Peperomia argyreia
watermelon begonia
A bushy perennial to 20cm tall, with ovate green leaves, attractively striped with silver bands between the veins, borne on red stalks; flowers greenish, minute, in short spikes. An ideal plant for terrariums or bottle gardens
Synonyms
Peperomia sandersii
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | Green Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Red | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Piperaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Peperomia are evergreen perennials with simple, often succulent leaves and very small greenish-white flowers borne in slender spikes or panicles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loamless or loam-based potting compost (JI No1) in bright indirect light when in active growth and full light in winter. Water moderately in summer and sparingly in winter. See Peperomia and houseplant cultivation for further information. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood leaf, or leafbud cuttings. Alternatively remove offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.