Peperomia argyreia

Common Names

Watermelon Peperomia, Watermelon Begonia, Watermelon Plant, Watermelon Pepper, Rugby Football Plant

Summary

Watermelon Peperomia is a tropical evergreen perennial native to South America; it grows as a compact rosette with round, fleshy leaves green with silver stripes that resemble a watermelon rind on red stems, reaching about 6–8 inches tall and wide, with small greenish flowers on spikes that are not particularly showy indoors.

Bright indirect light with avoidance of direct sun; well-draining soil; water when the top inch of soil dries; maintain temperatures around 65–75°F (18–24°C) and humidity around 40–60%; propagate by leaf or stem cuttings; repot every 2–3 years; suited for indoor desks, small spaces, and terrariums, and is non-toxic to humans and pets; watch for mealybugs and spider mites.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

6-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade

Soil Type

Well-draining potting mix

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil that retains some moisture but does not become waterlogged.

Soil pH

5.0-7.0, acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green with silver stripes.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen leaves with green and silver stripes.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings (leaf cuttings and stem cuttings), Division

Attracts Wildlife

No wildlife attracted