Candyleaf
Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as Candyleaf, is a sweet herb native to South America. Renowned for its natural sweetness, it is a popular choice for gardeners looking to grow their own sugar substitute. Easy to care for, Stevia thrives in sunny conditions and can be harvested for its flavorful leaves.
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Stevia rebaudiana prefers consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged.
Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 3-5 days during the growing season. In winter, reduce watering to every 7-10 days. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause wilting and leaf drop.
Light
Stevia thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ideal placement is in a south or west-facing window or outdoors in a sunny garden. It can tolerate partial shade but may result in slower growth and less sweetness in the leaves.
Soil
The ideal soil for Stevia is well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A recommended potting mix is a blend of potting soil, perlite, and compost to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability.
Humidity
Stevia prefers moderate humidity levels around 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly or place a humidity tray with water near the plant. Signs of humidity stress include browning leaf edges and wilting.
Temperature
Stevia grows best in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and is hardy in zones 9-11.
It can tolerate brief periods of temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but should be protected from frost and extreme heat.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, applying every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Reduce fertilization in the fall and winter. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves, poor growth, and reduced sweetness.
Pruning
Prune Stevia in early spring to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears for the best results. Deadheading is not necessary, but removing spent flowers can promote leaf growth.
Repotting
Repot Stevia every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. To repot, gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Stevia can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and place them in water or moist soil until roots develop, which takes about 2-3 weeks. Seeds can be sown indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after frost risk has passed.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
This can be caused by over-watering or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Check the soil moisture and reduce watering if necessary. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer if nutrient deficiency is suspected.
Wilting leaves
Why it happens
Wilting can result from under-watering or extreme heat.
How to fix it
Ensure the soil is adequately moist and provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Browning leaf edges
Why it happens
This may indicate low humidity or over-fertilization.
How to fix it
Increase humidity around the plant and reduce fertilizer application.
Root rot
Why it happens
Root rot is typically caused by over-watering and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Allow the soil to dry out and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Remove any affected roots.
Pest infestations (e.g., aphids, spider mites)
Why it happens
Pests can thrive in dry conditions or on stressed plants.
How to fix it
Regularly inspect the plant, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, prune back any dead stems and fertilize the plant to encourage new growth. Ensure it receives plenty of sunlight as temperatures warm.
Summer
During summer, keep the soil consistently moist and monitor for pests. Provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf scorch.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as growth slows down. You can continue to harvest leaves until the first frost, but protect the plant from cold temperatures.
Winter
In winter, bring the plant indoors if grown outside, and reduce watering to every 7-10 days. Ensure it receives enough light, possibly using grow lights.
Toxicity & Safety
Stevia is non-toxic to pets and children. The leaves are safe for consumption, and there are no known toxic parts.
Good to know
How often should I water my Stevia plant?
Water your Stevia plant every 3-5 days during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Why are my Stevia leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on Stevia can indicate over-watering or a nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and consider fertilizing if needed.
Can I grow Stevia indoors?
Yes, Stevia can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours of direct light daily.
How do I propagate Stevia?
Stevia can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take healthy stems and root them in water or soil.
What is the best fertilizer for Stevia?
A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal for Stevia, applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Is Stevia safe for pets?
Yes, Stevia is non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for households with animals.
When is the best time to harvest Stevia leaves?
The best time to harvest Stevia leaves is just before the plant flowers, as this is when the leaves are sweetest and most flavorful.
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