Stevia rebaudiana aka Stevia
Taxonomy
Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as candyleaf, sweetleaf or sugarleaf, is a plant species in the genus Stevia of the family Asteraceae. A tender perennial native to humid, wet environments in Brazil and Paraguay, this small seasonal plant grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-61 cm), featuring elongated, lined leaves along its stem. Flowers are typically trimmed in order to improve the taste of the leaves. Stevia is widely grown and its extracts are used to make sweetener products known generically as stevia and sold under various trade names. The chemical compounds that make up its sweetness are various steviol glycosides, especially stevioside and rebaudioside, with a sweetness 200-300 times that of sugar. It needs sandy well-drained soil in sun to partial shade, and can be grown as an annual or brought indoors in colder climates.
Common names
Stevia, Sweet Leaf Of Paraguay, Sugar LeafHow to care for Stevia
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Stevia, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Stevia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Stevia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Stevia 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 Sweet Leaf Of Paraguay is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Stevia is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Stevia as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Stevia’s native range is S. America - Brazil, Paraguay.
More info:
Wikipedia
