Terra Aquatica CultiMate Aero

The Terra Aquatica CultiMate Aero is the aeroponic system that was called the AeroFarm until recently. Its 45 litre reservoir is the same as the CultiMate L's, but instead of a growing chamber full of clay pebbles the roots hang free under the lid, and sprayers bring the nutrient solution to them. It takes 1 to 5 plants.

What aeroponics does differently

In most hydroponic systems the roots sit in a substrate that holds moisture: clay pebbles, coco or rockwool. In aeroponics they hang in air inside a closed, humid space, and the solution is sprayed onto them as a mist.

The advantage is oxygen. A root in air has unlimited access to it, where a root in wet substrate always competes with water for the space between particles. More oxygen means faster uptake and faster growth.

The drawback is that there is no buffer. Lose power and exposed roots dry out faster than roots in a pot of substrate. That is the trade-off this type of system asks you to accept.

One to five plants: fewer grow larger

The lid takes up to five plants, and that is a ceiling, not a recommendation. Every plant shares the same 45 litres and the same space under the lamp. Five plants therefore stay smaller than two or three, which each get a bigger share of the reserve and of the light.

So choose the number by the size you want to harvest at. Herbs and compact crops can go up to five. For plants that spread, two or three is the better choice, and you close off the empty sites so no light reaches the roots.

Almost no substrate

The only substrate Terra Aquatica names is a handful of clay pebbles in the net pots to hold the plant upright. There is no bed of pebbles to rinse, the system is lighter to move, and you can see the roots without digging anything out.

Terra Aquatica makes the Aero with 2 inch and with 3 inch net pots. That size does not limit the roots, since they hang below in air, but it does limit how steady the plant is: a thick stem with a lot of weight above it stands better in 3 inch. If you need to be sure which size you get, ask us before you order. We stock loose net pots in both sizes.

Technical Specifications:

• Reservoir: 45 litres
• Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 38.5 cm (l x w x h)
• Plants: 1 to 5
• Type: aeroponic, with sprayers
• Substrate: a few clay pebbles in the net pots
• Material: roto-moulded recycled plastic, light and UV shielded

Frequently asked questions

Is the CultiMate Aero the AeroFarm? Yes. Terra Aquatica renamed the AeroFarm to CultiMate Aero. We used to list it as two products, for 2 and for 3 inch, and have merged them.

Which net pot size comes with it? Terra Aquatica makes both sizes. Ask us before you order if the size matters to you.

What if the power fails? Exposed roots dry out faster than roots in substrate. That is the trade-off with aeroponics.

Is aeroponics difficult? This system is built specifically so that it is not: one reservoir, one lid, net pots in it.