Air Pots - Do they work?

[AndyC]

I've never seen an air pot in the flesh but I'm intrigued by the concept and online videos of their use and construction.
Have any of you used them?, do they work and are they good value for money?

[charlie]

I have never used them, like you I have read about them and wondered, it looks like everyone is waiting for someone else to try them first!!

[Jonboy]

I've been using them for the last 18 months on my Alocasias, but not really for their root air pruning abilities, I find they help the soil dry out out quicker which helps me over winter the Alocasias without suffering root rot in a cool greenhouse or utility room.

Jon

[AndyC]

I hadn't thought about using them for that purpose Jon, good thinking.
Growing tender palms in pots long term has always given me problems with the roots coming out of the bottom holes if I'm not vigilant. The roots then get damaged or broken off when re-potting. If the natural air pruning works then this problem should be avoided as they are constructed allowing air movement around the base as well as the sides. It also might mean that they need potting up less often.

[Chrisg]

Was it helen on the old site who used to use them (has anyone heard anything from her recently?)

[Mark]

When I worked at LPs they had many plants growing in these and when I first saw them I thought they wont last...the frost will be able to get to the roots far too easy and end up killing the plant...but I was wrong and the plants wetre just as healthy as potted ones.
As for H she doesn't do plants as much now due to losing lots a few years back during one of the colder winters :( shame really I liked her.

[Jungle Jas]

Air pots are Ideal for the purpose they were intended, which was to stop plants getting pot bound so quickly thereby saving nurseries time and money by having to to pot on less. It also gives a more fibrous root structure for a quicker reestablishment when planted out. normally used with a drip feed watering. ;)