Large Watermelon Peperomia: Ultimate Grow & Care Guide

Do you know that Large Watermelon Peperomia got its name for perfect replication of watermelon?

Large Watermelon Peperomia is currently everyone’s favorite plant for its aesthetic beauty.

Interestingly, their care demand remains the same as traditional, easy-care routine despite its growing world fame.

Generally, Large Watermelon Peperomia thrives in bright indirect sunlight (at least 5 hours), temperatures ranging from 60-80°F, and humidity of 50%. Additionally, it prefers weekly watering in its active growth, well-draining soil of 6-6.6 pH, monthly fertilization, and occasional pruning.

Large Watermelon Peperomia is a slow grower and reaches up to 12 inches in height if provided care and love.

It is often confused with some other plants due to their similar resemblance, but they are all different with distinct needs for growth. 

So, continue reading to discover how you can grow Large Watermelon Peperomia to its maximum potential.

Overview of Large Watermelon Peperomia

Large Watermelon Peperomia is a perennial tropical plant with stunning green leaves complemented by silver streaks.

It has been gaining fame over the past years for its shimmering looks and easy care routine. Moreover, they fit excellently with indoor conditions.

Large Watermelon Peperomia is the best choice for those whose plant parenting journey has just begun.

So, let’s begin with a brief overview of Large Watermelon Peperomia.

Scientific Name	Peperomia argyreia
Common Name	Watermelon begonia
Native Area	Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia
Family	Piperaceae
Growth Zone	Zones 10-12
Plant Type	Perennial
Growth Size	Up to 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide
Growth Speed	Slow to moderate growth
Grown For	Evergreen foliage with dramatic silver strips
Growth Type	Erect and bushy
Container	Glazed or plastic pot
Flowering	Tiny green flowers blooming in a cluster
Flowering Season	During growing season of spring and summer
Availability	Commonly available
Toxicity	Non-Toxic to pets and humans

Did you know Large Watermelon Peperomia is popular with watermelon begonia name?

However, Watermelon Peperomia is not a begonia plant at all.

Where to Buy Large Watermelon Peperomia?

I am certain you have seen people showing off their beautiful Watermelon Peperomia plant all over their socials.

If you also want to flaunt its beauty at your place, I have mentioned some online stores below for you to buy one.

Site	Shipping Details
Amazon	Ships within 2 days
Etsy	Takes 3-7 days to ship
Green Door Garden	Within 1-3 days
Garden Goods Direct	Within 1-5 business days
Bloomscape	Ships within 2-7 Days

Large Watermelon Peperomia: Ultimate Grow & Care Guide

Large Watermelon Peperomia has been shining bright in almost every household adding a glamorous natural touch.

Even though Watermelon Peperomia is considered an easy-to-care plant, it still needs some care.

All you got to do is try to recreate its natural home, so they feel homely and grow without a problem.

Here is brief information about their natural and preferred environment parameters.

At least 5-6 hours of indirect bright sunlight	Once a week in spring and summer Once in three weeks in fall and winter
Well-draining, light sandy mix pH level: 6 to 6.6	Balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month during the growing season
Around 70°F(21°C)	High humidity levels (>50%)
After 2-3 years in spring or early summer	Propagate Division and leaf cuttings

1. Indirect Bright Sunlight and Proper Location

Most indoor plants thrive best when kept in an indirect sunlit place, and your Watermelon Peperomia is one of them.

Generally, Large Watermelon Peperomia loves bright indirect sunlight for 5-6 hours. But exposing them to direct sunlight is a big no.

The ideal place for your Watermelon Peperomia is north or east-facing windows with sheer curtains.

As most of the light is received through the south-facing window, you can place your plant about 4-5 feet away from it.

Meanwhile, you must ensure your plant receives bright sunlight for at least 5-6 hours.

Signs of Improper Lighting Condition

Your Watermelon Peperomia shows the following signs when your plant due to inadequate sunlight.

