Autopot FlexiPot XL, 1 pot without tank (Aquavalve5)

Product detailed description

AutoPot FlexiPot XL without tank - 1 fabric pot, no daily watering

Do you want to expand your existing XL setup with another position, or choose the tank yourself? AutoPot FlexiPot XL combines the proven 1Pot XL module with a 20 l fabric FlexiPot and serves one plant. The tank is not included - this version is appreciated by growers who already have the distribution installed, or who choose the reservoir capacity themselves. Compact dimensions and portability also reduce transport costs and save storage space. It is suitable for herbs, vegetables and mature shrubs and trees, in indoor and outdoor conditions.

How it waters - by gravity only

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

Fabric FlexiPot 20 l - roots instead of circling around the sides

The heart of the set is the breathable fabric FlexiPot 20 l. When the root tip reaches the porous wall, the air air prunes it - 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 ordinary fabric pots, the 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

The FlexiPot always requires a freely draining substrate. The following 50% / 50% mixes have proven 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 into the tray, clean the bottom and sides of substrate, and make sure that the fabric does not touch the AQUAvalve5 valve; then fit the lid over the valve.

Tank setup and start-up

The tank is not included in this version - connect it to the existing XL distribution of the set or choose your own reservoir, such as a 47 l tank with lid or Flexitank. Whichever tank you choose, place it at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve5 valve, top it up at around 1/3, and never let it run completely dry. Plant, water and let it drain away from the tray; then let them root for 7-10 days and only then start the system.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

Dose mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and distribution. You can mix dry fertilisers for soil (e.g. Biotabs or Florganics) directly into the substrate - that is ideal for the 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 and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is the simplest and maintenance-free.

Valve and pot care

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. The 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 with a peroxide solution. We recommend a copper PotSock Round XL for the bottom of the pot - it prevents roots from growing into the valve. A fault in one component is also not a reason to replace the entire system.

Package contents

• 1x 20 l fabric pot FlexiPot 20 l
• 1x tray tray & lid
• 1x irrigation pack (without tank)
• instructions for use

Distribution and hoses

The set runs on a 9 mm distribution 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 runs from the tank, to which the individual branches are connected 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 a separate 1Pot XL tray & lid and pack for 1Pot XL with AQUAvalve5. You can add a replacement pot as a FlexiPot 20 l, and missing parts can be found in the accessory box. This way, you can connect many pots to one tank. You can find the whole range in the 1Pot XL and FlexiPot systems category, and the complete brand range among AutoPot systems.

Which size to choose

This version serves 1 pot and has no tank. Want to start straight away, without looking for a reservoir? Take the FlexiPot XL for 1 pot with 47 l tank. Need more positions? Continue to 2 pots without tank or 4 pots without tank. The body of the system is the same in all versions; the number of trays and the presence of a tank differ.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy separately for this version?

A tank, 9 mm golf filter and 9 mm tap. You either connect them to the existing XL distribution, or buy a separate tank - place it at least 150 mm above the highest valve.

Does the 20 l FlexiPot fit into the same tray as the 25 l XL pot?

Yes. The FlexiPot 20 l shares dimensions with the 25 l 1Pot XL pot, so it uses the same round tray and lid. Just make sure the fabric does not touch the valve.