How to Propogate Stevia Plant the Right Way

Are you a fan of natural sweeteners? If so, you’ve probably heard of stevia. Stevia is a plant native to South America and has been used for centuries as a sweetener and medicinal herb. It’s no wonder that many people are interested in growing their own stevia plants.

While stevia plants can be purchased from nurseries, propagating them on your own can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your collection. In this article, we will guide you through the process of propagating stevia plants the right way.

Choosing the Right Method

There are several methods you can use to propagate stevia plants, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division. Each method has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and resources.

1. Seed Propagation: This method involves growing stevia plants from seeds. While it is the most natural way to propagate stevia, it can also be the most time-consuming. Stevia seeds have a low germination rate and can take several weeks to sprout. However, if you have patience and want to start from scratch, seed propagation might be the method for you.

2. Cutting Propagation: This method involves taking cuttings from an existing stevia plant and rooting them to create new plants. Cutting propagation is a quicker method compared to seed propagation since it allows you to skip the germination stage. However, you will need access to a mature stevia plant in order to obtain cuttings.

3. Division: Division involves separating an established stevia plant into multiple smaller plants. This method is suitable if you already have a mature stevia plant and want to increase your collection. Division is relatively easy and ensures that each new plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.

Preparing the Propagation Medium

Once you have chosen your preferred propagation method, it’s time to prepare the propagation medium. This is the material in which your stevia cuttings or seeds will grow. The propagation medium should be well-draining and nutrient-rich to promote healthy root development.

A popular choice for a propagation medium is a mixture of equal parts perlite and vermiculite. This combination provides good drainage and retains moisture, creating an ideal environment for root growth. You can also add some organic matter, such as compost or coconut coir, to improve the nutritional content of the medium.

Before planting your stevia cuttings or seeds, moisten the propagation medium thoroughly. This will ensure that it is evenly damp but not waterlogged.

Planting Stevia Cuttings

If you have chosen the cutting propagation method, follow these steps to plant your stevia cuttings:

1. Take several 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy stevia plant. Make sure each cutting has at least two sets of leaves.
2. Remove the lower set of leaves from each cutting, leaving only the top set.
3. Dip the bottom end of each cutting in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
4. Insert each cutting about 1-2 inches deep into the propagation medium, making sure that the remaining set of leaves is above the surface.
5. Gently press the medium around each cutting to ensure good contact between the cutting and the medium.
6. Place the container in a warm location with indirect sunlight.

Caring for Stevia Cuttings

After planting your stevia cuttings, it’s important to provide them with proper care to ensure their successful rooting and growth. Here are some tips for caring for your stevia cuttings:

1. Watering: Keep the propagation medium moist but not overly wet. Water your cuttings whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

2. Light: Stevia cuttings need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place them in a location that receives bright but filtered sunlight. If you’re growing them indoors, provide supplemental light using fluorescent or LED grow lights.

3. Temperature: Stevia plants prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing the cuttings to extreme temperature fluctuations, as it can stress the plants and hinder their growth.

4. Humidity: Stevia plants prefer high humidity levels. You can increase humidity around your cuttings by placing a plastic bag or a plastic dome over the container to create a mini greenhouse effect. Just make sure to remove the cover periodically to prevent excessive moisture buildup.

5. Fertilizing: Once your stevia cuttings have developed roots and started growing, you can begin fertilizing them. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season.

Transplanting Stevia Seedlings or Cuttings

After about 6-8 weeks, your stevia seedlings or cuttings should be ready for transplanting into individual pots or your garden. Choose a well-draining potting mix and gently remove each seedling or cutting from the propagation container.

Make a hole in the new container and place each seedling or cutting in the hole, making sure it is at the same depth as it was in the propagation medium. Fill the hole with soil, firm it around the plant, and water thoroughly.

If transplanting outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Space your plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Conclusion

Propagating stevia plants can be a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener. Whether you choose seed propagation, cutting propagation, or division, make sure to provide your stevia plants with the right conditions for successful rooting and growth. With proper care and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying your very own homegrown stevia leaves for all your sweetening needs. Happy propagating!