Back in 2019, you’d see this plant as a bit of a collectors favourite all over (a far less overwhelming) plant instagram. Since then, the Peperomia Argyreia (aka the Watermelon Peperomia), has taken a bit more of a backseat, with most collectors preferring to show off large-leaved and variegated varieties of Monstera, Alocasia and Philodendron. However, we believe this cute Peperomia still has a lot to offer, so if you haven’t been introduced before, or if it’s been a little while since you’ve last seen this plant, allow us to give you an intro!
Peperomia Argyreia is a wonderfully striking semi-succulent which displays silvery green stripes on its teardrop shaped leaves, which are held up by bright red succulent stems. This colour palette and leaf pattern is what earns the plant its most common nickname, the Watermelon Peperomia. Like most Peperomia, this plant won't get huge, and although the leaf size can increase, the plant itself is more suited for a table top, shelf or windowsill as its max height is around 20-30cm. We think Peperomia is an undercelebrated genus, but the striking leaves, satisfying shape and petite growth habit make it a true charmer.
However, there is another reason we wanted to make this Peperomia our plant of the month... Due to its visual relation to watermelons, we’ve chosen this peperomia as our version of the watermelon symbol, which has been used for many years to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. The watermelon is a frequently used symbol that celebrates Palestinian heritage, shows solidarity with those living in Gaza and the West Bank and raises awareness of the ongoing genocide.
This month we want to celebrate our connection to our planet, and the people and plants that inhabit it. We are one people, with one home, and the war on Palestine is a war on all of us. We will be donating all the profits from purchases of this plant to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Please follow this link to learn more about the work MAP undertakes.