AutoPot 1Pot XL system incl. 47L plastic tank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 1 pot - one large plant that waters itself

Do you want one really large plant, but do not want to be there every day with a watering can? AutoPot 1Pot XL for one 25l pot is the easiest way to try self-watering. It is among the most water-efficient irrigation systems in the world and is suitable for growing any plants, for food and decorative purposes. Watering is handled by the AQUAvalve valve, so you can leave the plant unattended for weeks.

How the irrigation works

Each module is operated by the AQUAvalve valve. After connection to the tank, the valve opens the supply and lets the tray fill with water to the preset level of 20 mm - solely by gravity, without pumps, mains pressure, electricity or timers. Until the plant uses up all the water in the tray, AQUAvalve does not allow replenishment. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle, which supports healthy roots; after the tray empties, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

Always use a freely draining substrate in the 1Pot XL. The following mixes in a 50% / 50% ratio have proven effective:

• Mix of soil and perlite - 50/50
• Mix of soil and expanded clay - 50/50
• Mix of coconut fibre and perlite - 50/50
• Mix of coconut fibre and expanded clay - 50/50
• Mix of Rockwool and expanded clay - 50/50

If you use expanded clay, rinse the pebbles with water first - some types are not pH-stable and may increase the pH of the water in the tray. Before placing the pot into the saucer, clean the bottom and sides of substrate; this will maintain the correct function of the AQUAvalve valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Place the tank (47l plastic tank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. If the irrigation level drops to 1/3 of the original volume, top it up - and never let the tank run completely dry. After planting, water the plant and allow it to root for 7-10 days; only then start the system. A stronger root system will then take care of the water in the tray itself. The bottom of the 1Pot XL pot is round (unlike the square bottom of the smaller 1Pot), so you can easily turn a large plant directly in the saucer.

For placing the tank, the Garland plastic stool is suitable - it raises it to the required height above the valves.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution system. With organic fertilisers, also add a water pump to the tank (run 15 min every 2 h) so that the nutrients do not settle, and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution system and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is the simplest and maintenance-free.

Care of the AQUAvalve valve

AQUAvalve is a simple but very effective device that requires careful handling - keep the valve and tray clean and free of obstructions. At the end of the season, wash the valve in warm soapy water (an old toothbrush will help). Push limescale out of the nozzle with a paper clip or blow it through; never clean it with a drill - you would destroy the valve.

Contents of the package

• 1x 47 l plastic tank with lid
• 1x 1Pot XL module (25l pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 1x 1Pot XL pack (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• instructions for use

Expansion and accessories

Over time, you can expand the system with a 1Pot XL module, add replacement pots as a 25l pot and find missing parts in the accessory box. For roots and a cleaner saucer, choose the PotSock Round XL, a copper sleeve for the 25l XL pot.

Which size to choose

This set serves 1 plant. If you plan to grow more, choose the 1Pot XL for 2 pots. The body of the system is the same in all sizes; only the number of modules and the tank volume differ.

Frequently asked questions

Can the set be expanded later?

Yes. 1Pot XL is fully modular - you can add another 1Pot XL module at any time and grow with it to a practically unlimited size. The body of the system remains the same; only the number of modules and the tank volume change.

Which substrate is suitable for 1Pot XL?

Always a freely draining 50/50 mix - soil/perlite, soil/expanded clay, coconut/perlite, coconut/expanded clay or Rockwool/expanded clay. Permeability is key for the correct alternation of the wet and dry cycle.

How high should the tank be placed?

At least 150 mm above the AQUAvalve valve - this difference creates the gravitational pressure that drives the system. Top up the irrigation when it drops to 1/3 and never let the tank run completely dry.