An oval silver-green leaf of Peperomia argyreia

Credit: Jerzy Opiola

A bed of Peperomia Watermelon with silver-patterned leaves

Credit: Montrealais

Close-up of a Peperomia argureia leaf.

Credit: Yercaud-elango

Peperomia argureia in a pot

Credit: KHQ Flower guide

Peperomia argyreia, the plant with silver leaves and surprising flowers

Peperomia Watermelon, in Latin Peperomia argyreia, is nothing like a watermelon. This semi-succulent herbaceous plant native to Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia belongs to the Piperaceae family. While Silver Peperomia's decorative foliage has won over amateur and experienced gardeners alike, its flowers are much less successful.

How to recognize Peperomia argyreia, Peperomia Watermelon?

Peperomia argyreia grows to between 20 and 30 centimetres tall. It is a perennial houseplant with a bushy habit. Its fleshy stems are purple in color, in contrast to the evergreen foliage.

Peperomia Watermelon's silver-grey leaves are streaked with dark green. Their highly graphic pattern is reminiscent of the stripes found on the skin of watermelons, hence its nickname. The asymmetrical leaf blades are oval, almost heart-shaped. Thick, they enable the plant to store water, as succulents do.

In spring and summer, it's flowering time. Between the stems of the Silver Peperomia bloom spikes of flowers. Long and green, they resemble a mouse's tail. When night falls, they become fragrant. And that's often when the trouble starts... They smell like rotting food. There's no need to abandon your Peperomia argyreia to get rid of the scent. Simply remove the inflorescence when it appears.

But that bad smell may be its only flaw. Peperomia Watermelon remains an easygoing green plant. Like white cane and peperomia Hope, it is non-toxic. Humans and animals in its vicinity risk nothing.

Our maintenance tips

Peperomia Watermelon is an undemanding tropical plant. The main thing is not to overwater it. It also appreciates light, but fears direct sunlight. Finally, it needs warmth. Never leave it in a room where the temperature falls below 13 degrees, and keep it away from draughts.

Watering

Peperomia Watermelon likes regular, but not excessive, watering. Its roots must not be drowned. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water at room temperature.

Between waterings, let the soil dry on the surface (by about two centimetres).

Remember to remove any stagnant water from the saucer or planter.

Spray

Peperomia Watermelon come from tropical regions. They appreciate high humidity. To recreate it, spray the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Peperomia argyreia to give it more space.

In a large, perforated pot, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or small pebbles about 20% of the way up. This layer promotes drainage and prevents root rot.

Fill your pot with a draining substrate, such as potting soil for green plants. Plant your Peperomia Watermelon in the center and cover.

To improve humidity, place your plant in a saucer filled with moist clay balls.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Peperomia argyreia, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Add green plant fertilizer to the watering water in the doses prescribed by the manufacturer.

Cleaning

Dust on the leaves slows down photosynthesis and hinders your plant's growth. Clean foliage with a clean, damp sponge. This operation also helps prevent invasions by mites and other pests.

Prune

Remove yellowed or dried leaves and wilted flowers

Pinch

Pinch your Peperomia argyreia during its growing season.

To give your plant a compact habit, pinch back young shoots. This improves branching.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Locate a secondary stem about ten centimeters long and separate it from the main stem using scissors, a knife or pruning shears. They should be clean and sharp.

Prepare a pierced pot with a bed of clay balls at the bottom for drainage. Pour in a mixture of sand and potting soil. Preferably use a horticultural or seedling potting soil, as these are rich in nutrients. Plant your graft in this pot.

Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight and water.

Disease / Threat

Red spiders

Information

Family	Piperaceae - Piperaceae
Type	Peperomia - Peperomia
Species	Peperomia argyreia - Peperomia argyreia
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous
Tag	Beginner
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower color