Hey team, because I can’t help it, I’m already considering what I can do better for my next grow (yes I know I’ve just started this one lol) and I’m wondering about the differences between growing in black plastic pots (I have 300mm pots ~ 15L) and those fabric ones I’m seeing recommended on several forums? What’s the benefits of them?
My circumstances:
Indoor 5’x5’ tent. Very hot and humid for most of the year (ie it isn’t even summer yet and we’ve already had a couple of 35C days) I have my tent under the house to try to keep it cool. Growing only “compact” Autos from ILGM. I own my own home and underneath is secure so I do have the option (at least until smell becomes a factor) to open the tent door and blow fresh air in to assist with cooling when the inside of the tent feels warmer then outside it.
And I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not but for my next grow, I’m considering going from the 4 pots I have to 9. That’ll still give each lady a 500mm2 area each and I plan to LST.
My concern with the fabric pots is drying out much faster with the local temps, and do the roots grow through the fabric and get exposed to air??
Any comments/thoughts much appreciated 
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I like them creates extremely dense root ball with out getting root bound, roots start to grow through fabric and they air prune pots do dry out a bit quicker and you have to water slower so that the water doesn’t just run off the pot
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Fabric pots make it harder to over water because they increase airflow to the root zone. That also means more oxygen to your roots for healthier growth. It can help keep your root zone colbert if you have temp problems too.
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Tough to overwater, air pruning, excellent drainage, allows oxygen to get to the roots, won’t get root bound.
Air pruning is one of the best functions of the cloth pots. With plastic pots the roots hit the edge and start circling the pot. This can lead to the root system choking itself. When they hit the edges of a cloth pot, they air prune (think of it like topping a plant where one top now becomes two). This allows the root system to essentially keep topping itself.
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Hey thanks everyone for your replies! So what I’m understanding is that the roots more or less bonsai themselves in the cloth pots and that’s better for the plants?
Is there any concern that they could dry out too quickly? So long as they get daily attention?
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If you give your plants mykos then definitely not half of mykos’ job Is to provide the plant moisture in a drought but that rarely happens with us babying our plants
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Ummm no I haven’t gotten as far as microbes in the potting mix but yeah I’m home all the time so they won’t get neglected lol.
So my question looks to be answered as to if I want them. Next question (because I’m so, so sick of buying stuff that turns out to be rubbish) is do these ones by Vivosun look OK?
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Yea thatll work I got these cause the only complaint reviews had were that they closer to 4.4 gallons which is actually closer to perfect for autos anyway
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I have vivosun, smart pots and some other ones that I can’t remember the brand. They all work the same. I do prefer the ones with sewn on handles as opposed to smart pot handles that are just cut out of the material.
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I’m in 5 gallon and requires watering every other day. If that’s too much watering for you, you can’t bump up to 7 gallon and it’ll require watering less often.
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Hey thanks @GreenSnek and @BobbyDigital
And no, every 2nd day is no hassles for me so I’ll look into grabbing some of those!
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Very good point @BobbyDigital I totally agree with you on the handles. I have both and I prefer the sewn handles much better.
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For an inside grow I prefer the five gallon fabric pots for Autos an 7 gallon for photos. Good luck
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The only downside to fabric pots is that they will increase your tent humidity. If you’re already at high humidity without them, then that’s something to consider.
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What do you guys think about radicle bags?
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Those look to be very nice. It might be a tiny bit more difficult to get the root ball out after harvest because you can’t just lay it its side and step on it.
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Hey thanks guys for your input!
Umm yes that is a very big consideration for me @Hellraiser! I live in a very hot and humid part of the world. As an example, today is going to hit 37C and its already 72% outside before 8am! We regularly get summer days over 40C 
Maybe I should just stick with the plastic pots after all then??? 
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Plastic pots can be reused over and over and over and over again. A one time investment.
Fabric pots, not so much. Harder to clean between uses, too many roots through the bottom and the pot becomes disposable after just one use. Even with careful cleaning I doubt you can get that many grows out of a single bag.
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I had not realised this! I guess I assumed that eventually I’d need to reinvest/replace but yeah not something I’d have to do every time! Thanks @CMichGrower for the heads up. I’m now leaning away from buying them. My God, the decisions are never ending lol
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I’m still on the original ones I bought over 2 years ago. They have about 8 grows in them and they still come out of the washer looking brand new. Smart pot was only good for about two or three grows and then it stretches.
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