The Net Pot #

The Net Pot lid should be used when growing from seeds, they provide a stable attachment for the bamboo plant support stakes and prevent algae from growing on the grow pod.

Use the included opening tool or a flat head screw driver to release the net pot lid. 

1️⃣ Insert the flat side into the slot.

2️⃣ Gently pull down to pry off the lid.

The Net Pot Dome #

Designed for dry climates, the net pot dome creates a high humidity (greenhouse-like) environment for seeds. This can improve germination rates.

However, they are not recommended for normal or high humidity climates and can lead to mould growth.

The Grow Pod #

Designed specifically for totam, these grow pods are able to grow from seed, propagate cuttings and replant mature plants. They have geometry that allows for optimal oxygen transfer to roots, and water run off.

Other grow mediums can also be used, see sections below on grow medium selection.

Bamboo Plant Stakes #

Use the provided bamboo stakes to support plants as they grow.

1️⃣ Push the bamboo stake into the hole in the front of the net pot lid.

2️⃣ You may wish to use plant ties to loosely keep the stem alongside the bamboo stake, making sure you leave space for the stem to expand as the plant grows.

Net Pot Blanks #

When not using a net pot or module, you can use the 4 included net pot ‘blanks’ (no hole) to fully close the net pots. These prevent algae and bugs from entering the system if they are not occupied with plants.

Grow your Way #

Grow from seed, propagate from cuttings or replant.

1️⃣ Soak the grow pods in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Squeeze the pods to remove excess water and debris.

2️⃣ Place the soaked pod in an empty net pot.

3️⃣ Drop several seeds in the seed hole.

4️⃣ Put the net pot lid on by clicking it into place.

5️⃣ Put the net pot into a vertical or horizontal module.

6️⃣ Optional: In dry environments place the net pot dome on top of the net pot. Remove it after the plant seedling touches the net pot dome. 

7️⃣ Refer to seed packet instructions to determine germination period; some seeds germinate in days and other seeds may take weeks.

8️⃣ Multiple seeds are likely to germinate; it is strongly advised to only let one plant grow in each pod. Carefully remove or cut the stems of the weaker looking plants.

Propagate Cuttings #

1️⃣ Cut a slit into a soaked grow pod.

2️⃣ Cut a stem from the parent plant, just below a node, remove leaves or shoots from at least one node.

3️⃣ Place the stem into the soaked grow pod, so at least one node is buried within the pod. This is where roots are likely to form.

4️⃣ Place the grow pod into the net pot.

5️⃣ Carefully put the net pot lid on.

6️⃣ Put the net pot into a vertical or horizontal module.

Replant #

1️⃣ Cut a slit into a soaked grow pod.

2️⃣ Carefully cut the four tabs to open the base of the net pot.

3️⃣ Place the stem into the soaked grow pod, so that the roots stick out of the base of the pod and the plant out of the top.

4️⃣ Place the grow pod into the net pot, carefully letting the roots go through the bottom of the net pot.

5️⃣ Optional: Carefully put the net pot lid on.

6️⃣ Put the net pot into a vertical or horizontal module.

Using other grow media #

Totam supports the use of other grow media, there are plenty of different types that can be used and are suitable for different types of grows.

Loose-type (e.g. perlite, clay) #

Totam’s net pots have small holes which will not allow through the vast majority of loose based grow media.

This type of grow media is best suited for propagating. It is not suitable for growing from seed unless using in combination with other grow media.

1️⃣ Pass the cutting through the centre of the net pot. 

2️⃣ Pour the grow media around the cutting, trapping the cutting in the centre.

3️⃣ Attach the Net Pot Lid 

Wet-type (e.g. peet plugs, coconut coir, jiffy plugs) #

It is strongly suggested that your only use inert grow media that do not contain nutrients. Nutrients should always be added separately, as the concentration can be controlled.

Grow media that leeches into water can stain totam, so should be avoided or washed thoroughly after expanding.

There are many different types, most of them expand in water. 

1️⃣ Insert the unexpanded grow media into the net pot.

2️⃣ Attach the Net Pot Lid

3️⃣ Soak the entire net pot in water until the grow media expands

Rockwool #

A category of its own, rockwool is neither loose nor absorbs moisture. It instead traps water.

Totam will fit rock wool cubes of 30x30x30mm, though slightly larger cubes can be used as they compress easily.

Rock wool is suitable for seeds, propagating and replanting, please follow the instructions for totam grow pods.

The main drawback to rockwool is that it cannot be composted and some growers prefer to use only organic materials for growing edible plants.