Aquifoliaceae
Yerba Mate: Edible Plant
Ilex paraguariensis
Requires acidic soil rich in organic matter and constant moisture, preferring partial shade environments when young.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 28°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Yerba Mate?
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a medium-care plant from the Aquifoliaceae family. Ilex paraguariensis, popularly known as Yerba Mate, is an evergreen tree native to the subtropical regions of South America. It features persistent, leathery, vibrant green leaves. It is world-renowned as the primary ingredient in traditional beverages such as chimarrão and tereré, valued for its st...
Yerba Mate grows up to 15.0m, spread of 600cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 28°C, 60–90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Yerba Mate?
TLDR: Yerba Mate needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-28°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Yerba Mate?
Keep the soil consistently moist, simulating a subtropical forest environment, but ensure the pot does not accumulate standing water at the bottom.
How Much Light Does Yerba Mate Need?
Prefers filtered light or partial shade, especially during the first few years of life; excessive direct sun can burn young leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Yerba Mate?
The soil must be acidic (pH between 4.5 and 6.0) and rich in decomposed organic matter.
What Pot Should You Use for Yerba Mate?
Large, deep pots with excellent drainage, preferably made of clay to help regulate root temperature.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 15 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Yerba Mate and Where Does It Come From?
Ilex paraguariensis, popularly known as Yerba Mate, is an evergreen tree native to the subtropical regions of South America. It features persistent, leathery, vibrant green leaves. It is world-renowned as the primary ingredient in traditional beverages such as chimarrão and tereré, valued for its stimulating and antioxidant properties.
How to Propagate Yerba Mate?
Sowing with stratification
- Germination is slow and irregular due to embryo dormancy.
- Keep the substrate consistently moist, but never waterlogged.
- 1 Collection and Cleaning
Harvest ripe fruits and remove the pulp to release the seeds.
- 2 Stratification
The seeds have dormancy and need to be kept in moist sand for several months.
- 3 Planting
Sow in acidic substrate and keep in a shaded, humid location.
Materials needed:
Stem cuttings
- The use of greenhouses with misting systems drastically increases the success rate.
- Avoid cuttings that are too woody or too green.
- 1 Cutting
Cut semi-woody cuttings approximately 6 inches long with 2 to 3 leaves.
- 2 Rooting Hormone
Apply auxin to the base of the cutting to stimulate root growth.
- 3 Placement
Plant in a light substrate and maintain in a humid chamber.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Yerba Mate Grow?
TLDR: Yerba Mate can reach up to 15.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Spread
6.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Natural stimulant
- Digestive aid
- Diuretic properties
- Antioxidant action
Culinary Uses
- Chimarrão infusion
- Tereré
- Mate tea
- Extracts for sweets and ice cream
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of hospitality, friendship, and unity among the peoples of southern South America.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
