Frequently Asked Questions
Water
How long do plants stay watered in an individual Octopot Grow System?
Both the six gallon and three gallon size Octopot Grow System will water a single plant for up to week. The length of time between watering can vary depending on the size and stage of the plant. For example, plants near harvest uptake more water than young plants. Environmental conditions also effect the moisture needs of a plant. Plants grown outdoors in hot climates will need more water than plants grown indoors in a controlled environment. To extend the time between watering use Octopot Auto Fill Systems.
How do Octopot Auto Fill Systems water plants?
Octopot Auto Fill Systems connect any number of Octopots to an external water reservoir or direct water source. Octopot's exclusive gravity fed auto fill system uses a control reservoir to manage water levels. Octopot Auto Fill Systems are reliable because they do not depend on power or pumps, and they use large 3/4 inch tubing that will not clog. Adding a fertilizer injector to the Octopot Auto Fill System makes nutrient management simple! Octopot Auto Fill Systems are configured to fit spaces of all sizes, from grow tents to commercial indoor cultivation facilities. Octopots are superior cannabis grow systems that outperform DWC Systems, Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems, Fabric Pots, and Rockwool Cubes.
How do Octopot Grow Systems prevent over and under watering?
Over watering and under watering are the top two reasons plants fail. Octopots are sub irrigation systems that water plants from the roots up. Octopots automatically provide plants with a balanced ratio of water, soil and oxygen so they can feed on demand. Plants self water so growers do not have to guess about individual plant needs. Plants feed on demand and never suffer from periods of drought or drowning so they can reach their growth potential. Even when using Octopot Grow Systems outdoors, plants are protected from being over watered during rainy weather by allowing extra water to escape the system maintaining the balanced ratio.
How do young plants get watered before their roots reach the Hydro Reservoir?
Watering and feeding plants directly inside Octopot’s Hydro Reservoir is the most productive way to grow plants in all stages of growth. A consistent supply of water and nutrients move upward from the Hydro Reservoir into the soil or growing media by Capillary Action keeping young plants well fed and hydrated. Do not water over the top of the plant after the initial planting even if the top layer seems dry. Seeds and clones follow the moisture gradient down to the Hydro Reservoir. Watering over the top after the initial planting is confusing to plants as they send roots in the direction of water down below.
Do Octopot Grow Systems require water chillers?
No, Octopot Grow Systems do not require water chillers. Octopot’s exclusive hybrid design allows a much wider range of temperatures and pH levels than traditional hydroponic systems. If water temperatures rise in Octopot's Hydro Reservoir, the hydroponic root system can draw extra support from the terrestrial root system to remain healthy, and vice versa. Both root zones in Octopot Grow Systems benefit from evaporative cooling. Octopot’s Hydro Reservoir offers a large surface area where water cools quickly. Octopot’s Grow Sleeve aerates the soil for efficient evaporative cooling.
Is water quality important when using Octopot Grow Systems?
As with any other garden, water used for growing plants in Octopot Grow Systems should be free of contaminants and excessive minerals. If you have questions about your water quality, have it tested. Install a water purification system, filtration system or reverse osmosis system if needed.
How can I control pH levels in Octopot Grow Systems
Water with a balanced pH is the goal for both soil and hydroponic growing because it affects the availability of nutrients to plant roots. Octopot Grow Systems allow a much wider range of temperatures and pH levels than traditional hydroponic systems. To check water pH, simply insert your pH meter into one of the holes provided in the Hydro Reservoir. Use pH up or pH down to adjust major differences. Octopot Grow Systems are hybrids so the pH ranges of hydroponic growing methods are typically more acidic than what is best for Octopot’s hybrid system. Nutrient levels should be less than levels normally used in standard hydroponic growing systems. A major cause of pH swings in an Octopot Grow System is the misuse of air stones. Running an air stone continuously in an Octopot Grow System disrupts oxygen levels causing pH swings. To prevent pH levels from fluctuating when using air stones set them on a timer with equal cycles on and off so the water in the Hydro Reservoir has the time to recover.
Can I water over the top of the soil or growing media in an Octopot Grow System?
No, watering over the top of the soil in an Octopot Grow System inhibits the development of the second hydroponic root system in the Hydro Reservoir. Plant roots grow in the direction of greater amounts of water. Octopots create a moisture gradient that plant roots sense as they follow it down into the Hydro Reservoir. Watering over the top of the soil signals plant roots to stay close to the top where they expect more water to be delivered regularly. Watering over the top may prevent roots from developing inside the Hydro Reservoir. Don't water over the top of the plant after the initial planting. See planting instructions
Can Octopot Grow System be used as a recirculating system?
No, don’t waste your time or money! The hybrid nature of the Octopot design requires no re-circulation like other hydroponic systems. The quality of crops grown in an Octopot Grow System compared to the Octopot Grow System used with additional re-circulation shows no benefit. Octopots are superior to recirculating systems, DWC hydroponics and Ebb and Flow growing systems because Octopots are easier to use, waste nothing, use less inputs and require no power to operate.
Oxygen
How do roots get oxygen without air stones in Octopot Grow Systems?
Fact: Oxygen is attracted to water and transfers at the surface area of water. Octopot Grow Systems are designed with a large surface area of water in the Hydro Reservoir. Dissolved oxygen (DO) present in the water of Octopot’s Hydro Reservoir reflects a balance between oxygen producing processes (e.g. photosynthesis) and oxygen consuming processes (e.g. aerobic respiration). Octopot Grow Systems create an oxygen rich environment where dissolved oxygen is added to and removed from the system by atmospheric exchange (aeration and degassing). Octopots do not require air stones and the use of air stones can displace DO causing pH swings. See System Requirements
Do I need to add air stones if I use heavy organic teas?
Using air stones in Octopot Grow Systems is not recommended unless you are using heavy organic teas. High concentrations of organic matter in water can demand added oxygen. Overuse of air stones in Octopots will cause disruption in oxygen levels and cause pH swings. If added oxygen is necessary to keep heavy organic nutrients efficiently mixed in the Octopot Hydro Reservoir simply add an air stone set on a timer for equal amounts of time on and off. Octopots are perfect for organic cannabis growing.
Why don’t plant roots drown in Octopot’s Hydro Reservoir?
There are two main reasons plant roots thrive in Octopot's Hydro Reservoir. First, Octopot's hybrid design facilitates plant physiology. Plant root architecture transforms to adapt to environmental stimuli. Plants have an intrinsic desire to reach water and make the morphological changes necessary for them to thrive in water. Second, the water in Octopot’s Hydro Reservoir is well oxygenated. Oxygen is attracted to water and the atmospheric exchange happens at the surface area of water. Octopots are designed with a large surface area of water for that atmospheric exchange.
How do Octopot Grow Systems prevent stagnant water?
Octopot Grow Systems are designed to supply oxygen to the hydroponic root zone which prevents stagnant water and anaerobic activity (anaerobic bacteria grows in places with no oxygen). Octopot Grow Systems create an oxygenated environment that promotes efficient aerobic respiration and evaporative cooling. Fact: Oxygen is attracted to water and the atmospheric exchange happens at the surface area of water. Octopots are designed with a large surface area of water for that atmospheric exchange. Using Octopots as directed will prevent stagnant water and root rot.
How do Octopot Grow Systems prevent root rot?
Root rot is caused when soil is over-saturated with water and roots are deprived of oxygen. Plants in Octopots are never over watered and the Grow Sleeve keeps the soil profile well aerated like a root pruning pot. The roots that develop inside Octopot's Hydro Reservoir experience a change in root architecture that prepares them for life in water. The water inside Octopot's Hydro Reservoir is oxygenated so plant roots thrive.
Growing Media
What kind of growing media should I use with Octopot Grow Systems?
