The Red Bacon Plant is a captivating addition to any indoor plant collection, known for its striking foliage. Its distinct leaves feature a unique color and texture, making it a visually appealing houseplant that contrasts with more common green varieties.
What is the Red Bacon Plant
The plant known as the Red Bacon Plant is botanically identified as Pellionia repens or Pellionia pulchra. This trailing perennial is native to the humid environments of Southeast Asia, thriving naturally in regions like Burma, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It is also sometimes referred to as Watermelon Begonia or Polynesian Ivy, despite not being a true begonia or originating from Polynesia.
Its leaves are the most notable feature, displaying a dark green color on the upper surface with distinctive reddish-purple undersides and prominent, contrasting veins. This unique coloration and texture give the plant its “bacon-like” appearance. The plant typically grows to about 4-6 inches tall but can spread up to 2 feet wide, making it suitable for hanging baskets or as a groundcover in terrariums.
Caring for Your Red Bacon Plant
Light
The Red Bacon Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural understory habitat where it receives filtered sunlight. Placing it near a north-facing window is ideal, or a spot with filtered light from an east or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves and cause vibrant colors to fade. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and a loss of characteristic variegation.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for the Red Bacon Plant, but it should never be left in standing water. The soil should be kept consistently moist, allowing the top inch or so to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot. Reducing watering frequency during cooler winter months is advisable as the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity levels are preferred by the Red Bacon Plant, reflecting its tropical origins. Ideally, humidity levels of 60% or more will help it flourish. Methods to increase humidity include placing the pot on a pebble tray, using a room humidifier, or grouping plants together. Misting provides temporary relief, but avoid prolonged wet leaves to prevent fungal issues. The plant prefers warm temperatures (65-75°F / 18-24°C) and needs protection from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil and Fertilizing
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is suitable for the Red Bacon Plant. An airy blend containing peat moss and perlite or coarse sand ensures good drainage while retaining some moisture. A general-purpose houseplant mix works well, similar to African violet soil. During the active growing season (spring through summer), the plant benefits from regular fertilization with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks at half strength, reducing or stopping in fall and winter.
Propagating Red Bacon Plant
Propagating the Red Bacon Plant is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most effective method. This plant readily roots from its nodes, making it easy to expand your collection. The optimal time for propagation is during the plant’s active growing season, typically spring or summer.
To take a cutting, select a healthy 4-inch stem section with at least one node. Remove leaves from the bottom inch or two to expose the nodes. Cuttings can be rooted in water, where roots often appear within a few weeks, or directly planted into a moist, well-draining potting mix. When planting in soil, bury the node and provide high humidity by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome, ensuring the plastic does not touch the leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light.
Common Issues and Solutions
Several issues can arise when caring for the Red Bacon Plant, often indicating environmental stressors. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering or poor drainage, while browning leaf edges often point to insufficient humidity. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings and increasing ambient humidity can resolve these problems.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, occurs when the plant is not receiving enough bright, indirect light. Moving the plant to a brighter location and pruning leggy stems encourages bushier growth. A lack of vibrancy in leaf patterns may also be due to inadequate light. While robust, the Red Bacon Plant can encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil maintain plant health.