Pellionia Repens

Common Name: Trailing Watermelon Begonia, Watermelon Vine, Elatostema repens, Pellionia repens, Rainbow vine

Pellionia Repens, commonly named Trailing Watermelon Begonia, is an evergreen perennial that is great for at providing ground cover. Although called a Begonia, Pellionia Repens is not related to Begonias and is part of the Urticaceae family. The ovate leaves of the Watermelon Vine are dark green with randomly scattered patterns of light green to silver. Under more light the stems will become a pinkish red color and the leaves will develop a maroon tint.

Pellionia Repens thrive in high humidity environments and should be in soil that are constantly moist. Leaves may begin to brown if the humidity is low. Originating from tropical forest floors and understories, Pellionia Repens does not tolerate cold or high light well. Having a vine like growth pattern, Pellionia Repens can be planted in terrestrial setups, such as terrariums and paladariums to provide great coverage.

Key Features & Important Notes: 

• Pellionia Repens is a terrestrial plant and being submerged will result in death of the plant
• Pellionia Repens prefers being grown with high humidity, partial shade, and moist soil.
• Watermelon Begonia is not actually a Begonia.
• Plants may grow differently depending on the environment in which they are grown in.
• Additional research should be done to provide optimum growing conditions for the plant to thrive.

Family Name: Urticaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Temperature: 40-80 F
Care: Easy
Light: Shaded Light 
Water: Medium
Propagation: Herbaceous stem cutting 
Growth rate: Medium