Drip Irrigation

Whether you are seasoned in the method or looking to try your hand at drip irrigation, Floraflex are sure to have the tools to get the job done in a clean and efficient way.

Born in California, Floraflex have taken the whole US grow scene by storm with their innovative range of drip irrigation products.  It’s long been known that drip irrigation – providing plants with regular and easy access to nutrients and oxygen is a reliable way to maximise crop yield and quality.

Drip irrigation has up until now been traditionally done by pushing nutrient solution through pipe work via a pump into the growing medium via a stake or spike – Floraflex have taken this further with a clever range of products that allow the user more control of the dispersion of nutrient, both in speed and also the spread of the solution through the growing media. In a lot of cases, drip systems will have a one or more spike inserted into the growing medium delivering the solution, while this works perfectly well, It doesn’t always deliver an even spread throughout the root system.  This is where the Flora Cap and Round Matrix come in.

System 1 Example

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Floraflex is easy to put into use in many ways, this is an example of how.

Image 1 shows our complete setup which includes both the cap and the matrix system. We have one multiflow bubbler delivering solution to 8 plants. We have used 4 x 6”flora caps with clips on cultilene blocks and 4 x Matrix systems on Air-Pots. It’s very simple to set up. The Multiflow Bubbler head (image 2) is being fed nutrient solution from the pump which is then evenly distributed via the 8 outlets to each pot. In image 3 you can see the caps in use atop the cubes. In this case a 6mm tee piece has been used on the end of the supply tube from the bubbler. This allows us to utilise the flora clips to attach 2 x drip lines to ensure an even flow of solution to the caps. Similarly in image 4 we have used tees again in order to feed the matrix circulators 2 inlets. Once this is all set up, you can connect your pump to a timer and your automatic irrigation system is complete.

System 2 Example

 

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In the images above we demonstrate an alternative use for the floraflex bubbler creating an automated feed system for a nursery/propagation environment. Four lines have been split to each feed four plants using 6mm tee pieces and floraclips that are clipped directly onto the small pots.  We have also installed 6mm inline taps close to the bubbler head to give even more control of water flow – A truly versatile system with infinite applications.

Flora Cap

The Floracap is designed to sit directly on top a rockwool/cultilene block (available in 4” and 6”). It has 26 louvres cut into the base which creates an even flow of solution over the entire cube.  The user can either fill the caps by hand and allow the solution to drain into the cube or deliver it via a pump by using the Floraclips to hold the 6mm drip line firmly on the cap.  Another great feature of the cap is, it prevents light from entering the growing media and causing problems such as algae.  The caps can also be used on top of smaller pots containing soil or coco if you are not a fan of rockwool.  Fitting the cap is easy, you simply bend the cap so the groove on one edge opens and slide over the stem on your plant – Hence the name – Floraflex

  • Compatible with all 6” rockwool cubes; also used with smartpots and fabric pots.
  • 26 flower-designed louvers.
  • Use (2) FloraClips and Tubing (1/4” OD) to automate your feed.
  • Stakes on the bottom add extra stability.
  • Holes in all four corners allow for leftover water drainage.
  • Made from BPA and lead-free plastic.
  • Dishwasher safe, stackable and reusable.

Round Matrix

The Round Matrix system is designed for larger pots containing Coco or Soil.  It’s what’s known as a top wicking system – It’s made up of three parts, the Matrix, the wicking pad and the circulator.  First on to the surface of the growing medium is the wicking pad, the matrix then sits directly on top with the circulator clipping in place on top.  The circulator is connected to the drip line which in turn pushes solution onto the surface of the matrix. The matrix has 8 sections of maze like grooves and holes that ensure even distribution over the wicking pad below. The solution will now been evenly absorbed by the medium below.  It’s important to choose the correct size matrix system to ensure contact with the surface of the growing medium to ensure efficient wicking.

Fitting the matrix is done with the same principal as the cap, you simply bend the matrix so the groove in the middle opens and slide over the stem on your plant

The Matrix system is available in the following sizes

  • 5”-9”
  • 9”-10.5”
  • 5”-12”
  • 5”-14.5”
  • 5”-18”

Delivering the Nutrient solution – The Quick disconnect pipe system with multi flow bubbler

One of the great advantages of drip irrigation is being able to feed multiple plants the same amount of solution at the same time.  To achieve this you need a distribution manifold to divide one flow from the pump to multiple pots.  This is where the fantastic Quick disconnect system with multiflow bubbler comes in to its own. The bubbler head has 8 x 6mm outlets which distribute your nutrients evenly to your plants.  Each head comes fitted with a quick disconnect collar and a flow adjustment/shut off lever.  The quick disconnect collar can be a godsend when cleaning or maintenance is required – simply close the valve using the lever and pop the head off, you can now clean/maintain your bubbler head without shutting down the rest of your system.  The valve also allows you to restrict the flow to each bubbler individually allowing for more precise flow rates.

