Aloe, for sure, is in every home, because it is believed. So it comes as no surprise to want to grow a few aloe on the windowsill. However, for this you need to know how to propagate aloe. Fortunately, this is not at all difficult to do: the plant can be propagated by seeds, children, tops, leaves, cuttings. Let's dwell on each method in more detail.

Aloe: reproduction by children

The easiest way to reproduce aloe is by the so-called "babies", that is underground shoots that grow around the potted plant. They have their own roots, although they are connected to the rhizome of the aloe. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce aloe by children at home during a spring transplant: having freed the flower from the ground, the baby is separated and transplanted into a separate pot.

Propagation of aloe by cuttings

Cutting is also an easy way to propagate aloe. It is usually carried out in spring or summer when rooting is best. Aloe shoots must be cut into pieces 10-12 cm long. These cuttings must be dried for several days until the sections are dry. Then the cut is covered with charcoal. After filling the container with wet sand, the cuttings are planted to a depth of 1 cm at a distance of 4 cm from each other. Watering the cuttings is often unnecessary. Do not spray additionally, otherwise your cuttings will rot. When the cuttings have roots, you can plant the young plants in pots. To do this, prepare a mixture of turf, leafy earth and sand in equal proportions, you can add a little charcoal.

Aloe - leaf propagation

The method of propagation by the leaf is similar to grafting. At the stem, you need to carefully cut or tear off the leaf, leaving it for several days in a dry place until the cut dries. After processing the cut with charcoal, the sheet is inserted obliquely with its lower end into a pot of wet sand to a depth of 2-4 cm for rooting, watering from time to time.

How to propagate aloe with the tip?

Having cut off the top of the aloe with 5-7 leaves, it is placed in a container with water until it gives roots. And if you leave it for a few days to dry the cut, the top is planted in a peat-sand mixture 4-5 cm deep until rooting.

Aloe seed propagation

This breeding method is rarely used. To implement it, you need to buy aloe seeds in early spring and plant them in a shallow container with soil consisting of equal shares of sod and leafy soil, sand. The optimal room temperature is considered to be 20 ⁰С. Seedlings should be sprayed frequently. It will not hurt to stay under a fluorescent lamp. When sprouts appear, they are dived into separate small pots.

Houseplants are very diverse. Each of them has its own characteristics of growing and caring for the home: the required light intensity, degree of moisture, soil composition, rules for transplantation, reproduction, etc.

One of the most unpretentious, adaptable to external factors, moreover, aloe vera has outstanding medicinal properties. How to propagate aloe on your own, which breeding method is the most effective? How often and in what quantity to water, what are the main conditions for the favorable growth of an amazing "home doctor"?

In contact with

In the wild, most often aloe vera propagates by seeds or by root shoots. If in the natural environment flowering occurs regularly, a long stem with tassels of flowers of various colors forms on the succulent, then at home the appearance of a peduncle and the ripening of seeds can be expected for several decades.

Therefore, at home, the reproduction of aloe is performed not only by seeds, it can be propagated in other ways:

• developed leaf;
• young root shoots (children);
• cuttings.

Reproduction of a flower in all ways gives good result, if the recommendations are followed, the plant takes root successfully. It is useful to know, for example, how to propagate aloe at home in two ways: by leaf and by seed.

It is best to propagate aloe vera with young shoots.

How to grow from a leaf?

To propagate a plant in this way, planting must be done in spring or early summer. How to grow aloe from a leaf correctly? It is desirable for successful breeding:

• use an old plant;
• pinch off a healthy, strong leaf at the very base;
• sprinkle the place of detachment on the flower with pre-crushed charcoal or activated carbon.

Reproduction of aloe with leaves at home does not involve the use of a knife or scissors. The planting material is pinched off by hand. After the material has been pinched off, it is necessary to prepare it and the soil for further planting.

Training

Place the torn leaf in a dark place, away from light, and stand until the cut dries, on which a thin crust should naturally form. This takes about 5-7 days. The dried cut should be treated with activated charcoal or ash.

In order for the reproduction of aloe leaf to be successful, it is necessary to prepare a high-quality sand-soil mixture, to which peat is added:

• put drainage on the bottom of a small pot;
• Pour soil of the same composition as that of the mother flower, or an acidified mixture for cacti bought in a store, about 2/3 of the container;
• pour sand on the remaining 1/3 of the pot.

