Air pots for a basement grow?

[FelixCulpa]

Hi there!

Long time listener first time caller.

What's the consensus on Smart Pots and Air Pots? I'm new, but so far doing pretty well with a soil grow in the basement. All of my plants are still in veg--some in late veg. The only real frustration I have is that I wish my pots drained a little faster--especially the 1 gallons.

Thank you!

 

[MickFoster]

You'll get different opinions.........both air prune the roots.
I love air pots...........they're easier to move around because they're sturdy, they last forever, and they don't have to be elevated to drain properly.
But that's just me.
Good luck and welcome to RIU.

 

[FelixCulpa]

You'll get different opinions.........both air prune the roots.
I love air pots...........they're easier to move around because they're sturdy, they last forever, and they don't have to be elevated to drain properly.
But that's just me.
Good luck and welcome to RIU.

Thank you! Quick follow up--what about repotting? Is it cumbersome once the soil settles in to that spikey pattern? I mean seriously, they look like a prop from Hellraiser.

 

[Lordhooha]

Thank you! Quick follow up--what about repotting? Is it cumbersome once the soil settles in to that spikey pattern? I mean seriously, they look like a prop from Hellraiser.

I go from solo cup to final pots which are 7 gal cloth. I use smart pots pro 7's thinner then standard cloth pots and I've used some for close to 4 years give or take some months.

 

[FelixCulpa]

Thank you! Quick follow up--what about repotting? Is it cumbersome once the soil settles in to that spikey pattern? I mean seriously, they look like a prop from Hellraiser.

*3 videos later*

Ope--got it. Thanks!

 

[MickFoster]

Thank you! Quick follow up--what about repotting? Is it cumbersome once the soil settles in to that spikey pattern? I mean seriously, they look like a prop from Hellraiser.

Transplant is simple........the air pots unwrap.

 

[Cookie Rider]

I’m loving the air pots.
Dry out nicely- much faster than normal pots.

 

[Blaze187]

I've decided to chuck my expensive smart air pruning pots for the fabric ones. For me as a hand waterer, the line between needing watering and falling over underwatered almost dead is too fine. I bought the fabric pots and they're fantastic and have never dried out. Example I use 12ltr smart pots, I can look in my room and I know they're due watering but they can look fine. Check again half an hour later and they'll have droopy leaves looking awful!... Its literally a half an hour window. I've had enough of them.

 

[Cookie Rider]

I've decided to chuck my expensive smart air pruning pots for the fabric ones. For me as a hand waterer, the line between needing watering and falling over underwatered almost dead is too fine. I bought the fabric pots and they're fantastic and have never dried out. Example I use 12ltr smart pots, I can look in my room and I know they're due watering but they can look fine. Check again half an hour later and they'll have droopy leaves looking awful!... Its literally a half an hour window. I've had enough of them.

I agree, I went one day too long between waters. What a massacre.
Moms took a few weeks to grow out the deadfall.
They really do dry out faster.

 

[CunningCanuk]

I decided to try and just purchased some air pots. I’ve been using fabric pots and love the results but they are a pain in the ass to clean. I like the idea of being able to clean the pots really well after a grow.

They also look easier to transplant so we will see how it goes.

 

[Dank Bongula]

I decided to try and just purchased some air pots. I’ve been using fabric pots and love the results but they are a pain in the ass to clean. I like the idea of being able to clean the pots really well after a grow.

They also look easier to transplant so we will see how it goes.

I've contemplated cleaning my fabric pots but always end up just tossing them in the garbage and replacing them...being a pain in the ass to clean doesn't sound appealing so thanks for throwing that out there!

 

[Cookie Rider]

I just tried washing my 3 gal air pots in the dishwasher.
Great success! Pissed off wife.
Do it home alone.

 

[calvin.m16]

I quit using smart/air pots in basement grows because typically basements are humid enough and they allow a lot more humidity to build up in the room(s). I would use standard injection molded plastic pots, I've been there done that and smart pots ain't it..

 

[Rurumo]

Air pots are made for transplanting, you just unscrew one little knob and the entire pot unwraps, doesn't disturb the roots at all. They are my favorite pots of all time.

 

[Milky Weed]

Am I the only one where the look of airports weirds them out? I don’t know why.

 

[Star Dog]

Air pots ftw, felt or air pots both work great with root pruning but imo the air pots are more convenient to work with

And you only need buy them once.

 

[PeatPhreak]

Am I the only one where the look of airports weirds them out? I don’t know why.

Congratulations, you have Trypophobia!

Trypophobia is an aversion to the sight of irregular patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps. It is not officially recognized as a mental disorder, but may be diagnosed as a specific phobia if excessive fear and distress occur. Most affected people mainly experience disgust but not fear when they see trypophobic imagery. A minority of people experience the same level of fear and disgust, and a few express only disgust or fear.

 

[Milky Weed]

Congratulations, you have Trypophobia!

Trypophobia is an aversion to the sight of irregular patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps. It is not officially recognized as a mental disorder, but may be diagnosed as a specific phobia if excessive fear and distress occur. Most affected people mainly experience disgust but not fear when they see trypophobic imagery. A minority of people experience the same level of fear and disgust, and a few express only disgust or fear.

View attachment 5062652

That hand needs calmag

 

[Rurumo]

Am I the only one where the look of airports weirds them out? I don’t know why.

No, I stayed away from them for a long time because of the look too. They really creeped me out...you need to embrace the nips!

 

[Milky Weed]

No, I stayed away from them for a long time because of the look too. They really creeped me out...you need to embrace the nips!

Hahaha titty planters for sure