Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

Watermelon Peperomia Plant Features

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a stunning and super-trendy houseplant. It shows off beautiful tear-drop shaped green leaves with dramatic silver stripes. Red leaf stems (petioles) offer an attractive complement. 

Native to areas of South America, this small houseplant is perfect for well-lit desks and tabletops. It only grows about 8 to 12 inches tall, so it's also easy to feature on shelves and in large terrariums. Place watermelon peperomia in a spot where you can view it up close: in bright light, the silver variegation sparkles. 

The variegated foliage looks great paired with other variegated plants (such as sterling silver scindapsus or polka dot begonia, as well as varieties with darker foliage like Raven® ZZ plant or flowering anthurium). Of course, it's also a showpiece displayed as a focal point.  

Note: Watermelon Peperomia was discontinued from the Trending Tropicals® collection in 2022.

Watermelon Peperomia Growing Instructions

Light
Grow your watermelon peperomia where it gets medium to bright light for best results. That means it should cast a medium to strong shadow much of the day in the spot where you grow it. Avoid direct afternoon sun through a window in hot climates, though, particularly in summer. It can suffer sunburn.  
Tip: Watermelon peperomia does not need natural sunlight to thrive. It enjoys both natural and artificial light.

Water
Give watermelon peperomia some water as the top half or so of the potting mix dries to the touch. It is rather sensitive to overwatering, so if you're in doubt about whether to give it a drink, it's usually best to wait. Because watermelon peperomia has relatively thick leaves, it tends to hold up well if it gets a little too dry. 

Humidity
Provide average relative humidity levels for your watermelon peperomia. It doesn't require high humidity like many houseplants, but can suffer brown leaf edges in desert-dry air. If its growing space is especially dry, augment humidity by growing your plant in a group with other houseplants. Or place a small humidifier nearby. You can also grow it on a pebble tray.

Fertilizing
Fertilize in spring and summer, if you wish, with a fertilizer formulated for use on houseplants. Just be sure to follow the directions on the product packaging. Never apply more fertilizer than the instructions recommend.

Pruning
The only pruning that's necessary is to remove old leaves as they fade. 

Note: Watermelon peperomia is grown for ornamental use, and not intended for human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Variegated

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air

Complement your Watermelon Peperomia

Elephant's Ear
Contrast watermelon peperomia with the big, bold foliage of an elephant's ear.

Pilea
Pair your watermelon peperomia with a silver-variegated pilea (like Dark Mystery, Norfolk, or Silver Tree) for a stunning look.

Moonlight Scindapsus
Create a lovely silver-on-silver effect by pairing these two Trending Tropicals® varieties.