The Peperomia genus of plants is a great and adaptable one, and it’s not difficult to care for. Peperomia leaves that have started to curl or become wrinkled are a sign that something is wrong with the way you care for it.
Why are my watermelon peperomia leaves curling? Most of the time, minor creases or curled leaves on peperomia aren’t a symptom of something more significant. Make just a slight tweak in your plant’s maintenance regimen and it will quickly recover.
This problem can occur with newly planted plants as well as plants that have been in your garden for several seasons.
Why Are My Watermelon Peperomia Leaves Curling? (and How to Fix Them)
The leaves of your Watermelon Peperomia may be curling and cracking. Same! Here’s what I did to cure mine, as well as the five most prevalent causes, so you may do the same.
1. Your soil is very dry
When you’re worried about overwatering, you may be underwatering your Watermelon Peperomias.
Allow the soil to dry out on the surface, but not below! A plant’s leaves might droop and curl in order to preserve water in the event of prolonged exposure to dryness. Keep in mind that water, light, and heat are all related. They require more frequent watering than you might imagine if kept in a light, warm location (which they enjoy). Your soil should maintain a small moisture level regularly.
If you’re not sure, purchase a water meter and check the moisture at the root level. If your budget allows, those color-changing Sustee water meters are great. To indicate when it is time to water, they turn a light blue color to a white color.
Even though I’m all about saving money for my plants, there are some inexpensive 3-in-1 analog water meters that you can transfer between plants, as well as digital water meters that light up in different colors depending on how moist the soil is.
2. There is a lack of moisture in the air
If you’re not submerged, it’s possible that dry air is to blame for the cracked and split edges. Especially during the winter, when heating removes the moisture from the air. There is no need to overdo it, as excessive moisture or humidity might lead to root or leaf rot. Keeping an average of 50 to 60 percent humidity is ideal for most of our tropical indoor plants, which thrive in this range. But in cold weather, the average heated house loses about 30% of its heat.
However, before you rush out and buy a plant humidifier, you could use a hygrometer to monitor humidity. For less than ten dollars, you can get one of those handy 2-in-1 gauges that monitors both temperature and humidity. I have a few different colors of digital and analog 2 in 1 small thermometers and hygrometers.
I utilize the H2O cordless indoor plant humidifiers and they work great for me when the humidity dips below 50%. Your other plants will also benefit from the increased humidity if you have it.
3. Check the temperature
In the case of the Watermelon Peperomia, it’s best to keep warm. However, it should not be too hot. During the day, the temperature should be between 18 and 25 degrees, and at night, it should not be below 15 degrees. It is possible for overheated plants and dry ground or air to cause leaves to crack, split, and curl. Mini temperature gauges can help you monitor plant temperatures.
Is It Easy to Grow Watermelon Peperomia Plants at Home?
Are you planning to grow watermelon peperomias indoors? Are you worried about the growth? Have you heard rumors that watermelon peperomias aren’t easy to grow at home?
You can grow a water peperomia at home if you have the correct circumstances. They’re a terrific alternative for people who are new to plant care as well as those who already have a lot of plants at home.
How Can I Fertilize My Watermelon Peperomia?
Watermelon peperomias are sluggish growth with low fertilization requirements.
During the growing season, sprinkle a diluted organic houseplant fertilizer regularly to stimulate healthy development. Dilute to half the manufacturer’s recommended concentration. Your bright watermelon peperomia, on the other hand, may grow without any further ‘feeding.’
Organic fertilizers are preferable to synthetic fertilizers for indoor plants. You can feed your potted peperomia with organic fertilizers like tea compost, marine kelp, or plant extracts.
The following is a list of watermelon peperomia fertilization tips:
- Because plant development is dormant in late autumn and winter, fertilizer should not be used.
- If you’re using synthetic fertilizers, cleanse the soil three times a year to keep mineral salts from building up.
How Can I Repot My Watermelon Peperomias?
