Stevia rebaudiana
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusStevia
Zone11
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Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf, is a plant species in the Asteraceae family. Native to Paraguay and Brazil, it is known for its sweet-tasting leaves, which are used as a natural sweetener. The plant is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It does not have a dormancy period and is often grown for its leaves, which contain steviol glycosides, compounds that are much sweeter than sugar.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Eupatorium Rebaudianum
Sugar Leaf
Sweet Leaf
Sweet-Leaf-Of-Paraguay
Stevia
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature22° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,350
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Stevia rebaudiana requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers a humid environment. Water the plant when the soil partially dries out, ensuring it does not become waterlogged. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Harvest
Stevia rebaudiana is typically ready for harvest about 90 days after planting. The best time to harvest is just before the plant starts to flower, as this is when the leaves contain the highest concentration of sweet compounds. To harvest, cut the stems about 6 inches above the ground. The leaves can be stripped from the stems and dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dried, the leaves can be stored in an airtight container for later use. It's important to handle the leaves gently to avoid bruising, which can affect their sweetness.Soil
Stevia prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. A mix of garden soil with compost or organic matter works well.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 3-1-2. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth.Repotting
Repot Stevia rebaudiana every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Stevia can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. For seeds, sow them in a seed-starting mix and keep them moist until they germinate.Pruning
Prune Stevia regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back the plant by about one-third in early spring and remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season.Toxicity
Stevia rebaudiana is non-toxic to pets and humans. Its leaves are safe to consume and are often used as a natural sweetener in various foods and beverages.Additional
Stevia rebaudiana can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When growing indoors, ensure it receives enough light by placing it near a sunny window or using grow lights. Outdoors, it can be planted in garden beds or containers. Regularly check for pests such as aphids and spider mites, and treat them promptly if found.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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