Light
Choose a location for your watermelon peperomia that receives bright to medium indirect light. They should not be exposed to prolonged periods of direct sunlight as their leaves are prone to burning. While they can survive in lower light conditions, their leaves will be smaller and the growth will be more leggy.
Soil
These peperomia do well in most standard potting mixes as long as they are well-draining, but can also hold some moisture. Avoid soil that is formulated for plants that prefer a dryer soil like cacti and succulents as it won’t absorb enough water to sustain the plant. A 1:1 mixture of peat moss and perlite will also work for watermelon peperomia.
Water
Allow the top couple inches of soil to dry out between watering and then water thoroughly. Watermelon peperomia are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering and should not be allowed to dry out or be left sitting in water for an extended period of time.
Temperature and Humidity
Watermelon peperomia do well in warm, slightly humid conditions. That being said, typical household temperatures and humidity levels are adequate for these tropical plants. Just ensure that your peperomia is kept away from vents or drafty windows that could dry out the air around the plant.
Fertilizer
These peperomia can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing period. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer.
Propagating Watermelon Peperomia
Watermelon peperomia are delightfully easy to propagate and are sometimes even affectionately referred to as “friendship plants” due to how easy it is to share your plant with a friend. Propagating should ideally be done during the growing season, either in the spring or summer. Watermelon peperomia can be propagated in two main ways: by division and by leaf cuttings. A happy and healthy watermelon peperomia will begin to send up offshoots/pups that can be divided and planted in their own pots. To propagate by division, follow these steps: Unlike leaf/stem propagating with other plants, watermelon peperomia do not branch at the location where the stem is cut, so once you cut a leaf off you are sacrificing that stem permanently. Keep this in mind before getting started. Interestingly, there are two ways to propagate with a single leaf cutting. To propagate by leaf cuttings, follow these steps:
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
These plants are susceptible to a number of common houseplant pests and diseases. Fungus gnats and sap-sucking pests such as mealybugs, scale, and aphids can all be problems for watermelon peperomia. These peperomia are also sensitive to overwatering and can develop root rot quickly if their watering is mismanaged.
Common Problems With Watermelon Peperomia
Problems with watermelon peperomia are usually a result of improper watering or pest damage. Otherwise, watermelon peperomia are relatively problem-free.
Curling Leaves
Curling leaves are usually an indication that your plant is drying out too much, or that the leaves are getting too much direct sunlight.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves can indicate that your plant is thirsty and needs some water. Usually this is quickly fixed with a good watering.
Leaves Turning Brown
There are several reasons that your peperomia’s leaves may be turning brown including new environmental stress or changes, pest damage, lack of humidity, overwatering (if they are brown and mushy). Evaluate your plant’s environment and care to determine which is applicable to you.
Leaves Turning Yellow
The top cause of yellowing leaves on a watermelon peperomia is overwatering. Ensure that you are allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering and that you have proper drainage to avoid this. Pests can also result in yellowing leaves.
