A watermelon-like green plant on the balcony made the neighbors green with envy

The scorching summer has arrived, and thinking of that blazing summer heat is enough to give anyone a headache. But at times like this, a little watermelon and beer is just so delightful. The star we are introducing today is not a real watermelon, but its leaves look extremely like a watermelon - that is the watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia). Seen from a distance, it looks exactly like a watermelon.

1. Soil

Generally, caring for watermelon peperomia requires loose, fertile soil and also good drainage. We can use a mix of leaf mold and coarse sand, and of course we can also use a mix of peat, perlite and nutrient soil.

2. Care

Generally, watermelon peperomia needs to be kept in a bright, indirectly lit, well-ventilated environment. It cannot tolerate direct strong light, nor should it be kept in excessively shady conditions, otherwise the leaf color tends to become dull and the markings indistinct. Watermelon peperomia is fairly shade-tolerant, so it should usually be kept indoors in a spot with bright, indirect light.

3. Water

During the growing season, the potting soil needs to be kept moist, but it must not become waterlogged, otherwise it easily leads to root rot and leaf drop. In summer, care should include spraying water on the leaves more often, which can raise air humidity and also promote the formation of the leaf markings. Generally, when the surface of the potting soil is dry, it is time to water.

4. Fertilizer

Generally, do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer. If phosphorus and potassium fertilizer are lacking, the markings on the leaf surface easily disappear, which in turn reduces the ornamental effect. So for routine fertilizing, a balanced fertilizer is needed, and nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied alone.

Watermelon peperomia has a short, compact form and grows lushly. It prefers a warm, semi-shady environment. Indoors it can be grown in pots or hung for display. It is a very good small indoor foliage plant. Placed on a desk, plant stand or coffee table, it is fresh and elegant, pleasing to the eye.