Smoking Plant / Watermelon Begonia

Pellionia repens Plant Details

Scientific Information

• Scientific Name: Pellionia repens

• Family: Urticaceae

• Common Names:

  • Trailing Watermelon Begonia ,Watermelon Pellionia,Pellionia Vine,Creeping Pellionia, smoking plant

• Native Range: Southeast Asia (especially Vietnam and Malaysia)

 Plant Description

• Type: Perennial, creeping or trailing ornamental foliage plant

• Height: Low-growing (10–15 cm tall), but trails 40–60 cm or more when hanging

• Growth Habit: Creeping or cascading — excellent for hanging baskets and terrariums

• Leaves:

  • Small, oval, slightly fleshy

  • Dark green with silvery or bronze markings on top

  • Underside is often purple or reddish

• Stems: Soft, succulent, reddish to brown, easily root at nodes

• Flowers: Tiny, not ornamental; grown mainly for foliage

 Care & Cultivation

Sun Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light.

• Can tolerate partial shade, but too little light can cause fading of leaf patterns.

• Avoid harsh direct sunlight — can scorch leaves.

Soil

• Needs a light, well-draining, moisture-retentive mix.

• Ideal mix:

•  Watering
  

• Likes even moisture, but not soggy soil.

• Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil starts to dry.

• Overwatering can lead to stem rot, especially in hanging pots.

• In warm months, check hanging baskets more frequently.

 Fertilizer

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once a month during the growing season (spring to autumn).

• Reduce feeding in winter.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and prevents legginess.

• Pinch or trim back long stems to shape the plant.

• Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly.

 Uses & Features

• Excellent hanging or trailing indoor plant

•  Popular for terrariums and dish gardens due to its creeping habit

•  Eye-catching foliage with watermelon-like patterns

•  Low maintenance & fast growing