Why will I love it?
This South American beauty, Peperomia argyreia, boasts attractive foliage: its fleshy green leaves resemble tiny watermelons because of their distinctive silver stripes. It may not produce actual watermelons, but its striking appearance adds a graphic touch to your home.
Light or shade?
This plant thrives in bright indirect to moderate light conditions.
Where should I put it?
Consider a well-lit location such as a windowsill or near a north or east-facing window, where it can enjoy filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
How do I keep it alive?
It’s relatively straightforward: it thrives in normal humidity levels, but in summer, it benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity. Allow the compost to dry out completely between waterings to prevent stem rot. This plant prefers a temperature range of 18-24C and should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 10C.
Did you know … ?
The watermelon plant is a member of the peperomia family, which includes more than 1,500 species of small, tropical plants. These vary in leaf shapes, colours and growth habits. In Brazil, peperomias are a symbol of good luck, so they are often presented to people as gifts.
