Smart pots or air pots?

[JAB]

Which one do you prefer and why? Getting ready to buy some new pots and would like opinions!

 

[MIAutomatic]

I have used both and can’t say I noticed a difference in plant size or health. Both can grow huge plants and air prune the roots.

Air pots look cooler, are easier to clean, a bit more challenging to water since water loves to escape out the top holes when the topsoil dries out a bit, and they cost more.

Smart pots are easier to water, a lot cheaper, get dirty easily and are harder to clean. When they are wet they provide another place for gnats to hang out.

I prefer Rain Science bags to either of them. They are closer to the Air Pot in price but that’s their only drawback IMO. They are made of a very durable plastic mesh that is easy to clean, lets the pots breath and holds its shape really well. You can also get them with heavy duty grommets pre-installed to make training easy. It’s a good quality USA made product.

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[DCLXVI]

I'm currently running AirPots. Love em. But I also agree with @MIAutomatic - Those RainScience bags are great too.

I think the airpots are easier to move around and they have an indentation in the bottom so you don't have to set them on any sort of riser. The rain science bags will need to be elevated to allow airflow underneath.

I tried the smartpot/fabric pot once. Didn't like it as much as either the AP or RSbag.

The name brand AIrPots are pretty expensive. I've been using the knockoff version from HTG supply. The really cheap chinese ones off Amazon just crack and split. Don't waste your time with them. The "ultra oxy pot" from HTG is half the price of the AirPot named ones.

I run the "1 gallon" size as it is actually 1.5gal. the 3gallon size is quite large.

Shop Oxy Pots in ⋆ HTG Supply Online Store

www.htgsupply.com

 

[>Potato]

I'm currently running AirPots. Love em. But I also agree with @MIAutomatic - Those RainScience bags are great too.

I think the airpots are easier to move around and they have an indentation in the bottom so you don't have to set them on any sort of riser. The rain science bags will need to be elevated to allow airflow underneath.

I tried the smartpot/fabric pot once. Didn't like it as much as either the AP or RSbag.

The name brand AIrPots are pretty expensive. I've been using the knockoff version from HTG supply. The really cheap chinese ones off Amazon just crack and split. Don't waste your time with them. The "ultra oxy pot" from HTG is half the price of the AirPot named ones.

I run the "1 gallon" size as it is actually 1.5gal. the 3gallon size is quite large.

Shop Oxy Pots in ⋆ HTG Supply Online Store

www.htgsupply.com

I am in Europe so Airpots are pretty cheap since they are made here, about 12 bucks for 7 gallons (we have 25% tax) while the other option (RainScience bags) is imported and expensive. No matter the media they just seem the best option for me. Someone i know is a magician using them:

 

[Slater]

I've used both over the years, personally I think the fabric pots air prune far better than the air pots. The pic above shows just how much they still wrap there roots around the pot. You never see that with fabric pots.

Also I think is situational, If you plan to lift and move you pots about then air pots may be what you need.
If you plan to leave the plants stationary then I would recommend fabric pots.

Fabric pots are better for automation watering systems (drippers), those hole on the side of air pots can be pain on the ass if medium dry out to much, water just passes out of the top holes even if they are covered.

Air pots are easier to clean and you only buy once.
Funny thing is they are promoted by RH Chelsea Flower Show. Canna will make to that show one day.

Fabric pots are eco freindly and fully compostable. They do last I'm still using my 4 Yr old bags.
I Don't wash mine, pain in the ass. I let mine dry out then give a good brush with stiff brush. I am due some new ones.
Only con is they get softer over time, not a problem really just don't stand up straight when empty. Only a very small issue at transplant time but not a hassle.

Again personally I far prefer fabric pots over the air pots for performance and situation.

If I was still in a tent looking after 4 different autos and I had to move them about then I would be considering air pots.

If I could I would using Rain Science Bags but we can't get them in the UK. They are the far superior air pruning bags on the market.
Easy to clean and last a long time. Look in them, you may want them over the fabric pots.

 

[JAB]

Are the rain science bags sturdy? I have fabric now and i like them but the sides dont hold up well when trying to LST.

 

[JAB]

I've used both over the years, personally I think the fabric pots air prune far better than the air pots. The pic above shows just how much they still wrap there roots around the pot. You never see that with fabric pots.

Also I think is situational, If you plan to lift and move you pots about then air pots may be what you need.
If you plan to leave the plants stationary then I would recommend fabric pots.

Fabric pots are better for automation watering systems (drippers), those hole on the side of air pots can be pain on the ass if medium dry out to much, water just passes out of the top holes even if they are covered.

Air pots are easier to clean and you only buy once.
Funny thing is they are promoted by RH Chelsea Flower Show. Canna will make to that show one day.

Fabric pots are eco freindly and fully compostable. They do last I'm still using my 4 Yr old bags.
I Don't wash mine, pain in the ass. I let mine dry out then give a good brush with stiff brush. I am due some new ones.
Only con is they get softer over time, not a problem really just don't stand up straight when empty. Only a very small issue at transplant time but not a hassle.

Again personally I far prefer fabric pots over the air pots for performance and situation.

If I was still in a tent looking after 4 different autos and I had to move them about then I would be considering air pots.

If I could I would using Rain Science Bags but we can't get them in the UK. They are the far superior air pruning bags on the market.
Easy to clean and last a long time. Look in them, you may want them over the fabric pots.

I like my fabric pots just wish the rim was more sturdy and they would be perfect! Will be looking into the rain science pots for sure. Appreciate the help!

 

[Talonxracer]

The Rain Science bags are indeed far stiffer than the regular fabric grow bags.

 

[automan2]

Airpots. Water miners are not an issue with airpots if loaded correctly. Easy to handle and reuse.

 

[parsing_trees]

I've used both and prefer air pots, at least for the way I tend to grow. Air pots are easier to clean, the fabric pots got really grungy. The 1L air pots are my favorite for SOG grows (with coco), and they seem just about perfect for bottom-feeding. The little air gap underneath the base disc helps with drainage, then provides a shaded space for the roots to grow without competition from algae. 1L fabric pots would probably be prone to falling over, though the 2 & 3 gallon ones I used were fine. Fabric pots also need some kind of riser for drainage.