Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AutoPot FlexiPot 20L need a PotSock?
Yes, in an AutoPot system it does. AutoPot say a PotSock must be fitted to the base of every FlexiPot to give proper root control, and it is not supplied with the pot. The round PotSock made for the XL pot is the one that goes with the 20L.
Does the AutoPot FlexiPot 20L fit the AutoPot XL tray?
Yes, it is made for the AutoPot XL tray. Drop it into a 1Pot XL Tray and Lid and it works with the AQUAvalve5 the same way the plastic XL pot does. It is made for the XL tray, so do not expect it to suit the smaller 15L or 8.5L trays.
Can I wash and reuse an AutoPot FlexiPot?
Yes, they are built to be reused. After a grow, empty it, let it dry out for a few days, then brush off the dust and any small roots. AutoPot say you can machine or tub wash it in peroxide to sterilise it. Whatever you do, do not put it in the tumble dryer.
Is a fabric pot better than a plastic pot for AutoPot XL?
It depends what you want, but fabric wins on root health and plastic wins on being solid. A fabric pot breathes through the sides and air-prunes roots, so you tend to get a denser, fibrous root ball with less circling. The plastic 25L XL pot holds its shape, has a bit more volume and does not breathe. One thing AutoPot flag: lots of fabric pots in one indoor room can nudge the humidity up a touch.
How many litres is the AutoPot FlexiPot 20L really?
It is sold as 20 litres, and 18.9 litres is the same pot described the other way. AutoPot market it as 20L and list it as a 5 gallon pot, and 5 US gallons works out at 18.9 litres, which is why you will see 18.9 in some web addresses. In practice, plan on roughly 19 to 20 litres of media once it is filled and settled.
How does air pruning work in a fabric pot?
Roots stop growing when their tips hit the air at the porous wall of the fabric, so the plant branches and makes more fine roots rather than one long root circling the pot. More fine roots means more surface for water and nutrient uptake.
Description
The AutoPot FlexiPot 20L is a 20 litre breathable fabric pot that sits in an AutoPot XL tray. It is for anyone running, or planning, an AutoPot XL gravity-fed system who fancies fabric over plastic, and for anyone who just needs a spare pot because one has had its day. It costs next to nothing and you can wash it and go again.
The fabric is porous, BPA-free and lead-free, so air gets to the root zone through the sides. When root tips reach that porous wall they are air-pruned, which pushes the plant to put out more fine, fibrous roots instead of circling round and round the pot. Better moisture and nutrient uptake is the idea, and it is a big part of why fabric pots have taken off.
AutoPot FlexiPot 20L specs
| Spec | AutoPot FlexiPot 20L |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres (AutoPot's marketed size, listed by them as a 5 gallon pot) |
| Material | Porous fabric, BPA-free and lead-free |
| Weight | 0.24 kg |
| Fits | AutoPot XL tray (1Pot XL Tray and Lid) |
| Root control | Air-pruning sides. A PotSock is needed on the base and is not included |
| Care | Reusable. Wash between grows, do not tumble dry |
| AutoPot code | APSMART/POT/5 |
In the Box
One 20L FlexiPot fabric pot, and that is the lot. The PotSock is not included, and AutoPot say it is essential on the base of every FlexiPot for root control. It is the small part people forget, so pick one up at the same time: Autopot PotSock - Round for XL Pot. Keep the pot's label or order details somewhere handy too, because the AutoPot code (APSMART/POT/5) is what you quote if you ever need to reorder.
What you need to go with it
The FlexiPot is just the pot. In an AutoPot XL setup it works with these, all of which we stock:
- 1Pot XL Tray and Lid: the tray the pot sits in.
- Autopot PotSock - Round for XL Pot: the root control sock for the base of the pot.
- Autopot Aqua Valve5: the valve that keeps the tray topped up with no power needed.
- AQUAvalve PotSock: the small sock for the AQUAvalve itself, a separate spare from the pot sock.
- AutoPot AirBase: a drainage layer for the bottom of the pot.
AutoPot FlexiPot 20L FAQs
Does the AutoPot FlexiPot 20L need a PotSock?
Yes, in an AutoPot system it does. AutoPot say a PotSock must be fitted to the base of every FlexiPot to give proper root control, and it is not supplied with the pot. The round PotSock made for the XL pot is the one that goes with the 20L, and you can grab it here: Autopot PotSock - Round for XL Pot.
Does the AutoPot FlexiPot 20L fit the AutoPot XL tray?
Yes, it is made for the AutoPot XL tray. Drop it into a 1Pot XL Tray and Lid and it works with the AQUAvalve5 the same way the plastic XL pot does. It is made for the XL tray, so do not expect it to suit the smaller 15L or 8.5L trays.
Can I wash and reuse an AutoPot FlexiPot?
Yes, they are built to be reused. After a grow, empty it, let it dry out for a few days, then brush off the dust and any small roots. AutoPot say you can machine or tub wash it in peroxide to sterilise it. Whatever you do, do not put it in the tumble dryer.
Is a fabric pot better than a plastic pot for AutoPot XL?
It depends what you want, but fabric wins on root health and plastic wins on being solid. A fabric pot breathes through the sides and air-prunes roots, so you tend to get a denser, fibrous root ball with less circling. The plastic 25L XL pot holds its shape, has a bit more volume and does not breathe. One thing AutoPot flag: lots of fabric pots in one indoor room can nudge the humidity up a touch.
How many litres is the AutoPot FlexiPot 20L really?
It is sold as 20 litres, and 18.9 litres is the same pot described the other way. AutoPot market it as 20L and list it as a 5 gallon pot, and 5 US gallons works out at 18.9 litres, which is why you will see 18.9 in some web addresses. In practice, plan on roughly 19 to 20 litres of media once it is filled and settled.
How does air pruning work in a fabric pot?
Roots stop growing when their tips hit the air at the porous wall of the fabric, so the plant branches and makes more fine roots rather than one long root circling the pot. More fine roots means more surface for water and nutrient uptake. If you want the background, our guide on root-bound plants explains what circling roots do to a grow.