  • Flora Pipe Fitting 3/4” or 1” Elbow
  • Flora Valve
  • Quick Disconnect
  • Open Flow Bubbler
  • 20-60 psi

Floraflex System

SAVE WATER, TIME & MONEY
FloraFlexers conserve up to 60% of water, nutrients, and time by incorporating the best and most efficient ways to deliver water and nutrients to their plants.

ELIMINATE ALGAE
Eliminate algae by either blocking light to the top of the media, or keeping the top of the media dry using sub-surface drippers.

IMPROVISATION & CONTROL
Take the guesswork out of feeding and take control of your setup with our innovative and user friendly product line. Become a better grower by finding what works best for you and your plants.

FloraFlex Irrigation Fittings
FloraFlex offers innovative alternatives that can be instantly incorporated into the largest of pre-existing greenhouse farms or gardens of other varieties. Save up to 60% of water, nutrients, and time. Grow highly demanded organic crops by eliminating algae, stopping powdery mildew, and doing away with pesticides. Effortlessly improve your current systems or methods with the best and most efficient ways to deliver water and nutrients to your plants.
• Great for top feeding dripper systems
• Even distribution of water and nutrients
• Allows the root zone to dry at a more consistent rate
• Block light to eliminate algae

More information on the rest of the floraflex products

FloraFlex 4″ & 6″ Hard Plastic Flora Caps
The FloraFlex FloraCap is a patent pending revolutionary tool for top feeding that also helps eliminate algae. The FloraCap 2.0 was redesigned to give you a more consistent flow rate, even distribution, a slightly increased air flow, and improved stabilization.

FloraFlex 6″ Single Use Flora Cap
The FloraFlex FloraCap is a revolutionary tool for top feeding that also helps eliminate algae. If cared for properly you can get multiple uses out of this tool.

FloraFlex Flora Clip
The FloraFlex FloraClip 2.0 easily transforms your FloraCap from a top-feeding unit into an automated top-feeding system. Now simply clasp the FloraClip over your 1/4″ OD tubing (instead of threading it through the opening) and clip it to your preferred location on the FloraCap. Then sit back and let your FloraCap do the rest!

FloraFlex Drip Line
The FloraFlex Tubing is a flexible premium vinyl, food grade hose. At 1/4” OD, our Tubing fits perfectly with ALL FloraFlex tools, as well as most other standard dripper fittings.

FloraFlex Round Flood & Drip Shield
The FloraFlex Round Flood and Drip Shield + Quicker Dripper instantly gives you control over your feeding plan and was designed for those who want a faster feed than the Gravity Drippers..

FloraFlex Universal Round Flora Cap
The FloraFlex Universal Round FloraCap is a patent pending revolutionary tool for top feeding that also helps eliminate algae. The FloraCap is designed to give you a more consistent flow rate, even distribution, increased air flow, and stabilization. Fill the cap with water and nutrients by hand or automate with FloraClips.

FloraFlex Long Plunge Dripper
FloraFlex Long Plunge Drippers are used with the Drip Shield. FloraFlex drippers are all strategically designed to be a Subsurface Drip System with water and nutrients delivered straight to the root zone of your plants.

FloraFlex 2.25″ & 3″ Matrix Circulator
The FloraFlex Matrix Circulator is part of the Matrix System, a patent pending first of its kind Top Feeding Wicking System that provides the most even way to deliver water and nutrients to your plants.

FloraFlex 9″ & 10.5″ Matrix
The FloraFlex Matrix System is a patent pending first of its kind Top Feeding Wicking System that provides the most even way to deliver water and nutrients to your potted plants.

FloraFlex 9″ & 10.5″ Matrix Pad
The FloraFlex Matrix Pad is part of the Matrix System, a patent pending first of its kind Top Feeding Wicking System that provides the most even way to deliver water and nutrients to your plants.

 

For further advice on floraflex, contact us through the comment box, email us at info@progrow.co.uk, call us on 01392276998 or visiting one of our local stores.

www.progrow.co.uk