Confused about which growing system to use between the octopot and the autopot? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered.
You could be looking for a better alternative for your hemp farm. Or you could be an amateur who’s looking to get into the hemp farming business.
No matter who you are, we’re here to quench your thirst for knowledge.
So, which is better: octopot vs autopot?
Between the octopot and autopot, the octopot has a greater value for money as it’s cheaper. Octopots can be used for large-scale production, unlike autopot. However, the octopot system requires watering the plants at least once every week. Whereas, in the autopot system the plants can be watered after multiple weeks.
We’ve elaborated on these factors in detail throughout this article. Do stick with us till the end to find what you’re looking for.
Let’s dive in.
Octopot vs Autopot Quick Comparison
Octopot is a hybrid plant-growing system that is a soil and hydroponic hybrid. The Octopot system works by combining soil and hydroponic growing systems together.
Autopot is a plant growing system where water is supplied to the plants automatically. With the help of gravity.
Let’s have a glance at the factors that differentiate the 2 systems.
| Factors | Octopot | Autopot |
| Frequency of Watering | Once a Week | Once After Multiple Weeks |
| Production Scale | Small and Large Scale | Small Scale |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
This will give you a good idea about the difference between these two systems. But again, these are just a brief summary. We have elaborated on these factors as much as possible.
Before moving on to the next segment check out this graph for a comprehensive view.
Now, let’s move on to the details!
Octopot vs Autopot: In-Depth Analysis
Now that you have an idea about the overall differences we can dive a little deeper. Now we’ll give an in-depth analysis of the difference between the 2 systems.
Here it goes.
Watering Frequency:
Water is required to be applied by both systems. It’s because of two reasons. Firstly because the plant will die. And secondly, the water helps to accelerate the growth of the roots.
Besides water, you could also try using the Rapid Start or The Great White to make the roots stronger.
Now let’s have a look at the watering frequencies.
For watering Octopots size does matter quite a bit. The 6-gallon plant pots can store up to 6- gallons of water in their reservoir.
This 6-gallon water in the reservoir can last up to 7 days. After that, you need to refill the reservoir.
For the 3-gallon plant pots, the reservoir needs to be refilled a bit sooner. Because it has the capability to hold 3 gallons of water. You need to refill these reservoirs after every 3-4 days.
Automatic watering is the biggest strength of autopot. You just add refills to the reservoir and forget about it. The plants will keep getting water for a few weeks at a stretch.
A standard autopot system comes with a 12.4-gallon reservoir. Or a 13-gallon FlexiTank or 25-gallon FlexiTank. You just need to refill these water tanks and forget about it for weeks.
When it comes to the watering frequency the autopot edges ahead.
But do check the reservoir regularly. You only need to refill the reservoir when the water level drops low.
Winner: Autopot wins this round as you don’t have to frequently water your buds while using it.
Production Scale:
When it comes to producing hemp at a large-scale the Octopot edges ahead.
Well, both the systems are good for small-scale productions. But autopots have a few drawbacks regarding a large-scale production unit.
Now, why is Octopot suitable for both large-scale and small-scale production?
Octopots are suitable for both large-scale and small-scale production because you can track the amount of octopot yield in this system. For large-scale productions, it is very important to know exactly how much hemp is being produced. This is possible only in octopot.
You can estimate how much nutrients you are providing to each plant.
How?
You can add nutrients to each pot separately. This allows you to make an estimation of the yield.
On a side note, you could use Canna Boost to speed up your plant’s metabolism. Or you could use the alternatives of Canna Boost in a pinch.
If you want to stay on the organic route, then try using compost for better yields.
When my buds need an extra boost of trace minerals I always add organic composts. With all the available compost on the market, it’s easy to get confused. Here are some of my go-to compost for buds:
- Charlie’s Compost – Provides the exact nutrients needed for a plant to grow faster and give better yields.
- Michigan Peat 5240 Garden Magic Compost and Manure – Has an odour-free blend of natural organic reed sedge peat and composted animal manure. Moreover, it provides a natural nutrient content.
