Florafelt Pocket System Guide

This guide provides everything you need to know about the Florafelt Pocket Panel system—from its sustainable design and patented technology to installation, irrigation, and long-term maintenance.

1. System Overview & Technology

The Florafelt system is a patented vertical gardening solution designed to mimic natural cliffside growth. Unlike plastic planters that can cause root binding, our system uses breathable, synthetic micro-fibers.

  • Material: 100% recycled PET plastic water bottles (non-toxic, pH neutral, and indestructible).

  • The Pleated Design: Our patented pleated pockets direct moisture inward to the roots while keeping the front of the panel dry.

  • Root-Wrapped System: Plants are wrapped in felt "wraps" before being tucked into pockets.3 This allows roots to grow through the wrap and into the panel, creating a permanent living membrane.

  • Microbiology: The felt breathes, hosting healthy microbiology that balances the ecosystem, making it safe for organic gardening, including herbs and vegetables.

2. Planning & Design Considerations

Light Requirements

  • Indoor: Tropical plants need bright indirect light (min. 300 foot-candles). Use track lighting (LED, Halogen, or Metal Halide) if natural light is insufficient.

  • Outdoor: Full sun is ideal for herbs, succulents, and vegetables (up to 10,000 foot-candles). Ferns and mosses prefer shade.

Moisture & Safety

  • Weight: Unplanted panels weigh 1.5 lbs/sq. ft. When planted and wet, they weigh approximately 10 lbs/sq. ft. Ensure your wall structure can support this load.

  • Air Gap: Always provide an air gap between the panel and the wall (especially indoors) to prevent moisture transfer.

System Dimensions

Product Dimensions

  • F4 Panel412" W x 24" H

  • F12 Panel1232" W x 24" H

  • F24 Panel2432" W x 48" H

Note: Panels can be custom-trimmed with a utility knife and heavy-duty scissors.

3. Installation Methods

Option A: Hanging (DIY/Temporary)

Use the nylon mounting tabs at the corners to hang panels from hooks, nails, or deck screws. For large walls, space hooks in a grid (32" horizontal, 24" vertical) to allow panels to "shingle" (overlap), ensuring water flows correctly from top to bottom.

Option B: Permanent Mounting (Plywood & Stucco)

  1. Frame & Air Gap: Attach 2x4 horizontal supports (sleepers) to wall studs to create an air gap.

  2. Backing: Attach 1/2" plywood to the supports.

  3. Waterproofing: Staple EPDM Rubber Pond Liner over the plywood to protect the structure.

  4. Attach Panels: Use smooth-coated deck screws (Grip-Rite 8 x 1-5/8"). Do not use textured screws as they bind with the felt.

  5. The Shingle Technique: Pull the top flap of the lower panel outward and tuck the bottom of the panel above behind it. This directs water flow internally.

4. Irrigation & Feeding

Watering Basics

The system should be watered from the top row only. Water wicks downward through the felt micro-fibers to reach every plant.

  • Drip Irrigation (Drain-Away): Place two 1/2 GPH (gallons per hour) emitters per pocket in the top row.

  • Recirculating Systems: Use a tank and pump. Set a digital timer to run (typically 30 mins once daily for indoors; more frequent for outdoors).

  • Frequency: * Exterior Sun: Every 2 hours for 4 mins.

    • Interior Bright: Once daily for 4 mins.

Fertilizing

After 6 months, soil nutrients deplete.

  • Recommended: Organic-based water-soluble fertilizers (e.g., Maxsea 20-20-20).

  • Method: Add to the recirculating tank or use an inline injector for drip systems.

  • Caution: Avoid over-feeding; it creates excess sugars that attract pests.

5. Planting Guide: The "Root Wrap" Method

  1. Stretch Pockets: Use a tool handle to stretch pockets open to ~2.5 inches.

  2. Prepare Plant: Use 4-inch or 6-inch potted plants. Remove excess soil to create a flat "burrito" shape.

  3. Wrap: Fold the Florafelt Root Wrap around the soil/root ball and secure with a rubber band.

  4. Insert: Seat the wrapped plant firmly so it touches the bottom fold of the pocket. This is critical for water wicking.

6. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • Plant Care: Prune dead leaves and replace "problem" plants by simply pulling out the root wrap and inserting a new one.

  • Freezing Weather: In cold climates, use hardy perennials or conifers. The PET felt can withstand freezing, but most tropical plants cannot.

  • Pest Control: Use light fertilization to prevent sugar buildup. If birds or pets are a concern, mount the wall out of reach.

  • Winterizing: For seasonal displays, root-wrapped plants can be removed and stored, and the panels can be hosed off.