How to care for a green plant whose appearance resembles watermelon rind

There is a green plant whose leaf pattern is the same as the pattern on watermelon rind. Its name is watermelon rind pepperomia, also called roundleaf pepperomia, and it originally grew in the Americas and subtropical regions. It is a perennial green leafy herbaceous plant with short, small stems and leaves that grow in clusters. Its leaf stalks are reddish brown, and its emerald green leaves are ovate. The palm-sized leaves have pointed tips, and the veins extend from the center outward, usually with seven or eight main vein lines, with silver-gray coloring between the veins. Below we introduce this green plant, which looks like a watermelon, from several aspects.

I. Growth habits

From the regions where it grows, it can be seen that roundleaf pepperomia likes a warm environment and must also remain highly moist. Its cold tolerance is very poor. If the winter temperature is below eight degrees, the growth of the green plant will gradually stop. The usual growing temperature is between twenty and twenty-five degrees, and when it exceeds thirty degrees, the growth rate will also slow down.

II. Propagation methods

Watermelon rind pepperomia can be propagated by two methods: leaf cuttings and division. Leaf cuttings are generally carried out in spring and summer, inserting mature leaves into a seedbed. The leaves can also be cut into two pieces and inserted vertically into the seedbed, and new roots can usually grow in a few dozen days.

III. Key points for cultivation

The suitable temperature for the growth of roundleaf pepperomia is in the low twenties, and it cannot be lower than fifteen degrees or higher than thirty degrees, otherwise growth will be forced to stop. Its cold tolerance is very poor, and the indoor temperature must be controlled well, otherwise it is very easy for it to be damaged by cold. For potted plants, use nutrient soil mainly composed of leaf mold, and usually place it in a spot with scattered light for care. Do not expose it to strong light.

During the growing stage of watermelon rind pepperomia, the potting soil must remain highly moist, but water must not be allowed to accumulate in the pot, otherwise the plant's root system will rot, leading to leaf drop and death. As for fertilizer, a thin fertilizer must be applied once every month. If the fertilizer concentration is too high, especially nitrogen fertilizer, the patterns on the leaves will gradually disappear, and its appearance will lose much of its value. In order to maintain air humidity, on dry days, water should be sprayed at least twice a day, but the specific situation still depends on the specific climate. Sufficient humidity can make the patterns on its leaves clearer.

IV. Garden uses

Watermelon rind pepperomia is not large in plant form, with a small and exquisite appearance and clustered elegant leaves. As a home decorative green plant, it has a special charm, and as a small potted plant placed on a coffee table or desk, it is a very good choice.

The dense green leaves bear white stripes, complementing the thick roundleaf pepperomia. Placed on a desk for slow appreciation, or hung up, it is also very nice.