The resulting soil mixture must be moistened. Now aloe vera can be propagated in it.

Planting the appendix

In the moist soil prepared for reproduction, stick a leaf aged away from light for 5-7 days to a depth of no more than 2-4 cm for rooting. Water constantly until roots appear.

Important! Excessive watering of the rooted shoot can lead to decay of barely appeared roots. To avoid waterlogging and successfully propagate the flower, it is more convenient to use a spray bottle.

From a scion, so that it is strong, healthy and well tolerated transplantation? It is possible to propagate aloe in this way if several conditions are met. The room in which the pot is located must:

• well lit;
• ventilate regularly;
• have optimal temperature air: + 25 ° C.

Tip: for preliminary deepening of the aloe for rooting, wet sand is suitable instead of soil mixture.

After the leaf takes root (after about 2 weeks), the established shoot must be transplanted in order to propagate. Water the young plant.

Reproduction from seeds

How to grow aloe from seeds at home, on a windowsill? Reproduction of aloe is a rather laborious and lengthy process. But it is convenient to propagate it in this way if you need to get many young plants at once. The seeds are sold in specialized stores. Their packaging usually contains instructions on how to properly grow aloe, what needs to be done in order to propagate it.

For propagation of aloe, it is better to sow seeds in late February - early March. Use a shallow container with holes in the bottom. The soil should consist of:

• ground mixture of rotted leaves and turf - 1 part;
• river clean and steamed sand - 2 parts.

To propagate a plant by seeds, you must perform the following steps:

• pour 1 part of a mixture of leaf and sod land on the bottom of the container;
• spread seeds on the surface of the soil;
• Sprinkle the seeds with 2 parts of sand;
• moisten the soil - lower the container for a few minutes in a bowl of water;
• then remove the seedlings in a bright room (but not in direct sunlight) with an air temperature of + 20-22 ° C;
• periodically moisten the soil with a spray bottle.

Information: if the cultivation of aloe vera at home is carried out according to all the rules, the seedlings will germinate about 5-6 days after planting.

After 1 or 2 leaves appear on the emerging seedlings, the plants dive into small pots. The soil is used in the same composition as when sowing seeds. After 1 year, the grown shoots are planted in separate large pots.

Features of growing at home

Despite the fact that growing aloe at home is not something difficult due to its amazing unpretentiousness, its reproduction requires certain rules of grooming. In order to propagate a flower without letting it wither or even die, it is important to pay attention to:

• competent placement;
• selection of optimal climatic conditions;
• useful top dressing;
• timely control of pests and diseases;
• correct watering.

It is useful to know how to grow aloe at home, taking into account these rules, what are the features of the breeding process.

Specificity of care

The basis for a strong, healthy propagation plant is the following:

1. Aloe Vera is a fast growing plant. When propagating, it should be transplanted into a larger container (shallow, wide, with drainage holes) once every 2 years. You can understand that aloe is growing in a too cramped container by the following signs: the flower stopped growing during the reproduction process, the leaves exceed the diameter of the container at least 2 times, instead of soil, there is an intertwined root ball. A ceramic container is preferable for the propagation of aloe, since ceramics removes excess moisture. To propagate a flower in it, the container must first be soaked for 1 hour in superphosate, washed with warm boiled water and soap, and ignited in the oven for disinfection. If it is decided to multiply the flower in plastic pot, you just need to wash the pot hot water with soap.
2. With each transplant, it needs to be updated. Aloe vera should be propagated in slightly acidic and moderately fertile soil. It is either bought in a store or prepared independently: a mixture of turf and leaves - 60%, humus - 15%, coarse sand - 15%, charcoal - 10%. Place a 2 cm high drainage layer (gravel, fine granite) on the bottom of the pot to drain excessive moisture.
3. Top dressing. During the breeding season, aloe is fertilized once a year, in the spring. More frequent feeding will only harm the reproduction of the plant. Most often, fertilizers labeled 10-40-10 are used to propagate a flower.
4. Pest control products. Main enemy that interferes with the propagation of the plant is a scale insect that drinks its juice. Method of struggle: wipe the leaves with soapy water or a weak solution of vinegar. Another pest is the spider mite. Prevention that increases the chance of healthy propagation of the plant: use a spray bottle to spray aloe with tobacco infusion.
5. Location. Aloe is a light-loving plant, therefore, in order to successfully propagate it, it must be kept in an apartment on the south, southeast side, but not in direct sunlight to avoid burns. It is necessary to accustom the plant to bright lighting during the reproduction process gradually - for a while, put it on the windowsill, balcony, street, then clean it under tulle, gauze. In winter, transfer to a bright, cool room with a temperature of 12-15 ° C.