• Shiny silver stripes start to fade.
• Leggy, dull, and stunted growths of the plant.
• The leaves lose their green looks and are smaller.
• You will notice drooping and limping of leaves.
• The stems will become wrapped.

If your plant shows these symptoms, it is time to relocate it to somewhere brighter. But again, not direct sunlight.

Do you know? Large Watermelon Peperomia does not discriminate against natural and artificial grow lights.

You need to be careful with too much sunlight as well, and here are a few signs of excessive sunlight.

• Too much sunlight means intense heat causing the soil to dry and plant.
• The leaves become dry and crispy.
• The plants’ leaves start to curl.
• Brown patches may appear along the leaf edges.

As the lighting is crucial for their growth rate, stay on the lookout so you do not miss any critical signs your plant is showing.

Tips to Maintain Proper Lighting for Large Watermelon Peperomia

• Ensure to provide 2 to 3 hours of morning sunlight to your Large Watermelon Peperomia.
• If you plan to grow them outdoors, ensure you place them under a partial shade.
• It thrives well even in artificial grow lights, so you may use a full-spectrum LED light.

• Use grow lights for up to 10-12 hours during winter or fall as a substitute for natural sunlight.

2. Habitual Watering

Large Watermelon Peperomia is rather delicate when it comes to water requirements.

Water your Large Watermelon Peperomia plant once a week after the topmost soil layer gets dry during active growth and reduce watering during winter.

Meanwhile, the leaves of Watermelon Peperomia are rather thick and hence can survive a bit of dryness.

Pro Tip: To check if the soil is dry or not, you can use a chopstick. Insert it a few inches deep in the soil, and you can water the plant if it is dry.

Watering Large Watermelon Peperomia is crucial, so you shall not be too generous or careless.

Signs of Improper Watering

Here are a few symptoms you need to consider for underwatered and overwatered Large Watermelon Peperomia.

Underwatered	Overwatered
Plant wilts and droop	Yellow leaves and drooping
Doesn't stand straight due to a loss in turgidity	Slow or stunted growth with soggy stems
Brown tips and edges on leaves	Roots rot and cannot uptake nutrients
Crispy leaves curling inwards	Mold starts to develop around the plant

If your plant is suffering overwatering with severe conditions, cut down watering thoroughly.

Repot your plant immediately while removing rotted roots and unhealthy parts of the plant.

Tips to Water Large Watermelon Peperomia Properly

• Rainwater or distilled water best fits the needs of Large Watermelon Peperomia.
• Do not use tap water without letting it sit for 24 hours as it contains Chlorine and Fluoride, which can cause brown spots.
• Try to water your Watermelon Peperomia in the morning hours in a consistent manner.
• Use the bottom watering technique to promote stronger roots. Meanwhile, monthly top watering helps to remove salt build-up.
• Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture of soil to water accordingly.

3. Warm Humid Environment

Large Watermelon Peperomia is native to South America and usually thrives well in warmer temperatures.

The ideal home for Large Watermelon Peperomia is a warm, humid environment, i.e., the temperature of 60-80°F(16-27°C) and 40-50% humidity.

Therefore, they do not require additional effort as our indoor temperature ranges between their ideal values.

But Watermelon Peperomia does not handle cold and suffers badly when the temperature drops below 50°F.

Typically, you will notice leaves curling, drooping and overall plant wilting down due to freezing temperature exposure and low humidity.

Long exposure to cold temperatures can suppress the growth rate of the Large Watermelon Peperomia plant.

In contrast, when the temperature exceeds 80°F, it causes your plant to stress, contributing to leaf curl and droop.

Also, when humidity exceeds 70%, it increases the potential risk of fungal disease to the plant.

Tips to Maintain Ideal Temperature and Humidity

• Place the plant where the sun shines for almost 10-12 hours of indirect sunlight.
• Do not place them near temperature controllers as they dry up humidity.
• Use incandescent lights during winter to compensate lack of sunlight.