Octopot Grow Systems require a high quality well-aerated growing media that promotes high air capacity. Sunshine® Mix #4 is a professional growing media that works well right out of the bag. The perfect blend of growing media for Octopot Grow Systems has 60/40 ratio, specifically 60% high quality soilless mix (peat moss, bark, etc) with 40% perlite. Perlite creates spaces between soil particles allowing air, water and nutrients to flow to plant roots. Perlite should be blended throughout the soil. Never layer perlite and soil or fill any part of the Grow Sleeve with perlite alone. Octopot Grow Systems may also be used with sustainable Coco coir blends such as Foxfarm Coco Loco. Peat moss and coco blends also work well, but Octopot recommends every blend include 40% perlite.
WARNING Do not use super Soils with Octopot Grow Systems. Super soils are generally too heavy and hold too much moisture limiting air exchange which damages roots. Nutrients in super soils tend to be used up too early and run out too soon in the growth cycle.
WARNING Do not use Hydroton, clay pebbles, or rockwool in Octopot Grow Systems.
WARNING Do not use super Soils with Octopot Grow Systems. Super soils are generally too heavy and hold too much moisture limiting air exchange which damages roots. Nutrients in super soils tend to be used up too early and run out too soon in the growth cycle.
WARNING Do not use Hydroton, clay pebbles, or rockwool in Octopot Grow Systems.
What is the best way to fill the Grow Sleeve?
Uniformly filling and packing the soil into the Octopot Grow Sleeve can be challenging. In general, make sure to moisten the soil or growing media before filling the Octopot Grow Sleeve. Set the Hydro Wick® inside the Grow Sleeve then firmly press the growing media into the Hydro Wick cup. Fill the rest of the Grow Sleeve by pulling it gently upwards while FIRMLY PACKING the soil or growing media. If growing media is not firmly packed, the Grow Sleeve will sag or slouch.
Alternative Method: Cut the bottom out of a standard five gallon bucket. Place the wider side of the bucket on the lid of the Hydro Reservoir. Set the Hydro Wick® inside the Grow Sleeve then place them together inside the bucket. The Hydro Wick® will line up and lock into the pins on the bottom of the Hydro Reservoir. The support of the surrounding bucket makes packing the growing media firmly easier. Simply remove the bucket by pulling it upward after filling the Grow Sleeve. Then adjust the Grow Sleeve as necessary for your plant.
Alternative Method: Cut the bottom out of a standard five gallon bucket. Place the wider side of the bucket on the lid of the Hydro Reservoir. Set the Hydro Wick® inside the Grow Sleeve then place them together inside the bucket. The Hydro Wick® will line up and lock into the pins on the bottom of the Hydro Reservoir. The support of the surrounding bucket makes packing the growing media firmly easier. Simply remove the bucket by pulling it upward after filling the Grow Sleeve. Then adjust the Grow Sleeve as necessary for your plant.
How many uses will I get from an Octopot Grow Sleeve?
Octopot Grow Sleeves are reusable. Simply hand wash and hang dry. Octopot customers report up to 10 uses per Grow Sleeve when growing indoors. Outdoor use is limited to 1 – 3 uses depending on the weather conditions.
Nutrients
How do I feed my plant in the Octopot Grow System?
1. Starting with a high quality growing media charged with fertilizer gives cuttings, seeds, and clones a great start in the Octopot Grow System. If no fertilizer is present in your growing media, simply add a small amount to the soil at time of planting.
2. After planting, simply add water soluble nutrients and fertilizers (conventional or organic) to the water in the Hydro Reservoir. Feeding roots directly inside the Hydro Reservoir is the most productive way to grow with Octopot Grow Systems.
3. Octopot Grow Systems are closed systems that waste nothing from washout, therefore require less fertilizer. You may be able to reduce fertilizer amounts by 50% of manufacturers’ recommendations. Octopot Grow Systems are hybrids so the pH ranges of hydroponic growing methods are typically more acidic than what is best for Octopot’s hybrid system. Nutrient levels should be less than levels normally used in standard hydroponic growing systems. To avoid root burn from over application test nutrient levels with a meter, a general range is 600-800 ppm.
