Do you still have to use perlite in smart pots?

[K J]

I'm getting some smart pots and I'm growing in Ocean Forest. Google hasn't given me much information on the topic. I'm thinking that perlite isn't necessary because it'll dry out faster with the open sides, but then again if it doesn't drain well it could stay wet in the middle causing some issues. Any thoughts?

 

[missing link]

Mine has some perlite. I like the smartpots because their hard to overwater. Mine are in the 3rd week of flower and im giving them 1 gallon of water(5 gallon pots) every 2 days. They dry out quick. I went away for 3 days and when i came back one was looking droopy and almost dead. Pot was light as hell. Like i said they dry out quick.

 

[Nice Nuggs]

Mixed OF before at approx 20-25% of it being perlite... never used the smartpots. Seems too dense of soil for straight out the bag for my needs.

 

[K J]

Mine has some perlite. I like the smartpots because their hard to overwater. Mine are in the 3rd week of flower and im giving them 1 gallon of water(5 gallon pots) every 2 days. They dry out quick. I went away for 3 days and when i came back one was looking droopy and almost dead. Pot was light as hell. Like i said they dry out quick.

Should you still add a layer of perlite on the bottom do you think?

 

[rick19011]

I don't, plenty of oxygen gets to the medium with smart pots

 

[kinetic]

Should you still add a layer of perlite on the bottom do you think?

no, the smartpot type of containers don't need it. I do like your thinking though. I always add a layer on the bottom to my hardside containers. When it's time to transplant it keeps those bottom roots loose if I accidentally leave a plant in a container too long. I've been doing that since I was a kid with herbs and veggies.

 

[tomascat]

perlite or other soil loosening material is always good, the roots need to roam and meander freely with out hitting hard piece o shit clods. dont layer but mix it completly

 

[LocknessMD]

I'm on my first grow and using 3 gallon smart pots with coco fiber, course peat moss and perlite as the main ingredients. Everything is going great. I can't say if not using it would hurt, but so far using it hasn't done any harm at all. Don't worry either if the roots go outside of your smart pots, i was told that it's fine here.