What is it?
Air is used to prune the roots of a plant within a container. The container must have holes to provide oxygen to the sides AND bottom in order to maximize this process
Air pruning is when the roots reach air. The air “burns” or stops the point or end of the root from growing. The root then sprouts and splits, creating two or more smaller new root shoots that have a greater ability to absorb water and nutrient uptake than one large single root. The roots spread out and optimize the planter area but with a series of smaller more vibrant and healthy branches of roots that increase yield and top growth output. Root balling, twisting, spiraling and strangling of roots is eliminated which allow the plant to stay in the planter for a longer period of time.
Air pruning pots run the gamut. If a plastic pot has a hole in the side wall it’s now considered an “air pruning” pot. A felt bag without any air holes at all is considered one as well, but allows a limited amount of air through the vertical wall nonwoven fabric
The more surface area available for air pruning, the healthier the overall plant will be. Typically, adding air pruning to the bottom of the bag by elevating it off the ground will add an extra 33% surface area that was previously unavailable.
No roots should be visible outside the container. If this is the case, increase the air flow around the plant base to reduce the humidity level in the environment.