• Gather around the plant together to promote humidity.
• During summer, mist the plant leaves to keep the humidity in check.
• Install artificial room humidifier to adjust humidity level as per requirement.
• Place your plant in a well-lit bathroom or a kitchen, as humidity is optimal in these places.
• If you live in a place where the temperature drops below 50°F, try using a heating pad underneath the pot to keep them warm.

4. Fast-Draining, Nutrient-Rich Soil

Even if Large Watermelon Peperomia does not demand special soil, they still expect well-draining soil to flourish.

Generally, Large Watermelon Peperomia thrives in well-draining sandy potting soil slightly acidic in nature with little water retention. 

In addition, adding perlite and coco coir to sand will make an excellent potting mix for Watermelon Peperomia.

As compact soil does not facilitate excess water drainage, ensure you do not use such soil for Watermelon Peperomia.

Moreover, Large Watermelon Peperomia prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 6.6.

Prepare an Ideal Potting Mix for Large Watermelon Peperomia

Here is an ideal potting mix recipe for large Watermelon Peperomia.

• 25% Perlite
• 25% of Coco Coir
• 25% of Orchid Bark
• 10% Worm Castings
• 5% Activated Charcoal

However, a commercially premade potting mix is available for Large Watermelon Peperomia. 

Find out more about the Watermelon Peperomia soil requirements.

5. Monthly Fertilization

Fertilization is essential for plants’ health and growth as soil nutrients decay over time.

Fertilize Large Watermelon Peperomia with balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month during spring and summer for the plant’s overall health.

In the winter, it is better not to feed your plant as they barely consume nutrients, so adding fertilizer may result in overfertilization.

Comparatively, Large Watermelon Peperomia inclines toward homemade organic fertilizers instead of synthetic ones.

Therefore, you can use natural organic fertilizers like compost, manure tea, egg shells, and vermiculite.

Moreover, when choosing synthetic fertilizers, try finding liquid fertilizers rich in Nitrogen and Potassium.

Tip: When using liquid fertilizers, dilute them to their half strength and apply them without direct contact with the plant.

When they are not getting enough nutrients, it tends to droop, limp, and cause prolonged growth. So, if you notice such signs, fertilize your plant right away.

However, overfertilization can burn your plant while building salts which ain’t good.

I have listed some of the recommended fertilizers for your ease.

• Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food
• Bonide Liquid Plant Food
• Joyful Dirt Organic Based Concentrated Food
• Southern Ag Balanced Food

6. Growth Rate, Foliage, and Flowering

Large Watermelon Peperomia is a super-trendy perennial plant native to countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, etc.

Generally, Large Watermelon Peperomia grows about 12 inches tall with 8 inches wide when provided with proper care.

This counterpart of Watermelon Peperomia goes through dormancy during the winter season. So, cut back on the watering and fertilization during this time.

They are famous for their stunning waxy green foliage and dramatic silvery-white stripes. They also have a flaunting maroon-reddish slim stem to support their bushy appearance.

The red stems are thin and non-woody, and the leaves feel fleshy to the touch.

Moreover, Large Watermelon Peperomia blooms look like green and brown spikes and need almost 4-6 years.

After getting mature, Watermelon Peperomia bloom in summer, but they rarely bloom indoors.

Once they reach maturity, they are likely to bloom every year, each with a life span of nearly two weeks.

Additionally, they do produce seeds as well, but they are not easy to extract.

But many plant owners do not let blossoming to preserve plants focus on their foliage growth.

Check out more information about the Peperomia flower.

7. Repotting Large Watermelon Peperomia

Large Watermelon Peperomia is a slow-growing plant that will enchant you from the same spot for years.

Generally, Large Watermelon Peperomia needs repotting once in two or three years or when their roots outgrow the pot size.

They prefer to stay pot-bound, so it is better to let them stay crowded. 

