The yerba mate tree, or Ilex paraguariensis, is a perennial, subtropical species native to Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil.
Well known for its dark, thick leaves packed with caffeine which are used to prepare tea, or mate, a very popular drink in South American countries, especially Argentina and Uruguay. It is gaining great popularity in other parts of the world.
It is a very easy tree to grow and its leaves have many health benefits when dipped in hot water.
They also contain a high level of caffeine, which is why the drink made from them is known for its stimulating properties, being a great source of antioxidants, improving mood and strengthening the immune system.
If you want to grow yerba mate to enjoy the health benefits of its leaves, or simply want to enjoy the charm of this beautiful tree in your garden, here is a guide to help you take your first steps.
Essential care for growing yerba mate trees
- It is a plant to grow indoors because you will get better results.
- You can place it on the windowsill of a very sunny and bright window.
- It needs a rich, clayey, well-drained, but moist soil.
- It is very important that you water it regularly because it prefers to remain moist but not waterlogged.
Luz
The yerba mate tree will not thrive in a very shady location in the garden or indoors because grows best in full sunlight. It can withstand partial shade if temperatures are tropical.
Irrigation
It needs permanent humidity conditions, and remember Do not let the soil dry out because the plant does not tolerate drought.
Temperature and humidity
The yerba mate tree likes heat and humidity. Remember that it is a tropical tree. Outdoors the plant will thrive if temperatures remain above 15°C for most of the year.
In winter, if temperatures drop below 4°C, the plant may die. Indoors, it prefers humid heat, however, it can withstand humidity levels up to 50%. It will not survive in very dry environments.
Pruning
Young yerba mate trees should be pruned to promote a strong and balanced structure. It is essential to remove dead wood and crossed branches to prevent diseases.
Keep in mind that pruning greatly benefits the tree for full and healthy growth. It is very important to do this because the leaves can start to grow outwards excessively if they are not cut.
They can be lightly pruned after 3 years to maintain the proper shape and size. In addition, regular pruning will help create a good production of leaves.
Propagation
Yerba mate trees are usually propagated by cuttings, as the seeds are very difficult to germinate. and cultivars do not yield true to type from seed.
To propagate trees by cuttings, select semi-hard cuttings 15 to 20 cm long, obtained from healthy, disease-free wood in early spring or autumn.
Prepare the cuttings with a rooting hormone and place them in pots with the substrate of your choice. It is a good option to add perlite or peat.
Water the cuttings and make sure they receive adequate light and heat to encourage root formation.
If you are going to have it indoors, place the pot on a windowsill. that it receives at least 4 hours of sun a day and water it weekly.
Fertilization
Yerba mate has moderate to high nutrient requirements. If your soil is deficient in nutrients, you should supplement it before planting. manure or commercial fertilizers They can be applied at sowing time and twice a year thereafter.
Control of pests and diseases
Yerba mate trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but some common problems to watch out for include: the mealybug, red spider, aphids, mites and root rot.
To keep pests and diseases to a minimum, avoid overwatering. and apply a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap if you notice the presence of pests.
Keep the area around the tree free of weeds and prune surrounding trees., can also help reduce pest and disease pressure.
Common problems of yerba mate trees
This plant does not require much maintenance, however, some common problems must be controlled, such as: yellow leaves and falling leaves.
Yellow sheets: This tree likes slightly acidic soil, which is why the leaves turn yellow. may indicate that the soil is very alkaline or neutral.
To solve this problem you can lower the pH of the soil to make it a little more acidic. mixing a tablespoon of vinegar in a liter of water and watering the floor with this solution. Or also adding iron sulphate, sulphuric acid or calcium chloride.
Falling leaves: This problem can occur because the plant is receiving too much water. To fix this, you can take it out of the pot and see if the bottom is too wet. If so, dry the roots with an old towel.
Another problem may be that the indoor climate is too dry. In this case you can place the plant on a tray of pebbles or spray the leaves from time to time.
Process and manufacturing
Yerba mate leaves are processed using a special machine that separates the sticks, leaves and stems. The stems and leaves are then heated and placed in drying chambers.
The herb is ground and placed in special bags for aging. Then, depending on what the producer is looking for, green and floral flavors can be added, toasted, or smoked. Finally, it is packaged and sent to sellers or consumers.
A drink called mate is prepared from yerba mate, which is very popular in South America.
It is prepared by placing the herb in a special container with a straw and drinking it hot.
Yerba mate has a high content of antioxidants that protect cells against free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer and heart problems. Contains vitamins such as E, vitamin C, selenium and zinc.
Finally, growing yerba mate trees is not difficult, but There are a few factors to consider to ensure that trees produce the best possible leaves.
By providing it with the care and attention it needs, you can successfully grow yerba mate. Enjoy the amazing health benefits of mate and enjoy its beautiful presence in the garden!