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First published 7th April 2025

Air-Pot containers are the original and the best air-pruning containers around, and here you’ll learn how to get the most out of them, visually!

Everything below is also on The Air-Pot System: Diagrams and Videos information page.

Air-Pot® containers are the original and the best air-pruning containers around, and have been made in Scotland, UK from recycled plastic since 1997. They are UV-stabilised and last many years in our harsh Australian climate — I can attest to that!

The Air-Pot system is highly-regarded by gardeners and horticultural experts worldwide for the superior and dense root systems they develop — see how they work via the diagrams and videos below.

Our complete Air-Pot® range is here.

The Air-Pot System in Diagrams

All text and images are copyright © The Caledonian Tree Co. Ltd

When the tap root reaches the base, increased air in the growing medium dehydrates the tip, pruning it and stimulating lateral root branching.


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Each of the lateral roots is then steered by the shape of the wall towards an air hole, where it is also air-pruned, causing yet more branching.


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The process is continually repeated until the plant has developed a dense mass of fibrous roots. This amazing root structure leads to increased take up of nutrients and water, faster growth, and healthier trees.


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The Air-Pot System in Videos

Getting seeds off to a great start:


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A demonstration of air-pruning in action:


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How to assemble and fill an Air-Pot container:


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More on assembling and filling an Air-Pot container:


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How to assemble and fill an Air-Pot wall:

Please note the use of pallets or solid concrete acting as a base/barrier to prevent roots going through into the ground. Plastic pallets and weed mat can also be used — though please note that the roots of some species will punch right through weed mat given time.


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Potting up a chilli plant:


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