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Hi, I'm Judy Mirro, an
Extension Master Gardener,

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coming to you from the
University of Vermont Greenhouse.

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I'm here to help you
become a houseplant hero,

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by providing some guidance on
caring for your house plants.

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Today our focus is on
the Begonia Maculata,

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better known as the Angel Wing Begonia.

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This particular variety
is the Polka Dot Begonia.

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This sturdy upright stem
plant prefers bright light

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to part shade, but no direct sun.

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It'll do swell in well drained soils

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and can handle a monthly
dose of fertilizer.

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This variety has gorgeous
dark green leaves,

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and it's covered in polka dots.

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If you notice, the underside
of these leaves is gorgeous.

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It's got a beautiful maroon color.

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Ugh, just love it.

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And just look, it's just like
angel's wings, just gorgeous.

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You'll be rewarded with clusters
of flowers in the summer.

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If you don't cut this back,

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this Begonia could actually
grow four feet tall.

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You can easily cultivate it by
stem cuttings and divisions.

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If you don't have a moisture meter,

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just water it when the top of
the soil begins to dry out.

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Begonias can be the target
of a number of pests,

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aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and scale.

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If you over-water, or as I like to say,

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over-love your plants,

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you will invite one of
these pests into your home.

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All of them will leave telltale
signs that they've moved in.

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Make sure you are looking
at the leaves and stems

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every time you water.

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If you notice anything suspicious,

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pull the plant aside and do
some additional monitoring.

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Look for webbing under the leaves,

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look for small white
bumps on top of the stems,

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or anything that's crawling on the plant.

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I use a small handheld
lens and a magnifying glass

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for just this purpose.

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What should you do if you
find pests on your plant?

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Hose the plant off gently
at the first sign of pests,

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outside is best, but if
it's less than 55 degrees,

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best to place the plant in the shower

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or the sink and give it a good rinse.

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Gently blast away any pests.

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And they might be hanging on,
so that's a good thing to do.

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Remove any infected leaves or stems.

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Once your plant is drip dry,

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while it's still in
the sink or the shower,

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gently spray some Neem
Oil, or horticultural oil,

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to kill off any bugs that remain.

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And of course, always make
sure you read the directions

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carefully and completely

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before applying any pest application.

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And remember to wear all
the required safety gear.

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To keep insects and fungus from
attacking your house plants,

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you'll need to maintain
good air circulation

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and stop over-watering,
or as I like to say,

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over-loving your plants.

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Remember, that by providing your plants

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with the conditions and care they need,

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you too can be a house plant hero.

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For more information on
house plants or home gardens,

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visit the UVM Extension
Master Gardener Website,

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and see our garden resources page.

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Or contact an Extension
Master Gardener volunteer

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at the helpline.

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The phone number is on the screen.

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This is Extension Master
Gardener, Judy Mirro,

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wishing you happy growing.