You can replace the topsoil once a year between the complete repotting duration.

Ensure you choose one size bigger pot compared to the previous one when repotting.

They show some tell-tale signs when they require repotting. They are;

• Roots coming out from drainage holes.
• Soil no longer holds moisture.
• The plant stopped growing even in the active growing season.
• It has been more than three years since the last repotting.

Remember repotting means a lot of stress for your plant, so keep repotting frequency minimum.

Steps to Repot Large Watermelon Peperomia

Let’s get started with a step-by-step guide to repot your Watermelon Peperomia.

Step 1: Prepare Tools and Potting Mix

• Early spring or summer is the best time to repot your plant.
• Take out all the tools for repotting, such as a planter, potting mix, and a small trowel.

• Select a new pot slightly bigger than the previous one. For, e.g., if an old pot is 4″, use a 6″ pot to repot.
• Also, ensure the pot has several drainage holes at the bottom.
• Ensure using glazed terracotta or ceramic pot to promote natural excess water drain.

Here, I have added a few suitable containers. Make sure you check them out as well.

Container	Specification
Greenaholics Ceramic Flower Pot	Features 5" and 6" sizes with beautiful design
Elly Décor Terracotta Planter	4+5+6 inch, Set of 3, Planters with holes in the bottom
Plastic Planter HomeNote	Comes in five different sizes 7/6/5.5/4.8/4.5 Inch

Step 2: Take Out the Plant from the Container

• Ensure watering properly a few hours before repotting.
• Turn the pot upside down while putting your palm on the topsoil.
• Gently tap on the bottom of the pot to slide the plant from the pot.
• Thoroughly check if roots are showing signs of rotting and remove excess soil.

• Remove dead, unhealthy, or affected parts of a plant.
• Apply some fungicides to the roots ends to prevent any infections.

Step 3: Transplant into the New Pot

• Properly clean and sterilize the new pot, pour some pebbles, and add potting mix leaving 30% of the pot.
• Gently put your plant inside the mix with roots facing down.
• To make fertilizing easier, do not completely fill the pot with the mixture.
• Place the plant in a bright indirect sunlit place for warmth and light.

8. Occasional Pruning and Grooming

Large Watermelon Peperomia elevates interior decors with tear-dropped shape foliage with silvery-white stripes.

And it does not need routine pruning to justify its easy-to-grow nature.

Generally, Large Watermelon Peperomia needs pruning when they have infected, yellow, and leggy stems.

Before the active growth season starts, you should consider pruning leggy stems to promote vigorous growth.

Additionally, pruning any infected leaves or parts as soon as you notice them will end further spreading.

Tips to Prune Large Watermelon Peperomia

• Inspect and remove any infected leaves or parts.
• Use sterilized sharp pruners or scissors for clear cuts by holding them at a 45° angle.
• Do not go overboard with pruning; prune only 30% at a time.
• Wipe the plant’s leave from time to time to ensure a shiny dustless look.
• Use masks and gloves when pruning plants.
• After pruning, thoroughly water the plant to reduce repotting stress.

9. Toxicity of Large Watermelon Peperomia

If we look at the popular indoor plants, they are not all pet-friendly and have darker sides.

But, Large Watermelon Peperomia has only brighter sides making it an ultimate choice as an indoor plant.

According to ASPCA, Watermelon Peperomia is non-toxic to your furry dogs and curious cats.

What a friendly, glamorous, and alluring plant Watermelon Peperomia is, isn’t it?

However, be cautious as your pets might try to chew the plant. If your pets accidentally eat a lot of this plant, they might experience a mild stomach upset.

Secure the plant when kept at certain heights, as it may cause unpleasant events.

Keeping the plants safely out of your pets’ and kids’ reach is always a good idea.

Propagating Large Watermelon Peperomia

Everyone is enchanted with Watermelon Peperomia’s beauty and wants to have more. And it is no wonder if you also want to propagate this plant.

