Melothria pendula
TAXONOMY
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusMelothria
Zone9
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Melothria pendula, commonly known as the creeping cucumber or Guadeloupe cucumber, is a small, vining plant native to the Americas. It produces small, edible fruits that resemble miniature watermelons. The plant is known for its rapid growth and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests and disturbed areas.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Apodanthera Gracilis
Bryonia Convolvulifolia
Bryonia Filiformis
Bryonia Guadalupensis
Cucumis Glaber
Diclidostigma Melothrioides
Guadeloupe Cucumber
Bryonia melothria
Melothria chlorocarpa
Melothria crassifolia
Melothria fluminensis
Melothria fluminensis var. hydrocotylifolia
Melothria fluminensis var. microphylla
Melothria fluminensis var. ovata
Melothria fluminensis var. triangularis
Melothria guadalupensis
Melothria nashii
Melothria nigra
Melothria pendula var. aspera
Melothria pendula var. chlorocarpa
Melothria pendula var. crassifolia
Melothria pendula var. microcarpa
Melothria pendula var. pendula
Melothria pervaga
Melothria repanda
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,050
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Melothria pendula thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers bright, indirect light. It requires regular watering, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. The plant enjoys moderate humidity and should be kept in a well-ventilated area to prevent fungal issues.Harvest
Melothria pendula, commonly known as the creeping cucumber, should be harvested when the fruits are small, typically around 1-2 cm in length, as they tend to become bitter when they mature. Harvesting is best done by gently plucking the fruits from the vine, ensuring not to damage the plant. The ideal time to harvest is in the early morning when the fruits are firm and cool. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruits. Ensure the plant is well-watered and receives adequate sunlight for optimal fruit production.Soil
This plant prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil mix is rich in organic matter to support its growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support its rapid growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repot Melothria pendula when it outgrows its current container, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage, and refresh the soil mix to provide new nutrients.Propagation
Propagate Melothria pendula through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds can be sown in the spring, while stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season. Ensure the cuttings have at least one node and place them in moist soil to root.Pruning
Prune the plant regularly to control its growth and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and trim back any excessively long vines to maintain a manageable size.Toxicity
Melothria pendula is toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities. The unripe fruits and other parts of the plant contain cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress. Handle with care and keep out of reach of children and pets.Additional
Melothria pendula can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When grown indoors, ensure it has enough space to vine and consider using a trellis for support. Outdoors, it can be used as a ground cover or allowed to climb on structures.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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