Fyba Plantainers

Material

Fyba Plantainers are made from a strong, organic material made from wood pulp, recycled paper, peat and textile fibres, saturated with pure bitumen.

Characteristics

• Strong and semi-rigid.  Even when wet they do not tear when handled.
• Lightweight, clean and sterile
• Biodegradable.  The pot stays on the plant when transplanting, so avoiding root damage and any check to growth.  Roots grow through the sides and base, avoiding the problem of root circling.
• Good water retention.  The pot will absorb a little water but there is no evaporation through the sides.  Potting soil does not dry out quickly and is easily re-wetted if this does occur.  Drainage is through slits round the outer edge of the base and a central drainage hole.  Waterlogging will not occur as can happen with plastic bags.  The base is designed for efficient capillary watering.

Shape

The depth of Plantainers is usually less than the diameter and the bases are very wide to ensure stability. 

Rosetainers are deeper compared to their top diameter to accomodate the deep roots of roses.

Both are delivered nested.

Pot Life

The pots will last for about two seasons in the nursery, dependant on growing conditions.  In dry conditions on hard standing with air circulating round the pots they will last longer.  If they are partly buried in wet peat there will be strong root penetration of the lower pot wall and base.  In warm, damp confditions with the pots close together a white mould may occur on the sideof the pot indicating that the pot is beginning to rot.  This mould is harmless and will disappear as the air termperature rises, watering is reduced or the pots spaced out.

Decomposition

The pots decompose due to the action of bacteria in the soil breaking down the organic material of the pot.  When planted in damp soil conditions decomposition begins immediately and more roots pass through the pot to establish the plant very quickly.  The soil condition and moisture level determine the speed of rotting.  When planting in dry soil remove the base of the pot.  Plantainers should be thoroughly watered before planting.

Advantages

Plantainers help to create very strong root systems and encourage fast growth by keeping roosts moist and warmer than other types of pot.  They protect roots from sun, scorch and frost.  Plantainers are biodegradable.  The pot is planted with the plant and so avoids root disturbance.  Root ringing does not occur in trees grown in Plantainers.  The roots grow naturally and pass through the pot side.  In solid containers the roots reach the side and begin to circle.  The roots will still be circling years after the tree is planted causing poor growth and instability as the tree grows tall.  The flexible Plantainers allow plants to be packed tightly in boxes or on a pallet, using less space than rigid pots.

Uses

Plantainers are used for all types of nursery stock and trees which are to be grown above the ground for retail sale in garden centres or for landscape work where top quality plants with good root systems are required.

The 250mm Plantainer is designed for Standards and fruit trees.

The 360mm Plantainer has a volum of 32 litres and will take very large plants at a low cost.

Plantainers up to 76mm diameter can be made to special order for very big trees.  These are useful for trees which are lifted in autumn or spring and must be held until a site is ready during the summer.  The root ball can be kept damp more easily than rootballs wrapped in hessian.  Landscape contractors can use unskilled labour for planting trees and shrubs grown in Plantainers as there will be no root damage which can happen when pots must be removed.

Rosetainers have a specially stonrg base to allow for the frequent handling which occurs in garden centres while the customer compares one rose to another.  The 230mm depth allow plenty of root room, avoiding the need for harsh pruning. 

Mini Rosetainers have a square base and are proportionately smaller.  They are used for small rose and many other plants.

Rosetainers are also available in Fyba Longlife Pot material if a shorter pot life is required.  This is particularly useful for plants sold before a root ball is formed, where soil would be lost if the plants must be removed form the pot or bag before planting.

Pots Sizes and Volumes

Information Sheet Download