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Peperomia Argyreia 'Watermelon Peperomia'

Ed's Plant Shop  |  SKU: EPS-PEP-WATERMELON-3IN

Size
$18.00
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

The Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) earns its name honestly — its round, fleshy leaves are striped in silver and deep green in a pattern that mirrors watermelon rind almost exactly. Red stems complete the look. It's one of the most visually distinctive compact houseplants available, and one of the easiest to keep.

Native to the rainforests of South America, it grows naturally in the understory where light is filtered and humidity is high — conditions that translate well to most indoor environments. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

What Makes This Plant Special

  • Unmistakable foliage: Silver and green striped leaves with red stems — no other common houseplant looks quite like it.
  • Compact and tidy: Stays 6–12" tall and wide, making it ideal for desks, shelves, and small spaces.
  • Pet and child safe: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans — verified by the ASPCA.
  • Beginner-friendly: Tolerates imperfect watering and a range of light conditions without drama.
  • Hanging basket option: Trails beautifully in a hanging basket as it matures.

Ed's Plant Profile

  • Botanical Name: Peperomia argyreia
  • Pronunciation: pep-er-ROH-mee-uh ar-JER-ree-uh
  • Common Names: Watermelon Peperomia, Watermelon Begonia (misnomer)
  • Family: Piperaceae
  • Native Range: Rainforests of Brazil and Bolivia
  • Mature Size: 6–12" tall and wide indoors

Care Guide

  • Light: Medium to bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which fades the silver striping. Tolerates lower light but growth slows.
  • Water: Allow the top 1–2" of soil to dry between waterings. The fleshy leaves store moisture — overwatering is the most common mistake. Water less in winter.
  • Soil: Well-draining, airy mix. An orchid mix with added perlite works well. Avoid dense, moisture-retaining soils.
  • Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity but adapts to average home conditions. A humidifier nearby is a bonus, not a requirement.
  • Temperature: 60–85°F. Keep away from cold drafts, AC vents, and temperatures below 55°F.
  • Fertilizer: Once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip in fall and winter.
  • Propagation: Leaf cuttings root easily in water or moist soil — one of the most satisfying plants to propagate.
  • Common Pests: Generally resilient. Fungus gnats, spider mites, or mealybugs may appear if soil stays too wet.
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans ✓

Troubleshooting

  • Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry more thoroughly and check pot drainage.
  • Fading silver stripes: Too much direct light. Move to a spot with filtered or indirect light.
  • Drooping leaves: Usually underwatering. Water thoroughly and leaves should recover within a day.
  • Mushy stems: Root rot from overwatering. Trim affected roots, let dry, and repot in fresh well-draining mix.
  • Leggy growth: Insufficient light. Move closer to a window or add a grow light.

Fun Fact

Watermelon Peperomia does produce flowers — small, inconspicuous greenish-white spikes on tall stems in warmer months. They're not the main event, but they're a sign your plant is thriving.

More Resources

Read our full Peperomia Care Guide for in-depth advice. Building a pet-safe collection? See our guide to non-toxic houseplants.

Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

What will I receive?

You’ll receive one healthy live plant in the nursery-pot or hanging-basket size selected above. The listed size refers to the approximate diameter of the nursery pot, not the plant’s total height or width.

Because every plant is naturally unique, height, fullness, leaf count, coloration, variegation, vine length, maturity, and overall shape may differ from the photographs.

Unless the product listing specifically states otherwise, plants arrive in a standard nursery grow pot. Decorative planters, baskets, saucers, stands, and other accessories are sold separately.

When will my plant ship or be delivered?

Please allow approximately 10–15 business days for processing and preparation. Ten business days is the earliest end of the range, and many orders require most or all of the stated processing window.

Processing time is separate from carrier transit time. Local NYC delivery also requires preparation and does not automatically mean same-day or next-day service.

Orders may occasionally require additional time because of plant availability, order volume, weather, seasonal demand, or courier coordination. We will send an update when confirmed fulfillment, tracking, or delivery information becomes available.

How are live plants packaged?

Each live plant is inspected and packed according to its size, shape, and shipping needs. Soil and foliage may be secured to reduce movement during transit, and protective materials may be added when appropriate.

Temporary drooping, shifted soil, limited leaf loss, or minor cosmetic stress can occur while a plant adjusts after shipping. This does not necessarily mean the plant is unhealthy.

What should I do when my plant arrives?

Unpack the plant promptly and carefully remove all protective packaging. Place it in appropriate light and allow it time to adjust to its new environment.

Check the soil before watering. Do not water automatically upon arrival because the plant may already have adequate moisture. Avoid immediately fertilizing, heavily pruning, or repeatedly moving the plant while it acclimates.

Should I repot my plant immediately?

We generally recommend allowing a newly delivered plant time to acclimate before repotting unless there is an urgent plant-health reason to do so.

Repotting an eligible small plant during the first 15 days may void the Plant Health Guarantee because it can make the cause of decline difficult to determine.

What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?

Report shipping or delivery damage within 48 hours. Keep the plant and all packaging while the concern is being reviewed.

Please provide your order number, a photograph of the entire plant, close-up photographs of the concern, and photographs of the box and packaging when applicable.

Small plants in nursery pots measuring 8 inches and below may also qualify for our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee. Large plants in nursery pots measuring 10 inches and above have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window.

Review our Refund & Returns Policy for complete eligibility and documentation requirements.

How can I get help with my order or plant?

For the fastest assistance, use the AI chat assistant on our website. It can help with common order-status, delivery, policy, product, and plant-care questions.

Have your order number and the email address used at checkout available when asking about an order. When a concern requires photographs or human review, email support@edsplantshop.com.