Indoor plant grow bags: how does Bagoplant work and which plants are suitable for it?
Most problems with watering houseplants do not stem from a lack of water, but rather from excess moisture remaining around the roots for too long.
This is where fabric grow bags can make a real difference. Unlike a traditional rigid pot, the fabric allows air to circulate around the roots and excess water to drain away. The Bagoplant system takes this a step further by combining the fabric bag with LECA balls and a bamboo saucer to allow for bottom watering.
At Cactus en Ligne, we're proud to be an authorized Bagoplant reseller in Canada. But this product isn't suitable for all plants. Here's how it works, how to use it, and most importantly, which plants actually benefit from it.
Why do roots need air?
Roots need water, but also oxygen. When the soil remains constantly waterlogged, the air available around the roots decreases. This environment can promote root problems.
A traditional pot usually has a few drainage holes at the bottom. When you water, excess water drains away, but moisture can still remain concentrated in the substrate.
A fabric grow bag works differently. Water can escape from the sides and air can reach the roots through the fabric.
The Bagoplant adds to this a bottom watering system which allows the substrate to remain slightly moist without having to constantly water from above.
What is a grow bag?
A grow bag is a flexible container made of breathable fabric rather than rigid plastic.
This difference has an interesting effect on the roots. When a root reaches the bag wall and comes into contact with the air, its outward growth is naturally slowed. This phenomenon, called air pruning, promotes the development of a denser root system rather than roots that continue to grow around the wall.
In a rigid pot, the roots can eventually form a compact, circular mass, especially when the plant becomes too large for its container.
The fabric therefore allows for the creation of a more aerated root environment while limiting this phenomenon.
Bagoplant: a grow bag designed for the home
Grow bags are not new. They have long been used in horticulture, but their appearance made them primarily suitable for greenhouses, vegetable gardens, and production environments.
This is precisely what the founder of Bagoplant wanted to change.
The story of Bagoplant
Bagoplant was founded in 2020. Its founder, Gibran, was looking for a container for a monstera he had just acquired. The plant was being grown in a grow bag, and he quickly realized the advantages of this type of container.
The problem lay elsewhere: the available grow bags were practical, but not very suitable for a living room.
Rather than choosing between functionality and aesthetics, he decided to create a grow bag that he would actually want to leave in his home.
This idea gave birth to Bagoplant: taking the horticultural advantages of the grow bag and adapting them for houseplants.
The kit now includes three elements: a fabric bag, a bamboo saucer, and LECA balls. It is designed in Canada and available in two colors, heather gray and terracotta, as well as in 4.5" and 6" sizes.
How does the Bagoplant system work?
It works with the combination of its three components.
1. The fabric bag
The breathable fabric allows air to circulate around the substrate and excess water to drain away from the sides.
This is not a guarantee against root rot. Improper watering can still cause problems. However, the fabric eliminates some factors that contribute to moisture buildup and poor aeration around the roots.
2. The LECA balls
LECA means Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate.
The LECA balls are placed in the saucer under the bag. They absorb some of the water and gradually make it available to the substrate.
This allows the saucer to be used as a small water reservoir and enables watering from below.
3. The bamboo saucer
The saucer collects the water that drains from the bag and contains the LECA balls.
The result is a system that combines drainage, air circulation, and water supply through capillary action.
How do I water a Bagoplant?
Watering from the bottom is the primary method.
Pour water into the saucer to saturate the LECA balls. These will then retain and gradually release moisture into the bag.
Watering from the top is also useful. Bagoplant recommends using it occasionally, about once every three waterings. The water then passes through the substrate before draining through the fabric and returning to the clay pebbles.
But above all, forget about a fixed watering schedule. Your plant will give you better clues.
It's time to water when:
- The LECA balls are dry;
- the bag feels much lighter;
- the substrate feels loose when you gently squeeze the bag.
Any one of these signs may be enough.
The amount of LECA balls used in the saucer also influences the watering frequency. A smaller amount generally means more frequent watering, while a larger amount allows for less frequent refilling.
What are the advantages of a grow bag for houseplants?
The Bagoplant offers a unique way to manage water and roots.
- Improved aeration: The fabric allows air to reach the substrate and roots from the sides.
- Side drainage: Excess water doesn't remain concentrated at the bottom of the container.
- Bottom watering: The LECA beads allow the plant to gradually absorb available moisture.
- Air pruning: Contact with air limits root growth around the sides.
- Convenient size: The bag is lightweight, reusable, and foldable when empty.
This doesn't mean that a Bagoplant makes watering impossible to miss. A plant can still receive too much water. The container is simply designed to make moisture management easier and better suited to certain plants.
What plants should I put in a grow bag?
This is probably the most important question before buying a Bagoplant.
Grow bags are particularly suitable for plants that like good aeration at the roots while also appreciating relatively constant humidity.
At Cactus en Ligne, we particularly recommend Bagoplant for tropical plants and hoyas.
Monsteras, philodendrons, and many other tropical plants are good candidates. Hoyas are also particularly interesting, as they appreciate well-draining soil and regular watering without becoming waterlogged.
Cacti and succulents are a different story.
These plants generally prefer to dry out completely between waterings. A system that maintains a moisture reserve in LECA balls is therefore not the best choice for them.
If your collection consists mainly of cacti and succulents, a traditional pot with excellent drainage is generally more appropriate.
How to install a Bagoplant?
The installation is very similar to a traditional repotting.
- Add a layer of potting mix to the bottom of the bag.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant.
- Place the plant in the center of the bag.
- Add the remaining potting mix around the root ball, leaving some space at the top.
- Distribute the LECA balls in the saucer.
- Place the bag on the saucer.
- Place your plant in a location that meets its light requirements.
The choice of substrate remains important. Bagoplant specifically recommends a mixture of potting soil and perlite for houseplants.
The container does not change your plant's fundamental needs: a hoya, a monstera, and a cactus do not have the same water or substrate requirements.
How do I clean a grow bag?
Watering from the bottom generally keeps the bag clean. However, if you regularly water from the top, mineral deposits or traces of soil may appear on the fabric.
This is not a problem for the plant, but you can easily clean the bag if needed.
Empty it, rinse it with hot water, then use a little dish soap on the outside. Rinse thoroughly and let it drain upside down.
The fabric is designed to be reused, so there is no need to replace the bag with each repotting.
You already have the plant. Why not also give it a suitable root environment?
[Discover Bagoplant on Cactus en Ligne]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Bagoplant outdoors?
Yes. The system can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, outdoors, sun and wind can accelerate evaporation. Therefore, you will need to monitor the moisture level and refill the saucer more regularly.
How long does a Bagoplant grow bag last?
There is no set lifespan. The fabric is designed to be durable and reusable. Simply replace the bag when it shows significant signs of wear, such as fraying or holes.
What are LECA balls and are they essential?
In the Bagoplant system, the clay balls act as a moisture reservoir, allowing for bottom watering. They are therefore an integral part of the kit's operation.
Can I transfer a plant I already have at home?
Yes. Repotting in a Bagoplant is essentially the same as traditional repotting. Gently loosen the root ball, place the plant in the center of the bag, and add a substrate suited to its needs.
Should I only water from the bottom?
No. Watering from the bottom is the primary method, but watering from the top is recommended occasionally. This helps to rinse the substrate and refresh the water circulating within it.
Is the Bagoplant suitable for cacti and succulents?
It's generally not the best choice. Cacti and succulents usually prefer to dry out completely between waterings, while the Bagoplant system is designed to maintain more consistent moisture. For these plants, we recommend a well-draining pot and a suitable potting mix.