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.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
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
- 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.
- 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.
Pellionia New Emerald Green Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 8 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 12 Weeks |
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| Habit | Spreading, Trailing |
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| Height | 6-8 inches |
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| Light | Partial Shade |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | Zones 10-12 |
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| Water Needs | Light, Moderate |
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| Patented Plant | No |
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