Photo: Ethel AardvarkCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Stevia Plant Plant Care
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Stevia rebaudiana is a plant species in the genus Stevia of the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as candyleaf, sweetleaf or sugarleaf.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Stevia Plant?
Water Stevia Plant every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
What Is the Stevia Plant?
Stevia Plant (Stevia rebaudiana) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Stevia genus. Stevia Plant is native to Brazil, Paraguay. Stevia Plant is also known as Stevia, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf.
Stevia Plant displays a low, spreading herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Stevia Plant produces small, white, clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stevia Plant?
Stevia rebaudiana requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Stevia Plant Need?
Stevia Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stevia Plant Prefer?
Stevia rebaudiana grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Stevia Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stevia Plant?
Well-draining, loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Stevia Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stevia Plant?
Feed Stevia Plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Stevia Plant?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Stevia Plant?
Stevia Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds.
Is the Stevia Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stevia Plant?
Stevia Plant is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stevia Plant Need?
Stevia Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Stevia Plant is native to Brazil, Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Stevia Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Stevia Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Stevia genus — compare its care with other Stevia species on PlantoScan.
Stevia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Stevia Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, family Asteraceae (first published in Anales Ci. Parag. 1(5): 3 (1905)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Stevia Plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Ethel Aardvark, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Stevia Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species