- Please plan delivery and receiving accordingly.
- Freezing temperatures can cause damage.
- Move the plant indoors during freezing weather to ensure continued blooming and thriving.
Description
Peperomia argyreia, or Watermelon Peperomia, is a popular, small tropical houseplant known for its glossy, fleshy leaves with striking silver and green stripes resembling a watermelon rind, featuring red stems and tiny summer flower spikes; it thrives in bright, indirect light, requires well-draining soil, and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for desks, but is susceptible to root rot from overwatering.
Origin
Rainforests of northern South America, primarily in Brazil, but also native to Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Symbolism
Good fortune, happiness, and resilience
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Round, waxy leaves with silver/green stripes, red stems, grows 6-12 inches tall.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is best; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorching. Watering: Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings; overwatering causes root rot. Soil: Needs well-draining mix, like peat & perlite. Humidity/Temp: Tolerates average household humidity but prefers warmth; avoid cold drafts. Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season (spring/summer) with diluted balanced fertilizer. Pests: Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, or fungus gnats. Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid intense, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves.
- Water: Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry before watering; prone to root rot from overwatering; bottom watering is recommended.
- Soil: Needs a well-draining mix, like a cactus/succulent mix or peat-based soil.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity but avoid misting leaves directly as it can encourage fungus.
- Temperature: Keep in average room temperatures (65-75°F / 18-24°C) and protect from cold drafts.
Tips for Success
- Group: Plant several small ones together for a fuller look.
- Rotate: Turn the plant occasionally for even growth.
- Fertilize: Feed lightly during the growing season (spring/summer).
- Flowering: Small, insignificant flowers may appear; you can remove them to save energy.
Cold Zone Awareness
Plant care
Caring for plants involves providing the right amount of light and water, ensuring proper soil and drainage, and performing regular maintenance like pruning and fertilizing.
For more information go to Plant Care
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
For information on plant toxicity visit the the following website Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants at ASPCA
This guide provides an estimate of pot and plant sizes, but the actual size of the plant you receive may vary.
POT SIZE: 2"
- Plant size: 2-4"
- Pot top: ~2"
- Pot height: ~1.5 to 2.3"
POT SIZE: 3"
- Plant size: 2-6"
- Pot top: ~3"
- Pot height: ~2.5 to 3.15"
POT SIZE: 4"
- Plant size: 5-10"
- Pot top: ~4"
- Pot height: ~3.2 to 3.5"
POT SIZE: 6"
- Plant size: 8-16"
- Pot top: ~6"
- Pot height: ~4 to 5.5"
POT SIZE: 8"
- Plant size: 12-24"
- Pot top: ~8"
- Pot height: ~6 to 7.5"
POT SIZE: 10"
- Plant size: 16-36"
- Pot top: ~9.2-10"
- Pot height: ~6.9 to 8"
