Selling Size : Single Plant |2.5" Pot Included | Secure Packing
The plant commonly referred to as Madhura Tulasi is Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), also known as Sweet Leaf or Sugar Leaf. It is a tender perennial herb grown for its leaves, which are a natural, zero-calorie sweetener.
Here is a comprehensive care guide for your Madhura Tulasi (Stevia) plant:
1. Sunlight
Best Placement: Stevia thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) to partial afternoon shade.
Hot Climates: In very hot or scorching summer climates, providing some filtered afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from getting scorched.
Indoors: If grown indoors, place it near a bright, sunny window (like a south- or west-facing window) or supplement with a grow light, as it needs plenty of light for optimal leaf production.
2. Watering
Keep Soil Moist: Stevia prefers consistently moist soil, but it should never be waterlogged or soggy.
Check Before Watering: Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Drainage is Crucial: Ensure the pot or garden bed has excellent drainage, as wet feet will quickly lead to root rot. Raised beds are often recommended for in-ground planting.
3. Soil
Type: Use a light, sandy-loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and offers very good drainage.
pH: The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, generally ranging from 6.0 to 7.2.
Potting Mix: For containers, a high-quality potting mix amended with compost and perlite for drainage is ideal.
4. Temperature and Climate
Warmth is Key: Stevia is a tropical/subtropical plant and loves warm weather. It grows best in temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C–27°C).
Frost Tender: It is extremely sensitive to cold. Treat it as a tender perennial and an annual in areas with frost (USDA Zones 9-11 are its perennial range).
Winter Care: If you live in a cold climate, you must bring your potted Stevia plant indoors before the first expected frost. Reduce watering significantly while it is dormant or semi-dormant indoors.
5. Fertilizing
During Growing Season: Feed the plant every 2–4 weeks during the spring and summer (the main growing season) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer or an organic fertilizer like compost tea.
Avoid High Nitrogen: Use a low-nitrogen formula if using chemical fertilizers. Excess nitrogen can lead to lots of leafy growth but may reduce the sweetness (glycoside content) of the leaves.
6. Pruning and Harvesting
Pinch for Bushiness: Regularly pinch back the growing tips once the plant is established (around 6-8 inches tall). This encourages side branching, resulting in a bushier plant with more leaves to harvest.
Pinch Flowers: If small white flowers appear, pinch them off immediately. The leaves are at their sweetest just before flowering, and allowing the plant to flower diverts energy away from leaf production.
Harvesting: The best time for a major harvest is in the late summer or early fall, right before the plant begins to flower, as this is when the leaves are at their sweetest peak. You can also snip sprigs of leaves as needed for fresh use throughout the season.
Common Problems Madhura Tulasi (Stevia)
Leggy/Spindly Growth: Usually caused by insufficient sunlight. Move the plant to a brighter location.
Root Rot/Wilting: The most common killer. It results from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure proper drainage and let the topsoil dry out before watering again.
Leaves Not Sweet: This can happen if the plant is grown in very low light, is over-fertilized with nitrogen, or is harvested after it has started to flower.