2. After planting, simply add water soluble nutrients and fertilizers (conventional or organic) to the water in the Hydro Reservoir. Feeding roots directly inside the Hydro Reservoir is the most productive way to grow with Octopot Grow Systems.
3. Octopot Grow Systems are closed systems that waste nothing from washout, therefore require less fertilizer. You may be able to reduce fertilizer amounts by 50% of manufacturers’ recommendations. Octopot Grow Systems are hybrids so the pH ranges of hydroponic growing methods are typically more acidic than what is best for Octopot’s hybrid system. Nutrient levels should be less than levels normally used in standard hydroponic growing systems. To avoid root burn from over application test nutrient levels with a meter, a general range is 600-800 ppm.
Do Octopots support microbial life for traditional organic growing?
Yes, Octopots hybrid design is great for growing cannabis organically. Simply add organic fertilizers or amendments to the soil in Octopot’s Grow Sleeve at the time of planting. Fast-releasing nutrients may require re-applications. High concentrations of organic matter in water can demand added oxygen. If added oxygen is necessary to keep heavy organic nutrients efficiently mixed in the Octopot Hydro Reservoir simply add an air stone set on a timer for equal amounts of time on and off. Caution: Over use of air stones in an Octopot Grow System can cause pH swings.
Do Octopots need to be flushed or drained during the growing cycle?
No, Octopot Grow Systems do not require flushing or draining during the growing cycle. The Hybrid nature of the Octopot Grow System prevents fertilizer and nutrient build up in the Hydro Reservoir. Octopots work with a wider range of pH levels and nutrient levels than most hydroponic systems. Plants grown in Octopots utilize the optimum levels of fertilizer and nutrients so they can grow to their greatest potential. Unused nutrients remain available to plants for luxury consumption. Luxury consumption occurs when nutrient levels are above optimum and plants take up more of a nutrient than needed for functioning and production. If you want to flush a plant, simply stop adding nutrients to the Hydro Reservoir and just add clean water. See System Requirements
What if I add too much fertilizer to an Octopot Grow System?
The toxicity level is the nutrient level at which there is so much of a nutrient that it can harm the plant. Misapplication of fertilizers and nutrients can cause toxicity or root burn. To treat conditions of over fertilization simply empty the Hydro Reservoir, remove any dead roots and flush the soil with fresh water before refilling it. Roots inside Octopot’s Grow Sleeve remain alive for days even if the hydroponic root zone suffers or dies inside the Hydro Reservoir. Depending on the size and stage of the plant, new hydroponic roots can develop inside the Hydro Reservoir.
How do I change the nutrients in the Octopot Auto Fill System?
There are two simple ways to change out fertilizers and nutrients when using the Octopot Auto Fill System.
1) Shut off the flow to the control reservoir from the main water reservoir and let the water levels inside the individual Octopot Grow Systems be consumed by the plants and then change to the new solution.
2) Use the drain valve on the main line that comes with Octopot Auto Fill Systems to drain the entire system.
1) Shut off the flow to the control reservoir from the main water reservoir and let the water levels inside the individual Octopot Grow Systems be consumed by the plants and then change to the new solution.
2) Use the drain valve on the main line that comes with Octopot Auto Fill Systems to drain the entire system.
What if I want to flush or drain my Hydro Reservoir between nutrient changes?
To flush a plant during the growing season, simply stop adding fertilizer/nutrients to the Hydro Reservoir and add fresh water.
Can Octopot Grow Systems be used for Aquaponic growing?
Yes, Octopot’s Hybrid design is great for Aquaponics. Using Octopots for Aquaponics is similar to the way the Octopot Auto Fill System works except that aquaponics is a circulatory system. Simply connect any number of Octopot Hydro Reservoirs to the plumbing between the outflow of the water filters and the fish tank.