In the process of breeding in winter time It is a good idea to provide aloe vera with additional artificial lighting. With a lack of light, it is more difficult to propagate a plant - it stretches, turns pale. During the winter, the flower weaned from bright light, so in the spring you need to repeat the procedure for accustoming it to aggressive lighting.

How often to water?

How often to water the aloe when breeding? The succulent plant has fleshy leaves and roots that accumulate water, so it does not require frequent and abundant watering during the breeding season. Excessive moisture and stagnant water can lead to decay of the roots, prevent aloe from multiplying. It is necessary to make sure that the soil in the container is dry, and only then wet the top layer.

How to water aloe in summer and winter in order to successfully propagate it? V summer time enough once a week. In winter, the need for moisture is significantly reduced. They reduce both the amount of water (2 times) and the frequency of irrigation: once a month is enough

How to water aloe at home so as not to harm it, propagate successfully? It is most effective to dip the pot in water for a few minutes. With normal watering, you must ensure that moisture does not get into the aloe outlet. To propagate the plant, avoiding decay, water must be poured at the root.

Useful video

Despite all the unpretentiousness of the plant, he needs special care... The video will reveal several secrets that will help you grow aloe vera without any problems on your windowsill:

Conclusion

1. Knowing how to grow aloe at home correctly, there is every chance to multiply a valuable medicinal plant without much difficulty, which does not require significant care.
2. Grown from a leaf or propagated by seeds, aloe will give the owner the opportunity to leave for a long time, since it does not need frequent watering.
3. Knowledge of the characteristics of reproduction and care will help to get a strong, healthy plant.

Aloe is a unique plant that can be safely called a home green pharmacy. Unfortunately, the plant develops its life resource over the years, and there is a need for “rejuvenation”, or for obtaining new specimens. The article will discuss how to reproduce succulents at home.

Description of the plant and its historical background

Aloe, colloquially "agave", is a representative of the asphodelic family. The birthplace of the flower is South Africa. Based on their historical data, in Egypt, several thousand years ago, the process of domesticating aloe began. Botanical scientists count about 400 species of aloe that grow on all continents (except Antarctica). As an industrial raw material for the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food industries, the medicinal plant is grown in countries and regions with tropical and subtropical climates.

A home-grown centenary is a succulent with thick, succulent leaves growing on top of each other, with thorns at the edges. At indoor growing does not bloom. Medicinal properties have "old" leaves - lower or middle. In flowerpots it can grow up to twenty years.

Did you know?-a plant that is useful to have in the house. Succulent plant hinders development and distributionstaphylococcal and streptococcal infections, herpes and influenza viruses, Escherichia coli.

Preparatory work

An industrial substrate for cultivating aloe is used, special for the cultivation of cacti and succulents, additionally adding coal and a little finely ground red brick. The soil mixture can be compiled independently, using one part of sand, humus, leafy earth and two parts of turf soil. As in the finished soil, brick and coal chips should be added. The acidity of the earthen mixture is neutral or slightly acidic. Aloe does not need to be watered often, the soil must be breathable, otherwise the flower will stop growing and the process of decay may begin.

Reproduction methods

In its natural environment, aloe reproduces exclusively with the help of seeds or young shoots. How to propagate aloe in indoor conditions- this will be discussed below.

Read more about planting, caring for and breeding aloe.

Leaf breeding

Having decided to use the method of propagation of aloe leaves, you should adhere to the algorithm:

Cutting method

in most cases, propagates by cuttings, that is, by means of lateral shoots.

For this:

With tops

Lovers of indoor succulents prefer to propagate the agave with the tip.

With this method, it is necessary:

• cut off the top with 7–8 leaves with a sharp knife (blade);
• into a vessel with filtered water room temperature immerse the cut part of the plant;
• after the appearance of a sufficient number of roots, move the seedling into a prepared pot with soil.

