Ilex paraguariensis aka Brazilian Tea

Caring for Brazilian Tea is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Brazilian Tea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Brazilian Tea is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Paraguay Tea is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Paraguayan Tea with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Brazilian Tea with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Brazilian Tea requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Paraguay Tea is always in the right place to thrive.

During the cold period, it is common for Brazilian Tea to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

The Brazilian Tea grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.