By using these composts the number of trace minerals in your plants will rise.
On the other hand, it is a little difficult to estimate the yield in the autopot system.
Because in this system the nutrients are applied as a whole to all of the plants. Each plant takes a certain amount of nutrients. This makes the nutrient consumption of each plant different.
This in return makes the yield unpredictable.
When the operations occur on a large scale it is necessary to track every detail. Unpredictability is a risk nobody wants to take on the larger stage.
Other than that, do remember that feeding nutrients to your plants are vital. To get the maximum yield you need to use some specific pk boosters. Here are some pk boosters that I frequently use on my buds:
- FoxFarm FX14103 Beastie Bloomz – Maximizes the plant’s production in every stage of the growing cycle. This also doesn’t leave any residue behind.
- Bud Explosion PK Bloom Booster Soil and Hydroponics – Maximizes flowering sites and nodes for the initial weeks of flowering. More flower sites mean bigger harvest and improved overall yields.
These are the best ones available in the market. These should yield some good results.
Winner: As you can get a better yield from the Octopot system, it is the winner here.
Cost of Each System:
When it’s about the cost to buy the entire setup, the Octopot setup is cheaper. There are different types of setup available for both systems. Each setup has its own price tag.
When you look at the price you’ll see octopot isn’t much cheap either. Buying and setting up an octopot does take a significant amount of money.
However, it’s cheaper than the autopot and definitely worth the price.
Now, you may wonder what does the octopot hybrid grow system consist of?
The Octopot hybrid grow system comes in mainly 2 sizes of pots. The 3-gallon pot and the 6-gallon pot. Depending on the number of pots the price of the entire system varies.
A single 3-gallon pot will cost you around $39.99 to $45.99. An Octopot 2 pot system costs around $74.99-to-$86.99. In the same way, Octopot 4 pot system costs around $149.98-$173.98. And an Octopot 6-pot system costs around $199.99 – $235.99.
The price range of the 6-gallon pots is identical to the 3-gallon price range. It’s the number of pots you take that affects the price.
However, Buying an autopot system will make you empty a big chunk from your wallet. Because the autopot system costs a lot higher.
A standard autopot plant pot comes in 2 sizes. One is 2.2 gallons and the other is 3.9 gallons.
A single pot system will cost you around $87.94 – $92.55. While a 2-pot system will cost you around $148.12 – $152.12.
Furthermore, an autopot 4 pot system cost is around a whopping $256.31 – $345.66. And when it is a 6-pot system it costs around $320.95 – $444.97.
You can clearly see the price difference between the 2 pots.
Winner: As Octopots are cheaper, it provides the best value for their money.
Final Verdict: Which Watering System Should You Invest on?
Well, the final choice is yours. Both the systems have their pros and cons.
When it comes to frequency of watering, the autopot edges ahead
But for industrial hemp production the octopot is the better alternative. Besides, the most important factor is the cost. Where the octopot edges ahead.
So consider all of these factors before investing in one! That’d be all on this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does temperature affect the octopot growing system?
No, the temperature doesn’t affect the octopot growing system. The octopot system is tested successfully with temperatures up to 100°F. The hydroponic root system can get additional help from the terrestrial root system to stay healthy. In case the water temperature in the hydro reservoir rises.
Is clay pebbles or rock wool a good growing medium for octopot?
No, clay pebbles or rock wool isn’t a good growing medium for octopot. Octopot Grow Systems must have a high-quality, well-aerated growth medium. And it should support a high air capacity. 60:40 mix of soilless mix and perlite is a good medium. Which is a 60% soilless mix with 40% perlite.
For how long does the plant need to be hand-fed in the autopot system?
The plants need to be hand-fed for the first 10 to 14 days. That is until their roots have been established. If the plant is growing in soil, it should be fed water. And if the plant is growing in coco or Rockwool it should be fed nutrients. But make sure that the nutrients are weak.
Endnote
By now you should be clear about octopot vs autopot.
A bonus tip for you is to check to keep the PH level in the water optimal. This will make the plants yield better.
That’ll be all from us. Thank you for sticking with us till the end.