Video: Reproduction of aloe

Seeds

Can aloe be propagated by seeds at home? Yes, you can.

This requires the following actions:

• at the end of February - beginning of March, seeds are planted in the harvested moistened disinfected soil (without the addition of brick chips and coal);
• after the appearance of seedlings, they are carefully transplanted into small individual containers filled with the same soil;
• after a while, when the plants are formed, they are transplanted into larger pots for further growth.
  

  Correct placement and care features

  Aloe is a light-loving plant, therefore, it is advisable to place containers with plants on the southern windowsill, or in rooms with the longest daylight hours. In a darkened room, the plant will not die, but the color of the leaves will be pale green, the stem is thin, elongated. Periodically, the plant can be taken out into an open space (balcony, terrace), while excluding rainfall on the aloe.

  In the summer months, watering is moderate, with water at room temperature; in winter, watering is practically stopped. Lack of moisture affects the state of the leaf - it becomes thinner. Watering is best done through the pan, since the thin roots through which the plant feeds are located at the very bottom.

  Important!The water in the sump must not stagnate. Half an hour after watering, the excess water is drained.

  Fertilization is necessary in summer and spring, once every 30 days. Fertilizers are used mineral, intended for succulents and cacti.

  Pests and diseases

  Aloe rarely suffers from pests and diseases at home. But sometimes an insect appears - a scale insect. The fight against it consists in wiping the sheet plate with a solution of laundry soap.

  Aloe has been arguably the most widely used herb in the home for centuries. Thanks to the unique chemical composition, the healing juice helps the body to cope with many ailments.
  

  In folk medicine

  The range of application of the agave in folk medicine is wide. It is worth paying attention to several options for "ambulance" using a home plant.

  1. Aloe juice helps with a cold. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from the cut leaf and instill 2 drops into the nasal passage.
  2. Sore throat helps to heal the juice diluted with water (1: 1), which is used to gargle, after which they drink warm milk with a teaspoon of agave juice.
  3. A small fragment of aloe leaf embedded in the tooth cavity will relieve a toothache.
  4. When a herpetic rash appears, it is recommended to lubricate the wounds with aloe juice five times a day. The juice must be fresh.
  5. A prepared ointment based on juice with the addition of honey (in equal parts) and a spoonful of medical alcohol, is used as a healing ointment for wounds, fistulas, ulcerative manifestations.
  6. Aloe juice is recommended to be added to shampoos, lotions, creams, as it is an excellent natural moisturizer.

  Important!V medicinal purposes use parts and juice of only "old" plants, which are at least three years old.

  In cosmetology

  The plant grown on an industrial scale is a raw material for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
  

Aloe is very useful plant that can be grown directly on the windowsill. This flower is very often used in recipes. traditional medicine and that is why its leaves can be used up very quickly. And so that stocks never run out, you need to learn how to propagate Aloe. Let's talk in more detail about the breeding methods of this medicinal plant at home.

There are many breeding methods for aloe. They differ from each other in the complexity of the work carried out and the germination time, but in any case, each grower will be able to choose the method that will be convenient for him.

Using a sheet

This method is very often used to rejuvenate and give new life old plant... Also, this method is quite interesting and unusual, because few plants can be propagated using the green part.

The algorithm for propagating aloe using a leaf is as follows:

• at the base of the stem neatly, with a sharp knife cut a healthy, fleshy leaf;
• then it is spread on gauze, bandage or cotton wool and placed in a dark place... This is necessary in order to increase the germination of the future seedling;
• after the place of the cut dries up, it processed with crushed charcoal;
• then it is necessary prepare wet substrate consisting of a mixture of sand, garden soil and vermiculite;
• leaves are planted in the substrate to a depth of about 3 centimeters;
• the basic rule for caring for a rooted leaf will be plentiful and daily watering, because without it, the seedling can dry out.

After developed roots appear on the sheet, it can be planted in a separate container for permanent residence.

Cutting method

Cutting is one of the most common propagation methods for many garden crops and plants. In most cases, propagation by cuttings ends in success... The main thing is to correctly fulfill all the requirements and not overlook a single trifle.

For propagation by cuttings, lateral branches of the plant are used, which are located along the stem... Before starting work, they are carefully cut off and placed for about a week in a tight cabinet, bedside table or any other dark place with a humidity of about 50%. This procedure is necessary in order for the cut site to dry out.

