Florafelt Recirc System Guide

The Florafelt Recirc System is a self-contained, luxury living wall solution. Made from high-quality aluminum, these units include their own water tank, pump, irrigation tubing, and timer. Whether you are installing the Recirc-24 wall-mounted unit or the Recirc-33 free-standing model, this guide will help you set up and maintain a thriving vertical garden.

1. Getting Started: Environment & Safety

Before installation, consider the following factors to ensure your plants thrive:

  • Lighting: * Indoor: Use High-Power LED Full Spectrum Grow Bulbs for low-light tropicals.

    • Natural: Bright indirect light is best; avoid prolonged direct sun indoors to prevent leaf burn.

    • Outdoor: Sunny decks are perfect for herbs and succulents; shady spots work well for ferns.

  • Power: Requires a 110V grounded 3-prong outlet. A Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) plug is recommended for safety.

  • Moisture: While water usually stays within the unit, occasional drips can occur. Use caution over wood floors or carpets.

  • Winter: These units are not frost-rated. Empty and move them indoors during freezing temperatures to prevent tank damage.

2. Installation Instructions

Unpacking

Carefully remove the unit and its contents: Digital timer, Root Wrappers, Pump (pre-connected), and mounting hardware.

Setup by Model

Recirc-24

  • Method: Wall Mount Cleat

  • Hang using the provided cleat and use rubber feet to space it from the wall.

Recirc-33

  • Method: Tipping Support Brackets

  • Must rest on a solid surface (floor). Attach the top to the wall using provided brackets to prevent tipping.

Filling and Testing

  1. Fill the Tank: Fill until the water level is 2 inches below the top. Use filtered or carbon-filtered water if possible to avoid mineral buildup.

  2. Test the Pump: Switch the timer to manual. You should hear a hum, and within 10 minutes, the back of the felt pockets should feel moist.

  3. Warning: Never run the pump dry, and do not overfill while the pump is running (wait 1 hour after a cycle to add water).

3. Planting Your Living Wall

  • Root Wraps: Always use the included felt Root Wraps. They keep the system tidy and allow you to easily rearrange plants.

  • Plant Selection: Use 6-inch potted plants (flatten the root ball) or multiple 4-inch plants.

  • Arrangement: Place moisture-loving plants at the bottom and taller plants at the top.

  • Timer Settings: Start by setting the timer to run for 30 minutes once a day. Adjust based on your home's humidity; some plants may prefer watering only 3 days per week.

4. Ongoing Maintenance

Weekly Tasks

  • Top off Water: Check levels weekly. Only add water when the unit has stopped dripping (1 hour after a cycle) to avoid overflow.

  • Fertilize: Add 1 teaspoon of organic-based fertilizer (like Maxsea 16:16:16) or organic plant spikes to the tank monthly.

Seasonal & Yearly Care

  • Water Change (Every 6 Months): Siphon out old water and refill to prevent salt and mineral buildup.

  • Pump Cleaning (Yearly): 1. Unplug and remove the pump from the tank.
    2. Remove the front cover and pull out the magnetic rotor.
    3. Clean all parts and the tubing end with a brush, then reassemble.

5. Water Quality & pH Balance

Plants absorb nutrients best when the water is balanced at a pH of 7.

  • Testing: Use an electronic pH testing pen for accuracy.

  • Adjusting: If the pH is low (acidic), add small amounts of pH Up (which contains beneficial phosphorus).

  • Hard Water: If you have high lime/hard water, use an inline filter to prevent mineral deposits on the felt and extreme pH spikes.

Pro Tip: Go slowly with pH adjustments. Add a tiny amount, wait 2 days, and test again. Consistency is more important than immediate perfection.