Moreover, you have multiple methods available to propagate your Watermelon Peperomia.

But stem cutting is preferred more as it is easy and more effective.

1. Propagating via Stem Cutting

One of the easiest ways of propagating Large Watermelon Peperomia is via stem cutting, enabling the faster growth of new roots.

Additionally, summer or spring would be the best time to propagate Watermelon Peperomia via stem cutting.

Let’s get started with a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Get the Cuttings

First and foremost, find out one of the healthy steam or stalk for stem cutting as effectiveness solely depends upon the health of chosen stalk.

Also, ensure the stem has an absolutely fine-looking healthy leaf on top of it.

Moreover, once you cut the stem from the plant, it won’t grow from that stem again.

Therefore, ensure you cut the stem from the base and trim it, leaving a 2-3 inches long stem.

Step 2: Rooting in Water

• Take a transparent jar and fill it with distilled water.
• Adding a few drops of liquid rooting hormones will help effective propagation.
• Submerge the cutting in the water, but leave the leaf out.

• Let the jar rest somewhere warmer, with ample and proper sunlight.
• Replace the water every two or three days.
• After a few weeks, new tubers will sprout, and transplant the cuttings in a small pot with moist soil.

2. Propagation via Leaf Cuttings

Large Watermelon Peperomia can also be propagated via leaf cutting but usually takes longer than stem cutting.

Here’s a stepwise guideline.

Step 1: Get the Cutting

• Find a healthy green leaf and cut them with at least an inch or more long stem.
• Cut the leaf symmetrically to get equal halves. You shall now have one half with an attached stem.
• Make sure you cut the leave in one clean slash.

Step 2: Rooting in Soil

• Prepare a pot with fresh potting mix and ensure they are moistened before placing cuttings.
• Put stemless half of the leaf into the soil while ensuring the cut edge is buried properly.
• Plant the stem in the potting mix while leaving its leaf above the surface.
• Make sure you mist your leaf cuttings afterward.
• It is not necessary to cover cuttings with plastic, but you may if you feel like doing it.
• Place the pot where bright indirect sunlight is adequate and always maintain moist soil, not soggy though.

• Wait for one or two months, and new growths shall be noticeable. Let them be for a few more months, then transplant them to individual pots.

3. Propagation via Division

Another way of propagating Watermelon Peperomia is via root division.

Let’s get started.

• It is efficient to perform division during repotting, so wait till repotting time.
• Take out the plant tenderly from the pot and remove excess soil.
• Identify offshoots and, with great care, separate them from the plant.

• Plant them in a separate pot, followed by a thorough watering.
• Make sure you place them where it is subtly warm and receives bright indirect light.
• Also, keep the soil moist during the first few weeks, then continue the usual watering routine.

Common Problems in Large Watermelon Peperomia

Generally, the Large Watermelon Peperomia is resistant to indoor pests. Yet they are prone to some plant pests and horticultural diseases.

These problems can cause your plant to suffer when left untreated on time. So, watch out for any signs for immediate action.

1. Common Indoor Pests

Generally, common enemies of large Watermelon Peperomia are Mealybugs, Spider mites, Scale, and Thrips.

Healthy plants aren’t susceptible to them, so you got to care for them to avoid any potential infection.

Common Pests	Signs
Mealy bugs	1. Responsible for sooty molds 2. White cotton like substance on underside of leaves 3. Stunted growth
Thrips	1. Causes discoloration, premature dying of flowers and buds 2. Feasts on leaves causing them to shed and stunting or dwarfing.
Spider Mites	1. Webbings develop underside of leaves or at leaf axils 2. Feast on plant's fluid resulting in drooping and wilting of leaves
Scales	1. They suck the juice out of plants causing deformed leaves, brown pock marks 2. Sudden wilting and discoloration of foliages

Solutions

• Trim off the infected parts of the plants.
• Wash off the plant using a water hose to remove any underlying pests, larvae, and eggs.
• Use common household solutions such as alcohol or dish soap and apply them using a cotton ball to kill pests.
• Try using organic solutions such as spraying your plant with Neem oil and horticultural oil.

