Elatostema repensWavy watermelon begonia
科:荨麻科
Family:Urticaceae
属:楼梯草属
common name:Wavy watermelon begonia
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Urticaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: Southeast Asia
Height: 0.25 to 0.5 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
Bloom Color: Green
Sun: Part shade (only)
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Grow in bright indirect light. Likes humid atmosphere. Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, but reduce watering somewhat from fall to late winter. Pinch stems to shape as needed. Easily propagated from stem cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Native to Southeast Asia, wavy watermelon begonia is an evergreen perennial that typically grows to 4" tall but spreads to 2 wide via stems that root where the touch the ground. In St. Louis, it is grown as a houseplant, often in hanging baskets, because of its attractive foliage. Features fleshy, greenish-pink stems with elliptic to oblong, wavy-edged leaves (to 2.5" 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. Small greenish flowers are inconspicuous and rarely appear on indoor plants. Synonymous with Pellionia repens and Pellionia daveauana.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Leaves may drop if plants are sited in areas with cold drafts. Roots may rot in poorly drained soils.
Uses:
Good house plant for hanging baskets.
