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Hi, I'm Judy Mirro,

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a UVM Master Gardener

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coming to you from the University
of Vermont greenhouses.

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

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by providing some guidance in
caring for your houseplant.

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Today our focus is on the Sansevieria.

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It's the snake plant.

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The snake plant is a long-lived,
unfussy, succulent plant.

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There are more than 70
species of snake plants

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originating from Africa.

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The cultivars vary in height, form, color,

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and even leaf structure.

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You'll find varieties

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growing from six inches to several feet.

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With all these types,

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you should be able to find one

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that's right for your living space.

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Growing the snake plant
is as easy as it gets.

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It needs well-drained soil,

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so choose a cactus potting mix

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to ensure you're getting
that drained soil.

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Water it only when the soil is dry.

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You can overlove this plant.

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That's right.

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You can overlove,

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or as I like to say,

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overwater this plant.

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So let's just neglect it.

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A little bit.

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Snake plants enjoy bright, indirect light,

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but they can tolerate
low-lit areas just as well.

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Do not place this plant in direct sun

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or you'll risk leaf burn.

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And you can tell by this plant

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someone didn't love it very much

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and they put it in the direct sun,

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and it does have leaf-tip burn.

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The one thing you do need to
fuss over is the container.

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It's best to choose a big old heavy pot

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for the taller varieties

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because the weight of these leaves

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can topple the plant over,

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especially when the soil is dry.

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If you've already got your snake plant

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happily planted in a plastic pot,

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just plop it into a
decorative ceramic container,

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and it'll maintain stability.

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And you'll actually look like a pro.

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This plant doesn't mind
being root-bound either,

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so there's no rush to re-pot it.

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If you want to treat the snake
plant to a little extra TLC,

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wipe the leaves down to
prevent dust buildup.

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There are very few pests and diseases

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that bother this leafy green snake plant,

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but overwatering can attract
mealybugs and spider mites.

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Overwatering can also cause root rot.

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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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Rinse it off in the shower
if it's too cold outside.

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Remove any of the pests that you see

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or any leaves that are heavily infested.

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Once your plant is drip dry

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while you still have it
in the shower or sink,

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spray it with an organic neem oil

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to kill off any bugs that remain.

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For mealybugs,

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you may choose to use a cotton swab

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dipped in rubbing alcohol

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and remove all visible bugs.

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Then wipe each plant leaf down

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with a cotton ball or cloth
dipped in rubbing alcohol

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to remove any that you
haven't removed before.

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Some bugs like to hide.

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Always make sure

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you read the directions
carefully and completely

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before applying any
pest-control application,

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and remember to wear all the
required safety gear listed.

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Safety glasses and rubber gloves

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are always a good idea.

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To keep the snake plant happy, ignore it.

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Well, not entirely,

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but be sure to let the plant
dry out between waterings

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and provide good air circulation.

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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 houseplant hero.

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For more information on
houseplant or home gardens,

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visit the UVM Master Garden website

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and see our Garden Resources page.

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Or contact the Extension
Master Gardener volunteers

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at the helpline.

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The phone number is on your screen.

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This is Extension Master
Gardener Judy Mirro

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wishing you happy gardening.