• If nothing works, apply pesticides such as Malathion solution or Pyrethrin spray.

Preventive Measures

• Quarantine your plant as soon as you notice the suspicious-looking plant to prevent its spread.
• Wipe clean plant leaves using a soapy water solution during their active growth.
• Place natural pests repellant plants such as basil, mint, and rosemary plants in the vicinity of your Watermelon Peperomia.
• Regularly prune yellow leaves to avoid any favorable conditions for infections.
• Apply 98% isopropyl alcohol on plant leaves to avoid pest infestations.

Find out more about identifying insect eggs on leaves with treatment measures.

2. Horticultural Diseases

In most cases, indoor plants getting sick due to fungal diseases are related to improper growing conditions.

Large Watermelon Peperomia is also susceptible to fungal and bacterial disease due to high humidity, damp soils, and overwatering routine.

Usually, Watermelon Peperomia is more prone to Oedema caused due to higher water quantity in leaves.

Edema or dropsy develops in the plant via excessive water build-up in the plant leaves, causing their cells to explode.

Meanwhile, ring spots are caused due to Mycosphaerella brassicicola fungus and are formed when humidity exceeds the normal requirement level. You may notice brown marks on your plant’s leaves.

Additionally, you may also notice blackening or browning stems. These are the signs of root rotting likely to occur with Oedema.

Both problems have the same solution: pruning the unhealthy leaves as soon as possible and preventing them from happening again.

Treatment Measures

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast treatments for those diseases, but still, you can control the damage.

Here are a few things to treat Oedema in Large Watermelon Peperomia.

• Cut back on watering and place them in a low humid place as it forces them to increase transpiration.
• Increase air temperature slightly above the normally required temperature level.
• Place them in bright indirect sunlight to encourage excess water loss via transpiration.
• You can consider repotting them with optimal soil.

Note: Follow these measures till your plant recovers. After that, return back to normal care routine.

To treat ring spots, you can use fungicides and drop down the humidity around the plant by reallocating or using a dehumidifier.

Preventive Measures

• Isolate any suspicious-looking plant with a brown mark from other healthy plants.
• Use an electric humidifier to control and adjust the humidity level per requirement.
• Avoid overwatering habits by making uniform watering habits.
• Do not keep them in excessively damp locations, and ensure soils are not soggy.
• Use a proper potting mix with well-draining functionality and medium water retention.

3. Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is important in plant growth and is a building block for plants’ immune systems.

When this important nutrient is lacking in the soil, Watermelon Peperomia’s new leaves start to curl with no growth.

Moreover, the new leaves’ size gets smaller with severe deformities and brown chlorotic spots along the leaf margins. If left unchecked, they will spread all over the leaf.

So, when you notice deformed curling leaves while maintaining other care factors right, it could be because of Calcium deficiency.

Tips to Avoid Calcium Deficiency

• Use eggshells after crushing them in a blender and sprinkle them over the soil.
• Add water-soluble fertilizers after diluting them from time to time.
• Other than eggshells, you can also use lime along with organic fertilizers.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer, including high calcium levels, every month.

Remember not to go overboard with fertilizing, as overfertilization burns your plant. 

Large Watermelon Peperomia Vs. Lookalike Plants

Other indoor plants share a similar resemblance with your large Watermelon Peperomia plant.

Even though they share some similarities, they also have distinct features that help us distinguish one another.

Let’s explore those similarities and differences.

Conclusion

Large Watermelon Peperomia is a tropical semi-succulent plant gaining fame over time for its gorgeous green foliage along silver strips.

Their lower maintenance and requirement needs make them an ideal choice for beginners and professional plant parents.

All you need to do is ensure proper watering, sufficient indirect sunlight, and ideal humidity.

Happy Plant Parenting!!