The Advantages Of Fabric Pots For Growing Cannabis

So, you’re planning to grow your own cannabis on your apartment balcony. You’ve got the seeds, the soil, and all the necessary tools you’ll need, except for one thing… the pots.

Upon getting to the store or searching online, you find out there are a few different choices available. You’re now scratching your head, trying to figure out which one would work best. Should you go with plastic or air pots? Perhaps clay pots are the best choice? What about fabric pots?

In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into fabric pots and how they benefit cannabis cultivation. In case you haven’t heard of them yet, we will enlighten you with all of the necessary information.

After reading this, you’ll have the knowledge to make a more informed decision about which type of pots are right for you. Here are the benefits of fabric pots!

Geotextile Fabric Pot

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Air Pruning

Fabric pots are a great choice for growing cannabis, or any plant of your preference. One of the main reasons: air pruning.

See, as the roots develop, they move towards the fabric pot’s walls in search of oxygen. A closed-off pot does not offer that luxury, and, as a result, roots end up getting bound together.

With fabric pots, air flows freely and naturally prunes the roots, preventing your precious plants from becoming root-bound, which can cause a whole host of issues. Fabric pots also allow for better expansion of the root system, which enables plants to grow vigorous and vibrant.

Drainage

Like human beings, plants need a steady, sufficient supply of water. Similarly, an excessive amount may lead to catastrophic outcomes.

The problem with closed-off pots is that they don’t always offer adequate drainage. This in itself can stunt plant growth, and it can lead to much more severe issues.

Guess what? You won’t have that issue with fabric pots. The nature of the material allows for efficient drainage every time. If you’re the type who tends to overwater, worry not. All that excess water will drain right through.

More Oxygen

Fifth-grade science tells us that plants thrive on carbon dioxide. What they failed to emphasise is that oxygen is equally important.

Yes, leaves produce oxygen when they go through photosynthesis. The soil, meanwhile, does not get that much exposure. Especially if you’re using a closed-off plastic or clay pot, all the oxygenation is limited to the surface.

But if you make the switch to fabric pots, that oxygen flows through, penetrating the entire root mass, resulting in a healthier, more robust plant.

Temperature

Maybe you grow your plants outdoors, or inside under HID lights. Either way, exposure to the sun or indoor lights can cause a build-up of heat. If you’re using a clay or plastic pot, that could spell trouble for you.

But with fabric pots, temperatures are regulated through the process of evaporative cooling. The root zone becomes a lot cooler because of the air that flows through the fabric. As a result, solar radiation absorption becomes much more limited. And, with the help of air pruning, plants have a much better root structure, which also benefits their growth in the long-run.

Remember this: A plant’s root system can start to shut down if exposed to temperatures above 28°C. Curb this problem with the help of fabric pots.

Flexibility

Whether you’re a novice plant parent or a veteran of many years, one challenge you’ll encounter is moving your pots around. Your standard pots just aren’t ergonomically designed to be carried from point A to point B. It’s a lot of work that may entail strained muscles over time.

Here’s another pro for fabric pots: Most products come with handles for better gripping, making it a lot easier to transport without compromising the roots. Some are even made with Velcro seams for that added layer of security.

If your pots are constantly on the move because of necessity, this is another good reason to make the switch to fabric pots.

Reusable

Just like the clothes that you wear, you can also rewash and reuse your fabric pots. The best part; you can do this for several years without worrying about compromising their quality.

The issue with clay and plastic pots is that they get brittle over a short period of recycling. Fabric pots, on the other hand, maintain that sturdy exterior even after several times washing, rinsing, and repeating.

So, what’s the best way to clean your fabric pots for reuse? Start if off with a round of vacuuming to take away all that extra dirt build-up. You can then follow that up with a healthy lathering of some oxidising detergent. With this method, you can freely reuse your pots without risking cross-contamination.

Durable

If you’re looking for a pot to house your plants in, you would rightly want one that is durable enough to get the job done. If you’re using them outdoors, they should be able to withstand the forces of nature, whether it’s the summer’s scorching heat or the autumn rain.

This is another advantage you get from fabric pots: Regardless of how the weather is outside, you won’t have to worry about your pots suddenly cracking. And, if you’re the clumsy type, dropping it won’t cause any damage.

Whether you reside in the tropics or the tundra, you can rest easy knowing that your fabric pots will remain in tip-top condition.

Ideal for Hydroponics

For those who don’t have the luxury of an outdoor space, hydroponic growing is your next best option. As for the pot of choice, going the fabric route is also your safest bet.

The porous fabric allows for nutrients to pass through much easier, and doesn’t require you to drill any holes. Overall, your indoor growing experience becomes much more streamlined with fewer problems to deal with.

If you’re in doubt about which pots to go with for your indoor grow, now you have an answer.

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

With an AB Mass Media and Communications degree, Miguel Ordoñez is a veteran writer of 13 years and counting and has been covering cannabis-related content since 2017. Continuous, meticulous research along with personal experience has helped him build a deep well of knowledge on the subject.

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