Skip to main content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
NYBG Logo
  1. Mertz Library Homepage
  2. Research Guides
  3. Plant & Gardening Help
  4. Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
  5. Home

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia): Home

 
Watermelon peperomia (peperomia argyreia); photo courtesy of Flickr cc/ Leonora (Ellie) Enking
Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) on the forest floor in Central America; photo courtesy of Flickr cc/Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

An important factor in determining the suitability of a plant to your home and envisioning the care it will need, is to know the origin of the plant. Plants that are native to desert regions will require substantial amount of sunlight and loose, fast-draining soil. Plants from the floor of a rainforest will need some protection from strong sunlight and generous humidity.

There are many Peperomia species and cultivars, and while they are largely evergreen, tropical plants they can differ considerably in their habit (bushy, training, upright) and leaf type. On the whole, peperomias are small and slow-growing, so ideal in limited space. Easy to care for, most popular peperomias are native to mossy, tropical forest floors or tree crooks and need, fast-draining, peaty soil. Peperomia argyreia is a bushy type native to the Brazilian forest,with fleshy, variegated leaves. The thick leaves allow it to sustain itself in moderately dry soil. It has unusual, long, slender, white flower spikes that are typical of peperomias and grows no taller than one foot high.

Light:

A spot near a window with bright light for a few hours a day but away from direct sunlight is appropriate for this variegated species. A north-facing window can be ideal. (Green-leaved peperomias need more protection from the sun.)

Water and Humidity:

Do not let the leaves wilt, but let the soil nearly dry between waterings. Water needs are reduced in the winter. Do not shock the roots by using cold water. Mist weekly or stand pots in a wet pebble tray during the summer months. If temperatures rise above 75°F., be aware that additional humidity will be necessary.

Temperature:

Average household temperatures are fine. Keep no cooler than 55º F., but above 65°F. is preferred. Protect from cold window or air conditioning drafts, or proximity to window glass in the winter.

Re-potting:

Plants have very small roots and do not care for re-potting so save this for when it is clearly necessary. Then, re-pot in the spring to one size larger pot, using a peat-based potting mixture.

Nutrition:

From April to September, feed with a standard houseplant food, at half strength, every four weeks.

What to Watch for:

The most common problem is over-watering which can quickly kill a plant. If temperatures are too cool in winter or the compost has been allowed to dry out entirely, leaves will drop.

Ask a Plant Expert

Contact Us

email

plantinfo@nybg.org

Find a Plant at NYBG

Find a Plant at NYBG

Map of NYBG

  • NYBG Garden Navigator
    Use this resource to explore the NYBG grounds, including information about specific plants, bloom times, and garden features.
  • NYBG Garden Guides
    Guides from the Plant Information Office related to specific NYBG gardens, including their history, design, and current plantings.

Related Guides

  • Air plant (Tillandsia)
  • Anthurium
  • Cacti Indoors
  • Calathea
  • Carnivorous Plant Care
  • Citrus as a Houseplant
  • Common Poisonous Houseplants
  • Dracaena
  • Growing Bromeliads at Home
  • Houseplant Basics
  • Houseplant Tips and Troubleshooting
  • Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
  • Living stones (Lithops)
  • Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
  • Mistletoe cactus and coral cactus (Rhipsalis)
  • Money tree (Pachira aquatica)
  • Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
  • Painted lady echeveria (Echeveria derenbergii)
  • Pancake plant (Pilea peperomoides)
  • Pineapple Grown at Home
  • Popular Houseplant Profiles
  • Pothos (Epipremnum)
  • Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
  • Snake plant (Sansevieria)
  • Spike moss (Selanginella)
  • Staghorn fern (Platycerium)
  • Succulents in Your Home
  • Tropical Houseplants
  • Last Updated: Jan 12, 2021 3:45 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.nybg.org/watermelonpeperomia
  • Print Page
Librarian Login
Subjects: Houseplants