Stevia
stevia rebaudiana
Also known as: ["Sweetleaf","Sugarleaf","Honey Leaf"]
Overview
A perennial herb native to South America, known for its sweet leaves used as a natural sweetener.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Stevia |
| Botanical Name: | Stevia rebaudiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor garden bed in a sheltered, partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season; lightly prune year-round for shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth at a time
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place indoors near a south-facing window with sheer curtains in summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 70–85°F (21–29°C); tolerates 50–95°F (10–35°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden drops.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; switch to low-nitrogen formula for sweeter leaves; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm (70–80°F/21–27°C), indirect light
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips; trim leggy stems; cut just above a leaf node
Pruning Plan
Encourage bushier growth and higher leaf yield; remove spent flowers to redirect energy to leaves.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot)
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots; place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes growth and prevents congestion.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid leaf wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain fully; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase in hot/dry conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pH balance with lime or sulfur if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or necrosis in extreme heat/cold; stunted growth; leaf drop; bud abortion.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts below 50°F (10°C); leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat source if needed; cover outdoors in frost risk.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch; reduced sweetness in leaves; potential flower/leaf drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicStevia rebaudiana is not considered toxic to cats. The plant's natural sweeteners do not pose a health risk to felines when ingested in typical amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicStevia rebaudiana is not considered toxic to dogs. The steviol glycosides present in the plant do not pose a significant risk to canine health when ingested in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicStevia rebaudiana is widely recognized as a non-toxic plant, particularly when used as a sweetener. It contains steviol glycosides, which are responsible for its sweetness but are not considered toxic to humans in typical consumption amounts.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Stevia safe for diabetics?
A: Yes, Stevia is a natural sweetener with zero calories and does not affect blood sugar levels, making it safe for diabetics.
Q: How do I grow Stevia?
A: Stevia prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and regular watering. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Q: Can Stevia be used in cooking?
A: Yes, Stevia leaves can be dried and powdered or used fresh to sweeten beverages and dishes, though it may have a slightly bitter aftertaste in high concentrations.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
