Textile flowerpots: Why do growers prefer them?

When you say potting, you probably think of a ceramic or a plain black plastic flower-pot. Of course, these flowerpots do their job, but there are also so-called smart flowerpots and in this article you will learn what textile flowerpots are and what their advantages are, which are very interesting indeed.

Improve root structure

In a standard flowerpot, the roots grow outwards, eventually hitting impermeable walls and having nowhere to grow further. So they curve downwards and grow until they hit the bottom. The situation repeats itself. There’s nowhere else to go. So the roots begin to wrap around each other and gradually suffocate. Circular tangles form, which stress the plant, impair its growth and ultimately reduce yields.

In a fabric flower-pot, the roots also grow outwards. But once they reach the wall, they are naturally stopped by air and light, so they stop growing and do not continue in circles. When the cannabis roots stop growing with light and air at the wall of the fabric flowerpot, the plant forms new roots. This creates a denser root structure that allows the plant to take up more water and nutrients, so that it grows faster and to a greater height.

Aerates roots, regulates temperature and prevents overwatering

The breathable fabric also allows oxygen to penetrate the root zone from the sides. This aeration promotes the proliferation of beneficial microbes and creates a healthy rhizosphere (= root-rich soil).

Plastic flowerpots, on the other hand, overheat the soil. Especially if you use black ones outside in the sun, you can literally cook the microbes in the soil, as the soil temperature can be 10℃ higher. It’s about the same difference as wearing a damp t-shirt or black t-shirt in the heat.

Because the fabric is porous, excess water will simply drain away. The risk of overflow and mould is rapidly reduced.

Texpots are compatible with hydroponic irrigation systems

The textile flowerpot have perfect drainage properties, which makes them usable in hydroponic systems such as drip or Ebb and Flow.

How to choose a fabric flowerpot for your cannabis?

Not all fabric flower-pots are the same. When choosing the right flowerpot to maximise your harvest, look at the following criteria:

Quality textile

When you invest in your garden, you want something that will actually pay off. To make sure your fabric planter lasts for many harvests and doesn’t tear right away, choose one made of a good quality fabric. Look for one that has UV protection so it won’t break even when exposed to the sun. Also, make sure the material is approved for food contact.

Attention to the source of the material

Don’t be fooled by the fact that the flower-pot is made of “recycled materials” or that it is “degradable”. Anything can be recycled, from plastic bottles to cotton fibres, so it’s all about the source of the material. Cotton in particular tends to soak up pathogens and absorb disease. And decomposable means the flowerpot will soon fall apart, which you don’t want!

Don’t complicate it

Look for an ordinary strong bag without unnecessary mechanical components. Metal and Velcro fasteners or handles seem useful and convenient, but in reality they will clog up with dirt and be useless after a while. Straps can be useful if you plan to carry the flowerpot frequently.

In comparative tests, it has been shown that fabric flowerpots actually produce a bigger harvest than comparable plastic flower-pots.

In the previous article you could read how to go about choosing a flowerpot size for your cannabis.

Article source: softsecrets.com