When roots are contained in hard-sided pots they typically grow down and outward, and when they reach the inside perimeter of the container they begin to circle – a process known as air pruning. This prevents the root mass from becoming pot bound and leads to healthier plants.

Fabric pots allow the movement of air through the walls, enabling the roots to breath and beneficial microbes to thrive. They also contribute to temperature control by preventing heat from building up inside the planter.

Aesthetics

Fabric pots have an appealing appearance with their denim, canvas or felt like materials. They are available in a wide range of sizes from seedling starters to giant 45 gallon planters that make for instant raised beds. These planters are BPA-free, breathable and can be planted directly into the soil without the need for liners. They are ideal for growing plants in which the roots tend to be very long or don’t transplant well. They also prevent overwatering and promote aeration and auto-pruning of roots.

Many fabric pots are made from a geotextile material such as polypropylene or polyester (Smart Pots claim theirs are BPA-free and WallyGro uses 100 percent recycled plastic water bottles). They have a woven, porous structure that allows water to pass through but restricts the passage of air. This helps the soil stay cool and dry, allowing delicate roots to avoid cooking or rotting in extreme heat conditions.

Another claimed advantage of these pots is that they reduce the amount of circulating roots found in most houseplants. Circulating roots grow close to the pot and can get thick enough to choke off a plant’s trunk or strangle it in its own root mass. Kultiva’s Living soil fabric pots are particularly adept at achieving this.

However, this condition is only a concern in some woody plants such as shrubs and trees and most houseplants don’t become significantly root-bound. It is also important to note that when you remove a plant from its pot, the roots are likely to be just as thick or even thicker than those in a plastic pot.

Root Development

The root development process for a plant is complex. A root’s primary goal is to seek out water and nutrients from the surrounding soil. However, when the roots encounter a barrier like the walls of traditional hard pots they will often circle the container in search of a friendlier environment. This can lead to minimal lateral branching and nutrient uptake. In addition, the spiraling motion of a root around the wall of a standard plastic pot can also result in the roots becoming root bound. In many cases, when a root becomes trapped in this manner it can suffocate. This phenomenon is called root strangulation and can severely damage or even kill the entire plant. Fortunately, this problem can be avoided with the use of Geopot fabric pots.

The breathable fabric that makes up a fabric grow bag allows air to permeate the surface of the pot’s growing medium, which provides vital oxygen to the roots. Oxygen is necessary to diffuse carbon dioxide that is produced during the metabolism of the roots and support microbial life. Without proper access to oxygen, the roots will become weak and predisposed to disease.

As the roots of a plant reach the edges of a fabric pot, they are naturally pruned by the fabric’s porous nature. This air pruning stimulates the root to invest in dense radial growth, which reduces the risk of root circling and eliminates the possibility of strangulation.

This type of healthy root development results in a more efficient and balanced environment for the plant, which can improve yields and overall health. Additionally, the density of the root system helps to prevent nutrient depletion, which is an important factor in a healthy crop.

When used with a high-quality potting soil mix, such as Biobizz All Mix, this pot can help ensure optimal plant health and performance. The all-in-one blend of peat moss, compost, perlite, and vermiculite offers a balanced combination of moisture retention and aeration for the root zone. The round black saucers are also a perfect complement to the pot, catching any excess water that would otherwise run off and preventing overflow and waterlogging.

Water Retention

The breathable fabric of these smart pots allows air to move easily through the container walls. This process helps roots get the oxygen they need to thrive, which is a major factor in healthy root growth and development. It also prevents the build-up of moisture that can lead to problems like fungus and mold.

In addition to ensuring that the roots have plenty of oxygen, fabric pots are designed to provide even soil aeration. This improves the plants’ ability to absorb nutrients and water, resulting in stronger, healthier plants. This is especially important for crops that require a lot of upkeep and watering, such as vegetables, herbs, or flowering plants.

Another key aspect of fabric pots is their lightweight construction. They’re much easier to move than traditional ceramic or plastic pots, which can be difficult to carry when filled with soil. This means that you can easily rearrange your plants to catch more sunlight or change up the look of your home garden.

Fabric plant pots are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your growing needs. When selecting a size, be sure to consider how large the plant will grow and whether it will need a deep or shallow pot. A shallow pot is ideal for most herbs and flowers, while deeper pots are ideal for root vegetables or shrubs.

When it comes to planting, be sure to gently remove the plant from its current container and untangle any circling roots before placing in the new pot. Fill the fabric pot with a well-draining, nutrient rich potting mix and water thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

Once planted, you’ll find that your plants will quickly adjust to their new home in the fabric pot. The porous fabric material lets excess water evaporate more easily, which helps prevent overwatering. And, since the roots have access to a constant supply of oxygen, they’ll be able to focus their energy on developing a strong, dense network. This will help your plants grow faster and more vigorously, making them more resilient against stressors and environmental conditions.

Durability

Fabric pots are sturdy, lightweight and can be used for many different purposes. They are great for starting seeds or young transplants and they can even be used as planters in your garden bed. They are also easy to transport and come flat packed for convenient storage. They are also durable and washable, making them a long-term investment for your garden.

Unlike plastic pots, fabric pots encourage horizontal and vertical root growth. When the roots reach the sides of the container they are ‘air pruned’ which means the root will stop growing towards the inside of the container (pot bound). Instead, the plant’s energy will be focused on growing feeder roots that will form a dense and healthy root mass around the entire container.

As a result, the plants that are grown in these containers are healthier and more vigorous. Flowering is abundant and vegetable yields are off the charts.

The porous breathable material that fabric pots are made from allows air to pass through the fabric container wall directly to the root zone. This oxygenation helps to prevent anaerobic conditions and nutrient uptake is enhanced. This process also helps to reduce root rot by eliminating excessive moisture build up in the soil.

Another advantage is temperature control. Unlike plastic and terracotta pots which can absorb heat from sunlight and cause the roots to sweat, fabric pots are porous and help to keep the root ball cool by allowing water to bleed through the material as it evaporates.

Because of this, it’s virtually impossible to over water your plants when using a fabric pot. Excess water will bleed through the breathable fabric material and out of the pot rather than pooling inside the container. The breathable material also makes it possible to plant the plants out of the container when well established, making them a versatile option that can be moved around your garden and even used as raised beds.