AutoPot - 1Pot XL 6 FlexiPot watering system

The FlexiPot system for six pots is six 1Pot XL trays with AQUAvalve5 and six 18.9 litre fabric pots. Each pot comes with a PotSock, and that component deserves explaining because it does not exist on a plastic pot.

Why a fabric pot needs a different root barrier

In a rigid-pot system a Root Control Disc lies in the tray beneath the pot: a flat disc with a metallic coating that stops roots leaving through the pot base. That works because a plastic pot has a flat, hard bottom to lay it against.

A fabric pot has none. It is permeable on every side including the base, and it takes the shape of whatever it stands on. A loose disc underneath would not cover the edges. So AutoPot supply a PotSock instead: a stitched cover pulled over the base of the pot, so the barrier moves with the pot rather than lying under it.

Why it is not optional

AutoPot describe fitting a PotSock as essential when growing in their systems, and that is not marketing. The AQUAvalve5 regulates through a narrow inlet and an air seal against the tray floor. Let roots reach that tray and they grow toward the water and eventually into and around the valve. What you lose then is precisely the automation you bought the system for: the valve no longer fills reliably, or no longer closes.

The PotSock is copper-treated, and that copper is woven through the material rather than only applied as a coating. So it keeps working once the outer layer oxidises over time. Reckon on a couple of crops per PotSock.

And keep checking anyway

A PotSock stops most roots, not all. Plants with aggressive root systems occasionally get through, and AutoPot advise checking the valves regularly for that reason. Across six trays it is a short round: lift the pot, look for roots in the tray, snip them if present.

Technical Specifications:

• Pots: 6 x 18.9 litre FlexiPot
• Trays: 6 x 1Pot XL with AQUAvalve5
• Root barrier: PotSock per pot, copper-treated
• PotSock life: several crops
• Checking: inspect valves periodically for roots

Frequently asked questions

Could I use a Root Control Disc instead? Not properly; a fabric pot has no flat base to lay a disc against.

How long does a PotSock last? Several crops. Copper runs through the material, so it works on after the coating oxidises.

Do I still need to check? Yes, aggressive roots occasionally get through.

What happens if roots reach the valve? It stops filling reliably; you lose the automation.