Stevia Rebaudiana

Description

Stevia Rebaudiana is a sweet herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America and has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. The plant is also known as sweet leaf, sugar leaf, or simply stevia. The leaves of the plant are up to 30 times sweeter than sugar, but have no calories, making it an ideal sugar substitute for people who want to reduce their sugar intake.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Stevia Rebaudiana is a small perennial shrub that grows up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are green, serrated, and oval-shaped, with a length of 2-3 cm. The plant produces small white flowers that grow in clusters, but they are not particularly ornamental. The roots are shallow and fibrous, and the stem is woody at the base.

Care Guide

Water

Stevia Rebaudiana prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is well-draining and does not become too dry.

Fertilization

Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to promote leaf growth. Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Soil

Stevia Rebaudiana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Add compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility.

Sunlight

Stevia Rebaudiana prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not produce as many leaves or flowers.

Hardiness Zones

Stevia Rebaudiana is hardy in zones 9-11. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or in a container that can be brought indoors during the winter.

Common Pests & Diseases

Stevia Rebaudiana is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil is well-draining.

Habitat

Stevia Rebaudiana is native to the highlands of Paraguay and Brazil. It grows best in warm, humid conditions and prefers well-draining soil. The plant is now cultivated in many countries, including China, Japan, and the United States.

Question and Answer

Q: How do you use Stevia Rebaudiana as a sweetener?

A: You can use fresh or dried leaves to sweeten tea, coffee, or other beverages. You can also use it in baked goods or other recipes that call for sugar.

Q: Can you grow Stevia Rebaudiana indoors?

A: Yes, you can grow Stevia Rebaudiana in a container indoors as long as it gets enough sunlight and the soil is well-draining.

Q: How long does it take for Stevia Rebaudiana to grow?

A: Stevia Rebaudiana can take up to 6 months to mature from seed. It can also be propagated from stem cuttings or root divisions.

Q: Is Stevia Rebaudiana safe to consume?

A: Yes, Stevia Rebaudiana is generally considered safe to consume. It has been used as a natural sweetener for centuries and has been approved by many regulatory agencies around the world.

Related Plants

• Chrysanthemum
• Daisy
• Sunflower
• Marigold
• Echinacea

References

• Stevia Rebaudiana. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279810&isprofile=0&basic=stevia%20rebaudiana
• Stevia Rebaudiana. (n.d.). Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/stevia/stevia-plant-care.htm
• Stevia Rebaudiana. (n.d.). Plants for a Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Stevia+rebaudiana