AutoPot 1Pot XL system 6 pots incl. 100L Flexitank

Product detailed description

AutoPot 1Pot XL for 6 pots - whole weeks without attention, just by gravity

Do you want to grow large plants and still leave them alone while you are on holiday? AutoPot 1Pot XL for six 25 l pots with a 100 l Flexitank is among the most economical watering systems in the world in terms of water consumption and is suitable for growing any plants, for food and decorative purposes. Six modules are controlled by the AQUAvalve, so you can leave the plants unattended for whole weeks.

With a system for six plants, the investment pays back in saved work: you do not need electricity, timers or pumps - everything is handled by the gravitational pressure from the tank. The tank does not need to be constantly emptied and refilled, and the distribution does not need to be flushed, because fertiliser does not build up in it. The larger 100 l Flexitank also means less topping up than with the 47 l version. The system is fully modular: at any time you can expand it to a practically unlimited size using the 1Pot XL expansion module.

How the watering works

Each module is controlled by the AQUAvalve. 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, the AQUAvalve does not allow replenishment. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle that supports healthy roots; after the tray empties, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

A freely draining substrate always belongs in the 1Pot XL. The following 50/50 mixes 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 stable in terms of pH 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 off it; this will maintain the correct function of the AQUAvalve.

Tank set-up and start-up

Place the tank (100 l Flexitank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve. If the water level falls to 1/3 of the original volume, top it up - and never let the tank dry out completely. After planting, water the plants and let them 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.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose both mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution. 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 and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is the simplest and maintenance-free.

Care of the AQUAvalve

AQUAvalve is a simple but very effective device that requires careful handling - keep both the valve and the 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.

Contents of the package

• 1x Flexitank 100 l
• 6x 1Pot XL module (25 l pot, 1Pot XL tray, 1Pot XL lid - cover for the saucer)
• 6x 1Pot XL package (AQUAvalve5 cam, Root Control Disc, tubing, grommets and connectors)
• instructions for use

Expansion and accessories

You can expand the system over time with the 1Pot XL module, add replacement pots as a 25 l 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 25 l XL pot.

Which size to choose

This set serves 6 plants. You can find the smaller set as 1Pot XL for 4 pots; if you plan to grow more, choose the 1Pot XL for 8 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

Why does this set have a larger tank than the version for 4 pots?

Six plants use more water than four, so instead of a 47 l tank you get a 100 l Flexitank. The larger volume means longer intervals between topping up - less walking to the tank.

Which substrate is suitable for the 1Pot XL?

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

Can I use organic fertilisers?

Yes. However, dose organic fertilisers with a water pump in the tank (run 15 min every 2 h) and each time the tank is emptied, flush the distribution and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is maintenance-free.