Stevia care guide
Stevia rebaudiana
Also known as: Sweetleaf
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Stevia
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- It dislikes drying out: water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, checking morning and evening in midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- It flowers now and the soil dries more slowly; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- The top dies back and the plant rests, so as a guide just moisten the soil a few days after it dries.
Light and placement for Stevia
A sunny, airy spot is about right, and in midsummer bright shade away from the afternoon sun also works; it flowers as days shorten in autumn, and the leaves are generally sweetest just before then.
Overwintering Stevia
Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above
Frost kills the top growth, but the crown generally resprouts in spring if it does not freeze; as a guide, cut it back in autumn and mulch the base, or move a pot under the eaves or to a bright spot indoors.
Fertilizing and repotting Stevia
Fertilizer
From April to September, slow-release fertilizer about monthly or diluted liquid feed about every two weeks is usually enough; overfeeding gives lush leaves with less sweetness.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Stevia
- Left dry, it wilts and the lower leaves die off.
- Rainy-season humidity or poor drainage rots the base.
- The top dies back in frost and the still-living crown gets thrown out.
Tips for growing Stevia
- Pinching the young plant gives more branches and more leaves to harvest.
- Pick the leaves before flowering in September or October, when they are sweetest, and dry them to store.
- Seed germinates poorly and varies in sweetness, so plants are usually bought or grown from cuttings.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
