Stevia

Transplanting:

To transplant stevia to the ground or a larger area, ensure that:

• The hole is made at least as wide as the plant pot, and
• the depth of the hole is such that the top of the soil from the stevia plant is level with the surface soil of the ground or larger area.
• It is advised not to remove much of the roots from the stevia when transplanting unless you notice extreme root bound. If the plant (has extreme root bound) has lots of roots that are knotted up particularly at the bottom of the pot, you can cut under 30% of the roots, primarily at the bottom of the pot, and also remove some of the older leaves if the plant has lots of leaves.
• Ensure that stevia gets lots of water shortly after transplanting to lessen the effects of plant shock.
• Stevia is known to have a shallow root system so it would not require much more soil depth when transplanting

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Stevia should preferably be grown in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil:

• Loose, well-drained soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. The soil can be sandy and acidic. The plant has been reported to grow from sea-level up to 1,500 metres in semi-arid conditions at grasslands to mountain terrains and at the edges of marshes.
• Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry.
• Watering stevia should be that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
• Avoid overwatering.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• Apply well-composted material or fertiliser around the plant if leaves appear small or poorly developed.
• Limit the use of chemical fertilisers when growing stevia as these may affect the (sweet) flavour of the leaves.

Pruning:

• Prune (deadhead) stems or leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased, or turn yellow or brown.
• Pruning can aid in stimulating new growth and make the plant bushier.
• Prune flowers to maintain sweet leaf taste.

Natural low calorie sweetener.

The leaf powder can be used as a face pack for its anti-wrinkle properties, and extracts used as anti-oral-bacterial mouth wash.

Stevia is also known to reduce hypertension and is used as a body purifier by Buddhist monks in China.

It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.