WATERMELON

PEPEROMIA

DIG THIS

Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyeia) is just one of over 1,000 peperomia varieties!

It earned its name from its fruit-like appearance, with striped leaves that resemble tiny watermelon rinds. The stylish, thick leaves store extra water making it a bit forgiving if you miss a watering.

Plus, it is perfect for small spaces as it will stay compact and rarely grow taller than 12 inches!

Moderate Care

Indirect Sunlight

Water When Dry

Pet Safe

INDIRECT SUNLIGHT

AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN

A watermelon peperomia loves gentle or medium light to keep its signature leaves vibrant!

Too much light = scorched leaves. Too little light = leggy growth and dull color.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

OUR PICK

We recommend a east or west-facing window for a peperomia.

⚠︎ Avoid south-facing ⚠︎

WATER WHEN DRY

A watermelon peperomia is semi drought-tolerant, so it can go longer periods without watering. Its thick leaves may start to feel soft or look slightly deflated which are sure signs to water.

Avoid soggy soil/overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Make sure its pot has good drainage.

MODERATE HUMIDITY

Indoor humidity is typically enough, but in super dry conditions try using a humidifier every so often if you have one!

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Watermelon peperomia needs soil that drains well and dries out between waterings.

The best store-bought option is a standard indoor potting mix since it is already formulated for plants like a peperomia.

If you'd like to add something to help with drainage, mix in a bit of perlite or orchid bark.

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface

Looks like chunky, reddish-brown wood chips. Adds airflow and helps keep soil from getting too dense.

Close-up of a pile of brown and red organic material

Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

MUSHY STEMS/LEAF DROP

A possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

FADED/SCORCHED

A sign of too much direct sunlight.

Watermelon peperomia’s leaves are delicate and should be protected from harsh sun. Relocate it to an area with more filtered or indirect light.

WILTING/CURLING

Typically a result of underwatering or overly dry conditions.

Although it is somewhat drought-tolerant, make sure to water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Avoid letting it go too long between waterings.