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Trailing Watermelon Begonia Procris repens

Previously known as:

  • Elatostema repens
  • Pellionia daveauana
  • Pellionia pulchra
  • Pellionia repens
Phonetic Spelling
PROH-kriss REE-penz
Description

Trailing Watermelon Begonia, is not a watermellon or a begonia.  It is an herbaceous perennial native to Southeast Asia. It is a small, 6-inch plant that can spread to 2 feet wide by means of stems that root where they touch the ground. It is most often used as a houseplant, in terrariums, hanging baskets or, in agreeable climates, as a groundcover. Although it is a flowering plant, the blossoms rarely appear on indoor plants, are green, blend with the foliage, and not very showy. It is typically grown for its lush and attractive foliage, which is also its only association with Begonias. 

This is a tropical plant that grows easily in bright indirect light and a humid atmosphere. Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, but reduce watering somewhat from fall to late winter. This plant needs very good soil drainage.  Pinch stems to shape as needed. Propagate it easily through stem cuttings.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Leaves drop can occur if houseplants plants are near cold drafts. Poorly drained soils can result in roots rot.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#easy to grow#colorful leaves#pendulous#interiorscape#low maintenance#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#terrarium#tropical perennials#creeping#herbaceous perennial#groundcover#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#easy to grow#colorful leaves#pendulous#interiorscape#low maintenance#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#terrarium#tropical perennials#creeping#herbaceous perennial#groundcover#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Procris
    Species:
    repens
    Family:
    Urticaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    southern China to Malesia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Cascading
    Creeping
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Green
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small white-green to tan-pink flowers are inconspicuous and rarely appear on indoor plants. When they do appear it is usually late summer to early fall.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Wavy-edged stiff leaves (to 2.5 inches long). Leaves are a variable gray-green , with dark green along the edges and variably sized light green to silver patches in the middle. Below, the leaves have purplish margins and are sometimes tinged with pink. The leaves climb up surfaces and form a shingle pattern. Leaves are larger when grown in shade.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Greenish-pink fleshy
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity