular, commercial, good-quality potting soil. However, it is best to add a homemade blend containing peat moss, loam, and compost ingredients.
Besides that, you can also increase drainage by adding a handful of sand to the mixture. However, it is advised not to use excessively fertile soil, leading to the plant growing needlessly.
Light Requirements
You should keep your peperomia in a place where it gets consistent bright light but mostly indirect. However, too much light can fade the vivid colors of the variegated foliage. Just keep in mind that intense the light they get, the sooner they will dry out. It is best to monitor them now and then so that they do not dry out.
If you want to keep them inside, a window with northern or eastern exposure provides excellent light. However, if you prefer them outside, you can find a place in your garden or porch where they can absorb morning light. It is recommended that you keep them in the shade or filtered light for the rest of the day.
Watering Tips
One essentinal things to remember about watermelon peperomia care is that it requires frequent watering. Watermelon Peperomia is a tropical plant that prefers moist conditions, but it is likely to stem rot in soft and wet soil. If you think that the soil is slightly dry, you should deeply water the plant and let it drain to the hilt.
Always remember not to leave the plant in standing water as it may lead to gradual decay. In winter and fall, water your peperomias frequently, allowing more time between each watering so that it gets time to dry more than usual.
Be Cautious of Winter Temperatures
Winters can be critical for peperomias. So you need to take extra care because they can not stand freezing temperatures. If you keep them outdoors during warm weather, it is mandatory that you bring them as soon as the nighttime temperatures reach 65 degrees of Fahrenheit.
Suitable temperatures for the plant are 85 F during the day and low 60’s F at night.
Minimal Fertilization is Required
When it comes to watermelon peperomia care, always remember that the plant do not need a lot of fertilization. Watermelon Peperomia is a plant that can thrive at minimal fertilization. Being a light feeder, its needs are less than few. All you have to do is add a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in small proportions to the soil, once every month.
Too many nutrients can cause the plant to grow into an awkward, scrawny plant instead of a bushy, compact plant. You should completely avoid the granular fertilizers as they are strong and may lead to discoloration of the alluring foliage.
Watermelon Peperomia Propagation
Now that you know about watermelon peperomia care, let’s have a look at the propagation. You can easily propagate these plants, as there are numerous ways to do so. Stems, tips, and leaf cuttings will all take root and gradually develop into new watermelon peperomias. However, you have to make certain that you disinfect your shears before making any slits.
There are two methods to propagate the plant. Simply cut the petiole, which is the “leaf stem,” and plant it in water or soil. The other method to grow watermelon peperomia is to take the leaf cuttings. You would have to cut the leaf in half horizontally and then insert the leaf segment with the cut side into the soil.
How long will it take for the pups to show up? Obviously, time varies in both methods. The latter is supposed to grow in a short period. If you use water for initial propagation, you can only place them in soil once the cuttings develop roots.
Protip: Whenever you plant a peperomia, it is recommended that you do multiple cuttings because not every one of them will grow roots.
Final Words
Easy to propagate, needs minimum fertilization, elementary potting-mix, what else are you looking for? Watermelon Peperomia is not only a delight to the eyes but also comes with trouble-free maintenance. It is a cute little plant that not only provides an aesthetic look to the interior of your house but also enticing to guests. Therefore, follow the above discussed Watermelon Peperomia care tips and enjoy the sight of decorous vegetation. Other than that, you can also grow herbs following the herb garden ideas, if you are into organic stuff. If you enjoyed reading the plant’s basic care tips, let us know by dropping a comment.