Watermelon peperomias are low-maintenance plants that don’t need to be replanted frequently. Root-bound houseplants thrive in a small, condensed space. As a result, repotting them will only be necessary every 2 or 3 years at most. Repotting is also beneficial for replenishing soil nutrients and refreshing the potting mix to promote healthy growth.
If you observe roots poking through the drainage holes of your watermelon peperomia pot, it’s time to repot. Choose a pot one size larger than your watermelon peperomia’s existing container when repotting it.
Discard any loose dirt after removing both the plant and the root ball from the pot. Examine the roots for signs of root disease, such as mushy, decomposing roots, and prune as needed. The peperomia should be moved to a new pot and filled with potting soil. Maintain the same height of the plant in its pot, if necessary.
Why Are My Watermelon Peperomias Leaves Drooping?
It’s most frequent for watermelon peperomia leaves to droop due to watering concerns.
The plant’s growth can be hampered by overly wet or too dry soil. As a result, the stems weaken and begin to wilt.
Determine the root reason of your watermelon peperomia to see whether it may be cured. Make sure the soil is dry before watering it again if it is wet and sloppy.
Soak the soil thoroughly and allow the extra water to run away if the soil is entirely dry (for example, around the roots). To ensure that the potting soil doesn’t dry out, inspect it every week and rehydrate as needed.
My Watermelon Peperomias Plant Leaves Are Turning Yellow, What Should I Do?
A watermelon peperomia with yellow leaves is a classic indicator of overwatering.
Letting potting soil to dry somewhat between drenchings is an important aspect of proper houseplant watering.
Root rot, which can create yellow watermelon peperomia leaves, can also be caused by overwatering.
Best Fertilizer For Watermelon Peperomias
1. Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer
Dr Earth 704P tomato vegetable garden fertilizer results in more numerous harvests that are more healthy and flavorful. When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it provides great levels of essential plant nutrients and gets rid of the need for chemical fertilizers. Drought resistance, improved nutrient availability, and improved plant performance are all aided by this blend’s eight different ecto- and endo-mycorrhizal strains. Natural and organic ingredients are used. There is rapid release of nutrients and long-term feeding to ensure consistently high quality.
Home Grown fertilizer is designed to nourish vegetable gardens, summer and winter crops, container plants, and backyard natural soil. Seeds, transplants, and compost tea can all benefit from the addition of compost. It’s free of synthetic chemicals, poultry feces, and other potentially harmful components. Handcrafted with food-grade and human-grade components. Your family will reap the benefits of nutrient-dense soil that is rich in multi-minerals, proteins, carbs, humic acids and trace elements.
Pros:
- It can be mixed with water for foliar feeding
- It can also be used with fruit trees and berries
Cons:
- The packaging could be sturdier
2. Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer
Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer is a natural supply of organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium that helps plants grow strong roots, vivid flowers, and more delectable food. During the growing season, it helps to improve your plants!
For healthy plant growth and strong roots, incorporate into soil or potting mix when seedlings are being started or at any other time before harvest. Bone meal is a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer that promotes healthy growth throughout the growing season. The amount to use should be determined by the packing.
Bone Meal is great for starting new bedding plants, revitalizing existing home flower beds, and keeping patio containers at their best. Helps keep rabbits away from your garden in an all-natural way. Bone meal naturally helps root and bulb crops grow well, and it has a fine, granular texture that makes it easy to spread. Tulips and other floral bulbs can also be planted using this method.
Pros:
- It is rich in phosphorus and calcium.
- It helps in naturally driving away rabbits from your garden.
Cons:
- Slow effect when growing
Conclusion
Curling leaves will occur in Peperomia even if you do everything you can to care for it.
Peperomia leaves curl when they are dry in order to limit water loss and avoid further transpiration. Watering too much, not enough, high temperatures, low humidity, over-fertilization, and root rot are all causes of curled leaves.