Autopot FlexiPot XL, 4 pots without reservoir (Aquavalve5)

Product detailed description

AutoPot FlexiPot XL without reservoir - 4 fabric pots for a full tent

Four plants on one line and you choose the reservoir yourself. AutoPot FlexiPot XL for 4 pots is based on the 1Pot XL module and 20 l FlexiPot fabric pots. The reservoir is not included - with four sites, this pays off, because you can adjust the reservoir capacity to how long you want the system to run without topping up, or simply connect the set to an existing XL line. It is suitable for herbs, vegetables and mature shrubs and trees, in indoor and outdoor conditions.

The modular design keeps running costs low: you do not need a pump, electricity or timers - everything is controlled by the gravity pressure from the reservoir. When one part reaches the end of its service life, you replace only that part, not the whole system.

How it waters - only by gravity

Each pot is served by its own AQUAvalve5 valve with a 9 mm line. After connection to the reservoir, the valve opens the supply on its own and lets the tray fill with water to the preset level - by gravity only, without a pump, electricity or a timer. As long as the plant does not use up the water in the tray, the valve will not release another dose. The plant therefore goes through a wet and dry cycle, which builds strong roots; after the tray empties, the process repeats. You do not use a single 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 needs a freely draining substrate. These 50% / 50% mixes have proved effective:

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

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

Reservoir set-up and start-up

The reservoir is not included in this version - connect it to an existing line of the XL set or choose your own reservoir, such as a 47 l reservoir with lid or Flexitank. Whichever reservoir you choose, place it at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve5 valve, top it up when it is roughly 1/3 full and never let it run completely dry. Plant the plants, water them and let the excess 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 reservoir and line. You can mix dry fertilisers for soil (e.g. Biotabs or Florganics) directly into the substrate - this is ideal for FlexiPot. With liquid organic fertiliser, add a water pump to the reservoir (run 15 min every 2 h) so the nutrients do not settle, and each time the reservoir is emptied, flush the line and clean the reservoir, 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. FlexiPot is reusable: after emptying, let it dry, shake out 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 whole system.

Package contents

• 4x 20 l fabric pot FlexiPot 20 l
• 4x tray tray & lid
• 4x irrigation pack
• 2x 9 mm valve
• 1 m 9 mm hose
• instructions for use

Lines and hoses

The set runs on a 9 mm 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 line runs from the reservoir, 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 site at any time: choose the 1Pot XL module or a separate 1Pot XL tray & lid and 1Pot XL pack 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 reservoir. 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 4 pots and does not include a reservoir. Do you want a set ready for immediate start-up? Choose the FlexiPot XL for 4 pots with 47 l reservoir. A smaller set is available as 2 pots without reservoir, or 1 pot without reservoir. The body of the system is the same; the number of trays and the presence of a reservoir differ.

Frequently asked questions

What size reservoir should I get for four pots?

It depends on how long the set should last without topping up - four plants use more than two. Place the reservoir at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve5 valve, top it up when it is roughly 1/3 full and never let it dry out.

How are four pots connected to one reservoir?

Via a shared 9 mm line with valves. For longer runs, a 16 mm main hose runs from the reservoir, to which the individual branches are connected with a 16/9 mm reducer.