Share
Overall caring for your watermelon peperomia is quite easy but they do require a few specific needs to keep them looking healthy. These plants are moisture loving plants and do not do well if you happen to forget to water them for a long period of time.
Choosing a location for your Watermelon peperomia is important as they should not be exposed to excessive periods of direct sunlight. Placing them somewhere that receives bright indirect light is ideal for this plant. They do not do well in low light conditions either.
These plants do best in a well-draining potting mix. Avoid soil that is meant for cacti and succulents as this type of soil will not hold enough moisture to keep your watermelon peperomia happy. Using a 1:1 ratio of perlite and peat moss will work for your watermelon peperomia.
Letting the top few inches of soil dry out between watering’s is the best for this plant – and when you do water them – giving them a thorough watering is ideal as these plants love moist soil. However, these plants will not do well if kept in overly saturated soil or if their soil is let to dry out for too long. Be sure to keep up with your watering routine and your plant will be sure to thrive. Reduce your watering frequency during the winter months.
During their growing season – watermelon peperomia can benefit from regular fertilization every 2 – 4 weeks in the summer.
Placing your plant in warm & slightly humid conditions are ideal for keeping it happy. Normal household temperatures and humidity levels are fine for this plant but ensure to keep them away from any drafts that could dry out the air around your plant – leading to it drying out.
You can also help boost the humidity level around your plant by using a spray bottle and lightly misting your plant or by adding a humidifier nearby. This plant prefers to be in temperatures of 65-75ºF (18-24ºC), and no lower than 50ºF (10ºC).
The 2 easiest ways to propagate the watermelon peperomia is by division or leaf cuttings. If this is your first-time propagating, then no need to worry as these plants are known for being one of the easiest to propagate. Sometimes being referred to as the “friendship plant” as they are so easy to propagate.
1. Find the best plant to propagate – look for a mature plant that has at least a few clusters of leaves and established roots.
2. Identify the offshoots that you want to separate from the plant.
3. Separate the roots - Separate the roots with a sharp knife or pair of shears. You want each piece to have at least one leaf as well as a root.
4. Replant your divisions into an individual pot – Water and keep the soil consistently moist for the first 1-2 weeks after separation. Place in location that receives medium in-direct sunlight.
1. Take a cutting of a leaf complete with at least 1” of the red petiole (Leaf stem)
2. Place this cutting into water – Position this cutting so that the base of the leaf stem is covered. The leaf should not be touching the water only the stem
3. Change water weekly and monitor the status of its growth
4. Once you notice roots start to form, you can plant the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil
5. Continue to water and place in in-direct sunlight to help ensure healthy growth
1. Take a cutting – Unlike most plants, the watermelon peperomia doesn’t need a leaf node for successful propagation.
2. Place your new cutting into a pot of soil, with the cut side facing down. Only the tip of your cutting should be under the soil.
3. A good practice is to place a plastic container or bag over your cutting and mist under this dome created to help promote humidity
4. Wait and monitor your new cuttings growth. Within a few weeks your cutting should develop some roots, during this time keep the humidity high but avoid excessively wet soil
Since these plants like to be rootbound only repot them once they are way to big for its current container. Most of the time you won’t need to repot a Watermelon Peperomia at all as they enjoy being rootbound in their pot.
The best way to determine the health of your plant from a glance is by looking at its leaves. If you notice curling or drooping leaves then your plant is indicating that it is not doing well. This is likely due to two reasons – one being that your plant is being over watered or the temperature that it is in is not ideal.
If you notice your soil consistently damp – decrease the frequency of your watering’s. Letting the top few inches of soil dry out between watering’s is the safest and best way to water your plant. Also, if this plant is placed near a window with a cool draft or near an air conditioner – its leaves can droop or sag.
If you notice your plants leaves start to curl up – this is a sign of the plant becoming too dry. Increase your watering frequency or when watering – give this plant a thorough watering as they enjoy soil that is more on the damp side but not overly saturated.
Another factor to look at is the colour of your plants leaves. If you notice any change in colour such as brown or yellow, then your plant needs some TLC.
If you notice brown leaves or discoloration this could be due to pest damage, lack of humidity, overwatering or even the plant being under stress in its environment.
If the leaves are brown and mushy this is most likely due to overwatering. Examine your plant to determine the cause of this issue and adjust accordingly
Yellow leaves are also an indicator of overwatering. Always ensure that your soil dries out slightly (1” of the topsoil) between watering’s to ensure that your plant doesn’t develop root rot or show signs of overwatering. Ensure that there is no stagnant or sitting water in the bottom of your pot after watering’s.
Any sitting water in the bottom of your pot will quickly let your plant develop root rot. Ensure that you discard this excess water to prevent this issue.
Pests can also cause your plants leaves to turn yellow. So, inspect your soil and leaves for any signs of pests
The best way to increase the humidity for your watermelon peperomia is to mist them lightly with filtered water to keep their leaves and soil gently moist. Another good way to increase the humidity around your plant is by placing them near other plants.
Unfortunately, this beautiful plant does not produce any fruits to be eaten!