The Key Points for Cultivating Watermelon Pepper Plant
A comprehensive analysis of the small experiences in cultivating the herbaceous flower Watermelon Pepper Plant, key points for cultivation, detailed information as follows:
The Watermelon Pepper Plant thrives in a high-temperature, humid, semi-shaded, and environment with high air humidity. To maintain the beautiful variegation of its leaves, the following points must be observed:
1. Substrate
It needs to be cultivated in loose, fertile soil with good drainage; it grows poorly in clay. Potting soil should be a mixture of decomposed leaf soil and coarse sand or coal ash. It can also be cultivated in a mixture of peat soil and perlite.
2. Temperature
The Watermelon Pepper Plant is intolerant to severe cold or extreme heat, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-30°C. Growth slows down when the temperature exceeds 30°C or falls below 15°C. The minimum winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C, otherwise, it may suffer from frost damage, or even physiological diseases.
3. Soil
Potting soil should mainly consist of decomposed leaf soil, mixed with a small amount of river sand.
4. Light
Since the Watermelon Pepper Plant is shade-tolerant, it should be placed in a bright area with scattered light indoors, avoiding direct strong sunlight. In spring and autumn, it should be moved to an outdoor location with good ventilation and some sunlight. It prefers semi-shade or scattered light, and can be kept in full sun in winter. In summer, it must be shaded by 50%, otherwise, the leaves may be sunburned. However, excessive shade will make the leaves dull and grayish, and the variegation will not be distinct.
5. Water
During the growing season, the potting soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, otherwise, the roots may rot and the leaves fall off, or even the whole plant may die. In summer and dry seasons, water should be sprayed on the leaves 2-3 times a day to increase air humidity and promote the formation of leaf variegation. It is afraid of both drought and waterlogging; drought will cause wilting and yellowing, and even death; waterlogging may lead to root rot. The potting soil should be kept slightly moist, and water can be added when the surface of the soil appears dry. In winter, if the temperature is slightly lower, watering should be controlled, allowing the potting soil to alternate between dry and wet.
6. Fertilizer
Usually, a dilute cake fertilizer or compound fertilizer should be applied once a month. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be excessive, as a lack of phosphorus can cause the leaf variegation to disappear and reduce ornamental value. A balanced fertilizer should be used, and single application of nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided, as it can make the "watermelon" stripes indistinct and significantly reduce ornamental value. It is best to use a dilute liquid fertilizer to water the potting soil, as too concentrated fertilizer can cause plant necrosis.
7. Humidity
It requires high air humidity and is intolerant to dryness. In addition to normal watering, it is necessary to frequently spray water on the plant. If possible, it is best to sprinkle water in the growing environment to increase humidity, which is beneficial. In a dry environment, leaf growth is extremely abnormal.
8. Disease and Pest Control
Diseases and pests are rare, with leaf spot disease being the most common. It can be controlled by spraying fungicides such as carbendazim or metalaxyl. Pests mainly include red spiders and scale insects, which can be controlled by spraying specific insecticides, such as dicofol or dinotefuran for red spiders; and chlorpyrifos or chlorpyrifos-methyl for scale insects. Attention should be paid to the disinfection of the cultivation site, pots, and soil. Root collar rot and canker diseases can be controlled by spraying Bordeaux mixture.
The above is a detailed account of the key points for cultivating the Watermelon Pepper Plant, hoping it brings you help!