Origin
The Peperomia argyreia 'Costa Rica', also known as the Watermelon Peperomia, originates from Central and South America. In the wild, this plant grows in tropical rainforests on decaying trunks and in leaf mulch, often at relatively great height. The plant is named for its leaves' resemblance to watermelon rind.
Characteristics
Peperomia argyreia 'Costa Rica' is a small, compact plant that typically will not grow higher than 30cm. The oval, domed leaves are the striking characteristics of the plant, with their dark green top layer and a pattern of silver-white stripes. The plant rarely blooms, but when it does, a slender stalk appears with small white flowers that radiate a light, almost unnoticeable scent.
Care
The care of the Peperomia argyreia 'Costa Rica' requires some attention to mimic the conditions of its natural habitat. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. The soil needs to be well-draining and must dry out between waterings. Overwatering or stagnant water can lead to root rot, a common cause of death in this plant. It has no specific humidity requirements but should be checked and fed weekly during the growing period.