Pellionia - Watermelon Begonia

(Pellio'nia)

DESCRIPTION: Pellionias are frost-tender, creeping perennials found from Vietnam to Malaysia and Burma. These plants can be grown in hanging baskets, in pots to form an edging to greenhouse benches, and in terrariums. P. repens, the Watermelon Begonia, is a low growing plant up to 4 inches high with an indefinite spread. This trailing plant has fleshy stems clothed with broad, oval, scalloped leaves that have soft grayish green centers and purplish-brown edges. Its flowers are insignificant, as this plant is grown for the beauty of its foliage.

POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. In cool climates, grow as a house or greenhouse plant. They should have moist, but well-drained soil in a partially shaded location. They need a humid atmosphere. When growing in hanging baskets, first line the basket with moss and then fill with equal parts of loam and leaf mold or peat, with a liberal amount of sand added. Insert rooted cuttings, 4 inches apart, in the top and sides of the basket. Hang the basket in a shady place and sprits with water daily. When the plants are first inserted, the soil is watered thoroughly, but no more should be given until it becomes fairly dry. Keep watering this way until the plants are well established, after which the soil is kept moist throughout the summer. As fall approaches, the water is gradually decreased. The soil is only moistened when it becomes fairly dry during the winter. They may also be planted in 5-inch pots filled with the soil mixture previously described.

PROPAGATION: Separate rooted stems or take stem cuttings in the spring or summer.

VARIETIES: P. repens; P. Daveauana; P. pulchra.

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