How to Tell if Stevia Plant Needs Watering?

Introduction

Stevia is a popular plant known for its sweet leaves, which contain natural sweeteners. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm climates and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Like any other plant, stevia requires adequate water to stay healthy and produce sweet leaves. However, it is crucial to understand when and how much water to provide to prevent overwatering or underwatering the plant. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if a stevia plant needs watering.

Understanding Stevia’s Watering Needs

Before we dive into the signs of a thirsty stevia plant, it is important to understand its watering requirements. Stevia plants prefer moist soil but are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. On the other hand, underwatering can lead to drying out and wilting. It is essential to strike a balance between these two extremes to ensure the health and vitality of your stevia plant.

Signs of an Underwatered Stevia Plant

Wilting Leaves: The most obvious sign of an underwatered stevia plant is wilting leaves. When the soil lacks moisture, the plant will try to conserve water by closing its leaf stomata, which causes the leaves to droop and curl inward. If you notice your stevia plant’s leaves looking limp or droopy, it may be an indication that it needs watering.
Dry Soil: Another way to tell if your stevia plant needs watering is by checking the soil’s moisture level. Insert your finger about an inch deep into the soil near the plant’s base. If the soil feels dry or almost dry, it is a clear sign that your plant needs watering.
Leaf Drop: An underwatered stevia plant may start shedding its leaves as a survival mechanism. When water becomes scarce, the plant will prioritize its energy on sustaining the roots and essential parts, leading to the shedding of leaves. If you notice a significant number of leaves falling off, it is a sign that your stevia plant is not receiving enough water.
Stunted Growth: Lack of water can hinder the growth of your stevia plant. If you notice that your plant is not growing as vigorously as before or if new growth appears stunted and small, it may be an indication that it needs more water.

Signs of an Overwatered Stevia Plant

Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves in a stevia plant. When the roots are constantly saturated, they become oxygen-deprived, causing the leaves to turn yellow. If you notice your stevia plant’s leaves losing their vibrant green color and turning yellow, it may be a sign of overwatering.
Root Rot: Overwatering can create a waterlogged environment in the soil, promoting the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria that cause root rot. If you notice a foul odor coming from the soil or see blackened, mushy roots when you remove the plant from its pot, it is likely suffering from root rot due to excessive watering.
Wilting Despite Moist Soil: Paradoxically, overwatered plants may also exhibit wilting symptoms. This occurs because saturated roots cannot efficiently absorb water, leading to wilted leaves even when the soil seems moist. If your stevia plant’s leaves are drooping despite the soil being wet, it may indicate overwatering.
Slow Growth or No New Growth: Excessive moisture can suffocate the roots and hinder their ability to take up nutrients, leading to slow growth or no new growth altogether. If you notice that your stevia plant has stopped growing or appears stagnant for an extended period, overwatering may be the cause.

Proper Watering Techniques

Now that we have discussed the signs of an underwatered and overwatered stevia plant, let’s explore some proper watering techniques to maintain its health.

Water Deeply: When watering your stevia plant, ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil. This encourages the roots to grow deeper and become more resilient. Water until you see it coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or until the soil feels adequately moist.
Use Well-Draining Soil: Stevia plants prefer well-draining soil that allows excess water to flow away easily. A mixture of potting soil, sand, and perlite can create a suitable growing medium for your stevia plant.
Check Soil Moisture Regularly: Periodically check the moisture level of the soil by inserting your finger into the soil near the plant’s base. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a little longer before watering again.
Water Frequency: The frequency of watering will depend on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and pot size. As a general rule, water your stevia plant when the soil feels dry about an inch deep.

Conclusion

Watering plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of a stevia plant. Understanding the signs of an underwatered or overwatered plant is essential for providing adequate moisture without causing harm. By observing your stevia plant’s leaves, checking soil moisture regularly, and following proper watering techniques, you can ensure that your stevia plant thrives and produces sweet leaves for your enjoyment.