Pellionia New Emerald Green Rooted Cutting Liner

Pellionia (commonly called Trailing Watermelon Begonia and sometimes spelled pellonia) are an herbaceous perennial native to Southeast Asia. This evergreen groundcover is handy to have around your garden center as a year-round hanging basket to sell as a houseplant, in terrariums, or in 4” pots for landscape use as a ground cover in warmer areas. Pellionia flower, but they are grown for their foliage and tight growth patterns.

---

Growing Tips

 

For best results with Pellonia, we recommend growing in a humid environment using a constant feed program of 150 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 5.8 - 6.2.

To help your customers create a humid environment in their home, instruct them to place the pot on top of a saucer filled with rocks and pour water into the saucer, making sure that the water level never reaches the bottom of the pot.

Pinching

Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

Spacing

Can be grown pot tight in an 1801 or 4” pot. Space hanging baskets 18-24 inches apart. Spacing adequately allows airflow and light penetration between the foliage of adjacent pots.

Height Control

Pinching is the best way to control height. An initial pinch is recommended, but additional pinching may be necessary to shape your final product.

Pests

Pellionia have no significant pest problems.

Disease

New Emerald Green are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.

Planting New Emerald Green Liners

1. We recommend planting 4-5 starter plants per 10” basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 3 plants per pot should be sufficient if you have enough time. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot in a triangle formation.
2. Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

Rooted Cuttings

Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.

---