When working with cuttings of aloe, you should use only sharp and convenient tools that have been previously disinfected.

A mixture of:

• peat;
• sand;
• perlite;
• brick chips;
• wood ash.

After the cutting is ready for rooting, the following steps are taken:

1. The base of the cut planting material processed with crushed coals;
2. The soil is laid out in low containers or cassettes and thoroughly watered with water;
3. There must be a distance between individual specimens equal to 5-7 centimeters;
4. During landing the handle is slightly deepened into the ground, only 1-2 centimeters;
5. Constant soil moisture is the key to successful reproduction. Besides, experienced gardeners recommend increase the number of waterings with the appearance of the first roots.

Aloe Vera develops very quickly, and so that the stalk does not stop in its growth needs to be transplanted into a container with a larger size... A prerequisite will be the presence of drainage holes with a diameter of at least 1 centimeter.

Given that young cuttings are not yet strong enough, they can become the object of attacks. various diseases and pests. To maximize the safety of the plant, the planting container must be disinfected.

In order to properly disinfect the container, it is necessary to take into account what material it is made of.:

• pottery is placed in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes;
• clay is processed superphosphate solution;
• plastic containers can be wash under hot water using laundry soap.

Tops

Having cut off the top of the Aloe with 5-7 leaves, it is placed in a container with water until it gives roots

Reproduction of aloe tops is the most quick way, which is also very simple for beginners, because rooting takes place in water and you can always easily see how this process proceeds. The work is carried out adhering to the following rules:

1. The top of the flower is cut off in such a way that at least 7 healthy sheets remain on it;
2. Then the lower part of the planting material for half an hour soaked using phytohormone growth;
3. Prepared tip placed in a container with warm water;
4. As soon as the first roots appear, the seedling is planted in a prepared pot... As a soil, you can use a mixture of clean sand and leafy earth, which must be thoroughly moistened.

Children

This method has several names - children, sleeping buds, appendages or root shoots. This breeding method is the simplest, it occurs naturally., and all that remains for a person to do is separate the seedling from the mother plant. The main disadvantage will be the long waiting period for the formation of new appendages.

The breeding process is as follows:

1. To start the flower is taken out of the pot and carefully consider, determining the degree of maturity of the roots of "children";

To make it easier to remove the plant from the pot, the soil must be thoroughly moistened.

1. The appendages and the main plant are shared with a sharp garden trowel, and in no case should it be damaged root system;
2. Then the separation of the plant planted in separate containers with a sandy substrate and watered daily.

Seeds

This work is the most difficult and time-consuming, to get aloe from seeds you need to spend a lot of time and effort. The algorithm for such actions is as follows:

1. First prepare the substrate... You can buy it at the store ( soil mix for indoor plants) or prepare it yourself from grain sand, leaf and sod land;
2. The soil is poured into the prepared container and deepen the seeds by 2-3 centimeters;
3. Then cover the container with foil or glass;

In the room where the seedlings are kept, the temperature should not drop below +22 degrees.

1. As soon as the first shoots appear the shelter can be gradually removed;
2. Grown seedlings are moved to a new, separate container, while the composition of the soil should remain the same.

In a year, a small, but already strengthened plant should form., which needs to be transplanted again, using the largest container size.

Optimal time

Since aloe is houseplant, can reproduce at any time of the year, the main condition will be to maintain a stable temperature regime.

But experienced florists say that it is best to carry out such work in early spring... It is during this period that natural processes are activated, and rooting occurs much faster.

Aloe is considered medicinal plant, therefore, the desire of some gardeners to have several copies on hand at once is quite understandable. It is not difficult to carry out the reproduction process, since the plant takes root well. Aloe can be propagated by leaves, cuttings, apical or basal shoots, and even seeds. It remains only to choose the optimal breeding method for growing a plant on the windowsill and get down to business.

Subspecies of indoor aloe and features of their reproduction

In total, there are about 300 species of aloe in nature, but only four of them are grown at home:

• aloe tree-like;
• variegated aloe;
• aloe vera;
• aloe spinous.

