Fabric plant pots allow the soil to breath, which is essential for healthy roots. They’re also durable and resist damage from UV rays.
Many gardeners forget that plants need oxygen as much as carbon dioxide. Using closed-off plastic pots limits the amount of oxygen that reaches the roots. With fabric pots, air flows freely and prunes the root system, preventing it from becoming root-bound.
Air Pruning
Air Pruning is a process by which roots are naturally pruned as they grow out of fabric pots, enhancing and managing living soil. As the roots reach the edges of the container they encounter the air and porous fabric material, which causes them to dry up and prune themselves, a natural process that redirects their outward growth towards lateral roots that are more effective in taking up water and nutrients. This process prevents root circling and can lead to healthier and more dense root systems overall.
This is a game-changing feature of breathable fabric containers that is credited with improved plant health and greater yields from growers using them. This is because air pruning reduces the risk of overwatering and nutrient deficiencies while promoting faster root growth and better uptake of water and nutrients.
Compared to traditional plastic pots, which allow excess moisture to remain in the root zone for longer, fabric containers promote the growth of healthier and more fibrous roots that are more efficient at absorbing water and nutrients. This leads to more robust plants that are able to handle environmental stressors like temperature fluctuations or changes in light conditions with better resilience and more vibrant blooms.
Breathable fabric containers are an excellent alternative to plastic pots for hydroponic or soil-based cultivation. They have an advantage over traditional pots by allowing for more frequent irrigation due to the fact that they are lighter, and by providing superior aeration. This aeration helps roots retain the necessary amount of oxygen which they need for the metabolic process of absorbing nutrients and minerals from the soil. Without sufficient oxygen, the root system can become suffocated and starved of nutrients.
When choosing a fabric container, it is important to consider the size of the plant and its anticipated future height. The general rule of thumb is to choose a container that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current container or root ball of the plant. Ensure the pot is filled with high-quality potting mix that is well amended. Once the pot is filled, tamp the soil down and press lightly to eliminate any air pockets or voids. The breathable nature of the fabric also allows for more rapid evaporation so it is best to water frequently, but sparingly, to avoid overwatering.
Evaporative Cooling
One of the biggest benefits of fabric pots is that they allow your plants to breathe. While plastic pots trap heat, causing roots to become damaged and stunting growth, fabric pots are designed with breathability in mind. The fibers in a fabric pot are small enough to let air pass through easily, keeping your plants’ roots healthy. This breathable design is also perfect for keeping your soil at the right temperature. In addition, it allows water to drain more easily and keeps the soil cooler on hot summer days.
Fabric pots have been used for centuries. In fact, frescos from the Old Kingdom of Egypt show slaves fanning porous water jars to aid evaporation and cool them down. Today, the same principle is used by planters to maintain optimum growing conditions for their crops. These reusable pots are available in many different sizes and shapes to fit any grower’s needs.
Unlike slick plastic pots, which can get brittle over time, fabric pots are made from high-quality materials that hold up to repeated washing and reusing. They’re also free from harsh chemicals and dyes that may leach into your soil. In addition, the fabric is scientifically woven to release heat as it expands and contracts, making them the best choice for indoor and outdoor gardens.
While most gardening sites claim that fabric pots prevent circulating roots, this seems to be overstated. In my experience, they work well for woody plants and vegetables and are great for annuals. They do help keep the soil cooler on hot summer days, but that’s a benefit that most of us can get from other methods like mulching or shade.
When a root comes into contact with the fabric wall, it triggers a natural process known as air pruning. This process stops the root from circling the pot and helps prevent it from becoming root-bound, which can cause a host of problems for your plants, including slow growth, water retention issues and reduced uptake of nutrients.
Better Drainage
The porous nature of fabric plant pots allows water and oxygen to permeate the entire container. Unlike traditional plastic pots that trap heat and cause the roots to circle when they reach the edge of the container, fabric containers allow air to pass through and naturally prune the roots. This prevents the root-bound condition and encourages more lateral branching which results in healthier, denser plants.
The root mass in a fabric pot is much bigger because the roots don’t have to circle around. In a conventional plastic pot, when the roots reach the wall they begin to circle, inhibiting their ability to absorb nutrients because they are not reaching as many areas of the soil. This is a huge problem that has plagued the planting industry for years and has been attributed to poor nutrient uptake, stunted growth, low yields and more.
A fabric pot will encourage a healthier root system that is not root bound. This is because the fabric pots promote air pruning as mentioned above, which eliminates this unhealthy condition and leads to a more dense root system that is more capable of absorbing moisture and nutrients. The better a plant’s root system is, the more nutrient-rich it will be and the plants will grow larger because they have more surface area to absorb the nutrients from the soil.
Another benefit of a fabric pot is that the pores in the fabric allow for efficient drainage. This means that excess water will bleed through the material instead of staying in the bottom of the container and creating an environment that can lead to disease and other issues. This also helps prevent overwatering because the excess water will bleed through the pot rather than staying in the soil.
This is a major advantage of the fabric pot over traditional containers. Because the breathable fabric is so durable, it will hold up well to washing, rinsing and reusing without losing its quality and structure like a clay or plastic pot would over time. This makes the fabric pot an excellent choice for growing vegetables, herbs, flowers and more in your garden or on your porch.
Recyclable
As a gardener, you want your plants to be healthy and resilient. This requires the right environment for them, with plenty of oxygen and cool temperatures. Fabric pots are breathable and can help with both of these things. They can also dissipate heat, keeping your root system cool even in the hottest summer weather.
Another benefit of using fabric pots is that they are biodegradable. That means they break down much faster than traditional pots, which can take centuries to decompose. This is a big plus for those of us who are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment.
The other major advantage of fabric pots is that they are reusable. That means you can save money in the long run by not buying new pots each time your plants outgrow their current ones. Plus, you can reuse them for multiple seasons without worrying about introducing any salt residue into your soil.
Fabric pots are also a lot easier to handle than traditional pots, especially if you’re using large sizes. Most of them come with handles to make it easier to lift and transport them from place to place. This can save your back and help keep your plants healthier by reducing the stress on their roots.
If you’re not a pro gardener, moving around standard pots can be a bit challenging. It can also lead to strained muscles, which isn’t good for your plants. Fabric pots are a lot easier to move, which makes them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
One of the biggest claims made about fabric pots is that they air prune roots and prevent them from becoming root bound. That’s because when you grow in a plastic pot, your roots tend to touch the edge of the pot as they grow. Usually, the roots then circle around the inside of the pot and become root-bound. But with a fabric pot, the roots don’t reach the edges and instead continue to grow down into the soil.
So, should you switch to fabric pots? They’re a great option for most people and offer a number of benefits that can help your plants thrive. The only thing you need to watch out for is that they can dry out a little faster than traditional pots, so it’s important to monitor soil moisture regularly and water as needed. Otherwise, a move to fabric pots is a smart decision that can save you both time and money in the long run.
