Peperomia argyreia, the plant with silver leaves and surprising flowers
Peperomia argyreia
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Piperaceae
- Genus
- Peperomia
- Species
- Peperomia argyreia
Other names:Peperomia argyraea, Peperomia arifolia, Peperomia sandersii
The Watermelon Peperomia, scientifically known as Peperomia argyreia, bears no resemblance to a watermelon. This semi-succulent herb native to Argentina, Brazil, or Bolivia belongs to the Piperaceae family. While the decorative foliage of the Silver Peperomia has won over both amateur and experienced gardeners, its flowers are far less popular.
How can you identify Peperomia argyreia, also known as the Watermelon Peperomia?
Peperomia argyreia grows to a height of 20 to 30 centimeters. It is a bushy, perennial houseplant. Its fleshy stems are purple, which contrasts sharply with the evergreen foliage.
The leaves of Peperomia Watermelon are silvery gray and streaked with dark green. Their highly graphic pattern is a reminder of the stripes found on the skin of watermelons and cantaloupes, hence its nickname. The asymmetrical leaf blades are oval, almost heart-shaped. Thick, they allow the plant to store water, just as succulents do.
Spring and summer are the flowering seasons. Spikes of flowers bloom among the stems of the silver Peperomia. Long and green, they resemble a mouse's tail. When night falls, they become fragrant. And that's often when the trouble begins… Their scent is said to resemble that of rotting food. There's no need to get rid of your Peperomia argyreia to eliminate the odor. Simply remove the inflorescence when it appears.
But this unpleasant odor may be its only flaw. The Watermelon Peperomia remains an easy-to-care-for plant. Like the White Cane or peperomia Hope, it is non-toxic. Humans and animals around it are in no danger.
Our care tips
Watermelon Peperomia 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
Watermelon Peperomia 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.
Misting
The 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 year in the 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.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings 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
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceous
- Tag
- Beginner
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenSilverPurple
- Flower color
- Pale green
Discover plants from the same family
Dumb cane
Peperomia caperata
Peperomia Hope
Peperomia tetraphylla
Find out more
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- Dumb cane
- Peperomia 'Red Margin'
- Peperomia Hope
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Find all our tips in the Monstera application