Aloe tree

The tree-like aloe is also called the agave, the plant got this name because of its highly developed trunk. It is the most common species when grown at home. While creating optimal conditions the agave can grow to a height of about a meter. The plant is native to South Africa, where it grows in the desert. The tree-like aloe can be grafted or propagated by children. Since the plant is highly branched, one copy can be used as a mother many times.

Aloe variegated

Aloe variegated differs in bright color of leaves, for which it got its name. The size of this plant is much more modest - only 30 cm in height with the most better conditions content. As the plant matures, the leaves gradually acquire a golden color. After 4 years, the variegated aloe can begin to bloom. For propagation of this plant, the method of separating the lateral and apical shoots is suitable.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is native to the Canary Islands. The plant has gained wide popularity due to its healing properties... Aloe vera juice is in many ways similar in its chemical composition to tree juice. This subspecies can be propagated by cuttings, the seed method and reproduction by children.

Aloe spinous

Spinous aloe grows in large fleshy rosettes. For reproduction of this plant subspecies, a method with layering is used. Moreover, it is necessary to separate a young seedling as early as possible, since a young shoot usually does not have enough air in a dense outlet and it dies.

How to propagate an agave with root shoots?

Basal shoots or babies are small shoots that appear in the mother plant at the base of the stem. Since the tree-like aloe grows well, babies can appear even in young plants that have reached a height of 15 cm, provided that the stem and dense fleshy leaves are well formed.

It is very easy to breed succulent with shoots, since they already have their own, albeit not fully formed, root system. To plant a plant in this way, the baby is separated from the adult specimen and placed in a jar of water.

Only young shoots with a sufficiently developed root system for independent existence are suitable for separation.

After two weeks, the root system of the shoot is already well developed, and it can be transplanted into a separate medium-sized pot. Treelike aloe quickly forms a root system, so too small pots for shoots should not be taken, so as not to replant the young plant too often. As a soil, you can use a ready-made soil mixture for succulents or prepare it yourself by mixing sod or leafy soil with coarse sand, brick or shell chips. A drainage layer must be placed on the bottom of the pot.

Breeding aloe with apical shoots

The propagation of aloe from the top is somewhat traumatic for the mother plant, but this method is good in that it provides almost 100% survival rate. This method can be used to rejuvenate an adult plant, from which the lateral and lower leaves have already been cut.

It is important to carry out all manipulations with a sterile clean knife. Sterility in this case is one of the main conditions for success. Even a small amount of contamination can infect a plant.

The top of the plant is cut off and left in a warm, dark place so that the cut dries up and a protective film forms that protects the plant from infection. After that, the separated part is placed in a jar of water and left for a month in a sunlit place. During this time, young healthy roots will appear at the cut site. When their length reaches 6 cm, the plant is placed in a prepared soil in order to root. The seedling takes root fairly quickly and develops as usual in the future.

How to plant an agave with a leaf?

This method of breeding aloe is also called grafting. It is considered the most unpredictable and may not always be successful. In a sense, the cultivation of aloe by cuttings can be called a lottery. The fact is that due to the high moisture content in the leaves, they rot before the root system has time to form. Therefore, in order for grafting to be successful, you must strictly follow the instructions:

1. 1. Use a sterile knife to cut off a fleshy leaf at least 8 cm long at the base of the stem. The cut should be done at a slight angle.
2. 2. The cut sheet must be placed in a dark, warm place to form a protective film. This takes anywhere from two days to two weeks.
3. 3. During this time, it is necessary to prepare the pot and soil for planting a new plant. The pot must have a drainage hole so that excess water does not accumulate at the roots. As a soil, ready-made soil for cacti or independently mixed from 1 part of sand and 2 parts of leafy soil is suitable.
4. 4. The prepared soil is moistened and checked for acidity. Its indicators should be in the range of 6.0-8.0, if necessary, the acidity is increased by adding garden lime to the soil.
5. 5. The dried cut of the separated leaf is treated with charcoal and a root stimulator. The leaf is dug into the soil for a quarter of the length. Some growers dispense with leaf instillation. In this case, the leaf is simply laid on the ground and waited for it to take root by itself.
6. 6. The pot with the leaf must be placed in a warm place with adequate lighting. At first, it is necessary to constantly monitor that the soil is moistened. When the leaf has formed a root system, the frequency of watering should be reduced and the plant should be irrigated only if the topsoil dries up.