Peperomia watermelon, the scientific name Peperomia argyreia, is commonly referred to as watermelon begonia. This plant is commonly found in South America, Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
However, the name is quite misleading since the peperomia plant is neither related to the watermelon nor the begonia family.
It is only named so due to its striking resemblance with both. It is a vibrant plant, and you can easily learn how to propagate peperomia watermelon. Peperomia watermelon has luscious green oval-shaped leaves with vertical silvery stripes over the leaves.
These stripes and their color make it look like watermelon skin. A Peperomia watermelon can grow as tall as 12-inches, and a mini Peperomia watermelon can grow up to 6 inches.
Peperomia watermelon is a low-lying plant with leaves that may be perfect for covering the ground when grown outdoors. This plant can brighten up your whole plant collection with beautiful silver striped leaves and a rich emerald green color.
If you need to learn how to propagate peperomia watermelon, we have certainly got you covered!
How to Propagate Peperomia watermelon
This article will elaborate on following three different methods with instructions on how to propagate peperomia watermelon.
- Propagation through leaf cuttings
- Planting petioles
- Propagation through cutlets in water
Items You Will Need to Propagate Peperomia Watermelon
- Sharp scissors or knife
- Potting mix
- Container
- Plastic bags or plastic/glass dome
Method 1: Propagation through Leaf Cuttings
It is the most widely used method and also the most efficient one. The reason is that you can get many plants only from a single leaf. You can cut a single leaf into six parts to get six new plants.
However, this method is a little time-consuming and requires a great deal of patience. But it is worth the wait!
If a leaf gets broken off from your plant, which is quite common when you have kids or pets, you can use it to propagate more plants. Not only that, you can cut a healthy leaf from your plant to propagate it. Follow these steps to learn how to propagate peperomia watermelon using leaf cuttings.
- Take the sterilized scissors and cut the leaf in two parts above the petiole.
- Prepare your potting mix and pour it into a small pot or container. A transparent container is suggested so you can administer the growth of the cuttings.
- Place the cut halves of leaves in the soil and ensure that you submerge that particular end in the soil from where the leaf is cut. For the half with the petiole, submerge the petiole inside the soil.
- Now place some soil over to secure the leaves.
- Moisten the soil thoroughly but make sure not to get it wet and drenching.
- Now cover the pot with a plastic bag. It will lock the humidity in and create a warm, humid environment for the cuttings to grow. If the soil is moist and you can see condensation droplets inside the plastic bag, you do not need to water the cuttings. Water them with one or two drops every other week.
- Place the container in a warm spot that receives indirect sunlight. Now, wait for the magic to happen!
- You can expect to see smaller roots growing in 2 to 4 weeks and the first baby leaf growing in 5 to 6 weeks. The cutting with petiole will sprout first.
- After somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks, you will observe the baby plants growing from the cuttings. Each cutting can grow up to 5 baby plants.
- Once the baby plants have grown enough and have strong roots, you can report them in a new planter.
Method 2: Propagation Through Planting Leaf in Soil
This method is also quite effective, but as compared to leaf cuttings, you will only get one baby plant per leaf by planting a leaf in the soil. A greater advantage of this method is that you can directly plant your leaf in the pot you want to grow the plant. There is no need for repotting!
Now follow these steps to learn how to propagate peperomia watermelon by planting a soil leaf.
- Cut a healthy leaf from the parent plant and ensure that the petiole is as long as your finger’s width.
- Take your desired container and add potting mix to it.
- Place the leaf in the soil while submerging the petiole in the soil.
- Moisten the soil and let the excess water drain. If you over water, the plant will get waterlogged, and the roots and stems will rot to death.
- Now cover the pot with a plastic bag and place the pot in a humid place with bright indirect sunlight. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
- Now, wait for the root network to form. It will take between 2 to 4 weeks for the roots to appear. The plant will start growing then.
Method 3: Propagation Through Water
This method is less effective than the other two methods, and its efficiency rate is relatively low. Propagation through water is a very slow process, and it is not always successful.
If you are interested in using this method, then follow these simple guidelines to learn how to propagate peperomia watermelon through the water.
- Take a leaf cutting with a petiole and place it in a water jar.
- Submerge the petiole.
- Place jar in a warm environment.
- There is a high chance of the cutting rot but keep hanging there.
- Change the water occasionally as you see fit.
- The roots might start appearing after a month or two.
- Let the roots establish a little, then place them in a pot.
Essential Must-Knows in Taking Care of Peperomia Watermelon
1. Temperature
Peperomia watermelon prefers a temperature range of 65-75 F (18-24 C). Don’t let it drop below 50 degrees.
2. Watering
Overwatering may cause rotting, and underwatering this plant causes wilting. To know when to water, check the soil’s surface to be dry and then water thoroughly.
3. Fertilizer
Fertilize your plant during the spring season with a dilute fertilizer once every 2 or 4 weeks.
4. Humidity
Peperomia watermelon prefers a humid environment. If you feel it’s a little dry, use a mister to spray water around it.
5. Potting Mix
A peat-based soil with excellent drainage is the best choice for this plant. Use two parts peat and one part perlite for your soil.
6. Light
Peperomia watermelon feels the happiest in bright and indirect sunlight. Please place it in the shade in a room that receives bright sunlight. It will mimic their natural habitat.
Conclusion
Peperomia watermelon is a beautiful plant that is very easy-going and the easiest to propagate. The emerald green leaves, silver stripes, and a maroon stalk make it look very mesmerizing. Instead of buying more of the same plant and spending money, you can propagate them.
In this article, we have solved your struggles with propagation and gave you three methods on how to propagate peperomia watermelon. Now you have learned three ways how to propagate peperomia watermelon. We hope to hear your feedback. Happy propagating!