Autopot FlexiPot XL, 1 pot with 47L tank (Aquavalve5)

Product detailed description

AutoPot FlexiPot XL with 47 l tank - 1 fabric pot, ready for growing

One plant, no daily watering and nothing else to source. AutoPot FlexiPot XL combines the 1Pot XL module with a 20 l FlexiPot fabric pot and comes including a 47 l tank and complete connecting accessories - once assembled, you can start growing straight away. The system is economical, productive and low-maintenance. It is suitable for herbs, vegetables and mature shrubs and trees, in indoor and outdoor conditions.

How it waters - just by gravity

Each pot is served by its own AQUAvalve5 valve with a 9 mm distribution line. After connection to the tank, the valve opens the supply by itself and lets the tray fill with water to the preset level - purely by gravity, without a pump, electricity or timer. Until the plant uses the water from the tray, the valve will not release another dose. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle that builds strong roots; once the tray is empty, the process repeats. You do not use even a watt of electricity and you do not waste water.

20 l fabric FlexiPot - roots instead of circling branches

The heart of the set is the breathable FlexiPot 20 l fabric pot. When the root tip reaches the porous wall, the air air prunes it (air pruning) - instead of circling around the plastic wall, the plant forms a rich fibrous root ball that absorbs moisture and nutrients better. This lets you grow a larger plant from a smaller volume. The fabric is BPA- and lead-free, with no off-gassing or leaching, and unlike standard fabric pots, FlexiPot has a solid base, so it keeps the plant upright. The porosity also oxygenates the root zone. Bear in mind that exposed fabric evaporates water - more pots may slightly raise the humidity in the room, so ensure ventilation.

Recommended substrates

FlexiPot always requires a freely draining substrate. The following 50% / 50% mixes have proved effective:

• 50 % soil and 50 % perlite
• 50 % soil and 50 % expanded clay
• 50 % coco and 50 % perlite
• 50 % coco and 50 % expanded clay
• 50 % Rockwool and 50 % expanded clay

If you use expanded clay, rinse the pebbles first - some types are not pH-stable. Before placing the pot in the tray, clean the substrate from its base and sides and make sure the fabric does not touch the AQUAvalve5 valve; then fit the lid over the valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Place the 47 l tank at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve5 valve - for example, a Garland plastic stool can serve as a stand. If the water level drops to around 1/3, top it up, and never let the tank dry out completely. Plant the plants, water them and let the excess drain away from the tray; then leave them to root for 7-10 days and only then start the system - stronger roots will then take care of the water in the tray themselves. Thanks to the tank, you do not need to care for the plants for several days.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

Apply mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution line. Dry fertilisers for soil (e.g. Biotabs or Florganics) can be mixed straight into the substrate - that is ideal for FlexiPot. With liquid organic fertilisers, add a water pump to the tank (run 15 min every 2 h) so the nutrients do not settle, and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution line and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is the simplest and maintenance-free.

Care of the valve and pot

AQUAvalve5 is a simple but precise device - 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 helps). 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. FlexiPot is reusable: after emptying, let it dry, and shake or brush off dust and fine roots. You can sterilise it by washing it in a washing machine or in a bath in a peroxide solution. We recommend a copper PotSock Round XL for the base of the pot - it prevents roots from growing into the valve. A fault in one component is not a reason to replace the whole system.

Contents of the pack

• 1x 47 l plastic tank (47 l tank with lid)
• 1x 9 mm golf filter
• 1x XL tray & lid - tray and lid
• 1x 20 l pot FlexiPot 20 l
• 1x 9 mm inline tap
• 1x 1Pot XL watering pack for 1 pot
• instructions for use

Distribution lines and hoses

The set runs on a 9 mm distribution line of the AQUAvalve5 generation:

• 9 mm hose - outer diameter 9 mm / inner diameter 7 mm
• 16 mm hose - outer diameter 16 mm / inner diameter 13 mm

For larger sets, a 16 mm main distribution line runs from the tank, and the individual branches are connected to it via a 16/9 mm reducer with filter.

Expansion and accessories

The system is modular and you can expand it with another position at any time: choose the 1Pot XL module or the separate 1Pot XL tray & lid and 1Pot XL pack with AQUAvalve5. Add a replacement pot as a FlexiPot 20 l, and source missing parts in the accessory box. This way, you can connect many pots to one tank. You will find the whole range in the 1Pot XL and FlexiPot systems category, and the full brand range among AutoPot systems.

Which size to choose

This set serves 1 pot and the 47 l tank is included in the pack. Expanding an existing line and already have a tank? Take the FlexiPot XL for 1 pot without tank. Planning more plants? Continue to 2 pots with 47 l tank or 4 pots with 47 l tank. The body of the system remains the same; only the number of trays and the tank volume differ.

Frequently asked questions

How high does the tank need to stand?

At least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve5 valve - the system runs purely on gravity. Top it up at around 1/3 and never let it dry out completely.

Can the system handle organic fertilisers?

Yes, but with one condition: add a water pump to the tank running 15 min every 2 h so the nutrients do not settle, and each time it is emptied, flush the distribution line and clean the tank, pump and filter. Dry fertilisers such as Biotabs or Florganics only need to be mixed into the substrate.