When you think of pots for plants, you might automatically think of plastic, fiberglass, or some sort of pottery, like ceramic or terracotta. They’ve been the standard forever, and what most garden centers sell.
But rigid pots are not your only option when it comes to growing solutions for indoor growers. Fabric pots are a highly viable alternative and in many ways they’re actually better. This short post will dive into that.
Optimal Root Health Through Air Pruning
Because they are soft-sided and breathable, fabric pots allow for plants’ roots to “air prune,” which helps to prevent them from becoming “root bound” which occurs in hard-sided containers.
When you grow a plant in a hard-sided pot, the roots will encounter the pot’s walls and circle continuously, doubling back on themselves. This is called being “root bound” and results in unhealthy root growth and poor nutrient absorption, and in severe cases can result in die-off.
With fabric pots, however, the root tips will be exposed to air, which will cause them to prune themselves, sending off healthier, branching feeder roots in other directions.
Fabric pots therefore encourage healthier root growth, superior nutrient and moisture absorption, and overall healthier plants.
Another thing to call out here is that fabric pots, since they are porous, generally allow for better soil oxygenation than hard pots. This also helps support a better overall level of root health for more resilient plants and higher yields.
Better Moisture Control
Hard sided pots are better at retaining moisture, which is good for some species, but as a general rule, most plants do not tolerate sitting in standing water.
Because fabric pots are breathable, they allow for much better moisture regulation than hard sided pots. This helps balance the level of moisture available to the plant, ensuring optimal absorption without running a higher risk of root rot.
Not only do fabric pots support superior moisture control, but it is nearly impossible to overwater a plant in a fabric container as the pot will simply allow the excess to drain out or evaporate from the walls if the soil is soggy.
Better Thermal Regulation
Plants need to be able to regulate their temperature, just like animals, and fabric pots are more accommodating. They help to prevent heat stress which can result in a wide range of adverse health conditions for the plant.
Not only can fabric pots help insulate roots in the cold, but since they are breathable, they can also help protect the plants from experiencing heat stress when temperatures are high.
Superior Storage Options
Lastly, fabric pots are the more modular option, and far better with respect to storage. While they are available in a wide range of sizes (both very large and very small) when they are not in use, they can be folded up and stored in very little space.
This makes fabric pots the superior option when it comes to indoor growers that are limited for space.
On top of that, high-quality fabric pots are highly durable and can be reused many times, which is another big selling point.
Looking for Some New Fabric Pots?
Thinking that fabric pots might be better for your growing situation based on some of the benefits explored here?
If you’re looking for these or any other indoor growing accessories, take a closer look at what’s in store online at AC Infinity. They carry fabric pots, ventilation accessories, grow tents and lights, and other essentials.
Visit their website and rethink how you handle your indoor growing today.
