Stevia

Description

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a small perennial herbaceous plant native to Paraguay and Brazil. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. The plant is commonly known as sweet herb or sugarleaf due to its incredibly sweet taste. In fact, Stevia is a natural alternative to sugar and has been used for centuries by the Guarani people of South America to sweeten their food and beverages.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Stevia is a small, bushy plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has green, serrated leaves that are about 2-3 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in late summer or early fall. The leaves are the most important part of the plant, as they contain the sweet compounds that make Stevia a popular sugar substitute.

Care Guide

To grow Stevia successfully, it is essential to provide the plant with the right care. Here are some tips to help you grow healthy Stevia plants:

Water: Stevia prefers moist soil, but it does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, but do not let the soil completely dry out.

Fertilization: Stevia is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Soil: Stevia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal for Stevia.

Sunlight: Stevia requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but does best in bright, direct sunlight.

Hardiness Zones: Stevia is a tender perennial that is hardy in zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it is best grown as an annual or in a greenhouse.

Common Pests & Diseases

Stevia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:

Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and wilt. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.

Whiteflies: These small, white insects can cause yellowing and stunting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control whiteflies.

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.

Habitat

Stevia is native to the tropical regions of South America, where it grows in the wild in semi-arid and subtropical habitats. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. Stevia is now cultivated in many countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, and China.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Stevia be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Stevia can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.

Q: How is Stevia used as a sugar substitute?

A: Stevia leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder, which can be used to sweeten food and beverages. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed.

Q: Is Stevia safe for consumption?

A: Yes, Stevia is considered safe for consumption by the FDA. It has been used for centuries in South America and is now widely used as a sugar substitute around the world.

Q: Can Stevia be used in baking?

A: Yes, Stevia can be used in baking, but it may require some experimentation to get the right amount for the desired sweetness.

Related Plants

Here are some plants related to Stevia:

• Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
• Daisies (Bellis perennis)
• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
• Ragweeds (Ambrosia spp.)

References

• “Stevia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a856
• “Stevia rebaudiana.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/stevia.html
• “Stevia.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/stevia