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HouseplantsConservatory GreenhouseSynonym

Peperomia sandersii

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

Other common names
rugby football plant
watermelon pepper
see morewatermelon plant
Synonyms
Peperomia sandersii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Piperaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 peat-free potting compost 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.