DE3510513A1 - Plant pot for miniature plants - Google Patents

Abstract

A plant pot (2) for cultivating plants with permanent dwarf growth has a receiving vessel (4) as well as a planting vessel (6) which can be inserted into it. The planting vessel (6) is made from a flexibly deformable material, for example from soft foam or rubber, and has a planting hole (18) for receiving a plant (16). To supply the plant (16) with water, a porous component (36) is arranged on a bottom surface (38) of the receiving vessel (4), which passes through the planting vessel (6) in the region of a passage opening (42). Water from an intermediate space (12, 12') between the receiving vessel (4) and the planting vessel (6) penetrates into the porous component (36) and is delivered by the latter to the substrate in the planting hole (18) in a continuous and metered manner. <IMAGE>

Description

Plant pot for miniature plants

The invention relates to a plant pot for growing plants with dwarf growth, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a plant pot is for example from DE-AS 26 02 107 known. According to the disclosure there, a funnel-shaped, for example Containers made of stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant material are provided, which has a multitude of extremely fine openings in its peripheral wall. the The plant to be cultivated is placed in this container, which has a volume which is too small for the plant to grow fully.

Then this container is placed in a normal plant pot, which is filled with substrate, for example earth. Achieve as it grows the roots the wall of the container and stop their growth here. It also occurs does not have the well-known effect of root circles, as the fine hair root through the small holes nutrients from the substrate outside the container soak up. The diameter of the holes themselves is so chosen that nutrients are indeed can penetrate into the container, but the roots cannot escape from the container the surrounding substrate can grow in.

However, this known container has the disadvantage that its condition must be checked at regular intervals, as there is a risk that, for example by limescale deposits from the irrigation water or by other impurities small holes are plugged so that the roots in the container either dry out or rot in the formation of waterlogging, or the root circles set in. If the inspection reveals that the container has become impermeable, the plant must be removed to clean the container, many of the delicate ones Hair roots are torn off or damaged, which over time is harmful to health is detrimental to the plant.

The solution to this problem is done by teaching the not prepublished DE-OS 34 25 919, which is part of the state of the art in accordance with Section 3 (2) PatG (1981). In DE-OS 34 25 919 a plant pot is disclosed, which is particularly characterized is characterized by the fact that the inner contour of the planter has a special shape with permanent dwarf growth, e.g. so-called bonsai trees, can be cultivated. the The plant takes root in a suitable substrate, which is filled with water and nutrients is to be supplied. For this purpose, the planter, which is made of a porous material, for example, baked clay, in the outer receptacle of the plant pot are used in such a way that between the outer peripheral wall of the planter and the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle a certain amount Space remains. In this space can according to the teaching of DE-OS 34 25 919 water or, if necessary, nutrient solution can also be poured into the porous material of the planter penetrates and on its inside the supply of the substrate causes. The space between the outer peripheral wall of the planter and the inner peripheral wall of the outer receptacle thus serves as a moisture and possibly also nutrient stores and donors.

However, it has been found that nutritional intake of outside through the wall of the planter is not free of problems. So sets a nutrient supply through the wall of the planter through a very open-pored one Consistency of the material there, leading to limitations in usability of the materials to be used and leads to disruptions such as clogging of the pores Can give occasion. Furthermore, a preferred nutrient intake can be the reason for the there Slits occur that have a particularly small wall thickness towards the gap, so that there is an overfertilization and possibly even a burning of the fine ones Hair roots can be made. Extensive practical tests have shown that that it can be advantageous, the space between the planter and receptacle only to be used to provide water, while the nutrients are roughly in Form of nutrient solution can be introduced into the planting hole from above. then exist in terms of the properties of the material of the plant pot as long as this has a certain porosity, no more significant restrictions, because only a soaking with the water in the gap is ensured has to be, and no more nutrients have to be transported through the wall.

Furthermore, it has been recognized that especially in cases in which Plants that require relatively little liquid are grown, such as cacti, or in which there is no risk of the moisture evaporating undesirably quickly, the water content of a nutrient solution fed into the planting hole from above is complete sufficient to without additional water addition and without water storage in the space to supply the necessary moisture. Then the effort for an additional receptacle can be completely omitted.

These findings are the subject of the also not previously published DE-OS 35 00 518, which is state of the art in accordance with Section 3 (2) PatG (1981). According to the teaching there, the planter is used without a receptacle, wherein its peripheral wall and preferably also its base with a liquid and preferably also a vapor diffusion-proof cover layer is provided which is free of air gaps is applied. This covering layer, for example in the form of a glaze, makes it possible Plants with low moisture requirements, for example cacti or the like, easy to cultivate, qa the moisture in the form of nutrient solution directly from is introduced into the substrate at the top.

When cultivating plants with a higher fluid requirement However, the problem arises that laypeople in particular by the regular and Correctly dosed addition of water can be overwhelmed, so that the plant is damaged could take. All of the plant pots discussed above do not require one very insignificant manufacturing effort. This is with the container according to DE-AS 26 02 107 by far the largest, as the fine openings are made in steel foil or the like is naturally difficult to control technologically.

But also the use of slotted clay pots or the like the teaching of DE-OSes 34 25 919 and 35 00 518 requires certain manufacturing technology Effort if the wall thickness should also be kept low in the slot area. The simplest way is to make slots in the material correspondingly thicker Walls that do not follow the slot contour, however, this sets considerable wall thicknesses and thus - in addition to high weight - high material consumption.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a plant pot to create the genre outlined in the preamble of claim 1, in a Mass production can be produced cheaply and its weight is favorable can be restricted.

This task is solved by the characteristic features of claim 1.

According to claim 1, the planter is at least on its the substrate facing side made of a soft elastic deformable material. Expansive Investigations have shown that such a soft elastic material on the Root spreading of the plant to be cultivated has the same effect as that Catching slots according to DE-OSes 34 25 919 and 35 00 518, i.e. a circular growth the roots are completely tied off, so that when the to be cultivated Plant develops a permanent dwarfism. The planter can be completely turned off consist of the soft elastic material and extremely inexpensive as a mass product be produced in the usual foaming forms. The weight can be extreme if necessary can be kept low, but can also be set a little higher if there is one Contribute to the stability of the planter.

The use of an elastic material for a planter, for example in the form of an open-cell flexible foam is known from DE-OS 24 34 538.

In this known plant pot, however, the use of a soft foam, with which the inner wall of a plant pot is lined, as quickly as possible and enable vigorous growth of a plant to be cultivated. It saves the open-cell flexible foam from above into the substrate added water and oxygen from the environment, so that the open-cell soft foam acts as a moisture and oxygen donor works.

this should lead to the teaching of DE-OS 24 34 538 that the Root ends when reaching the open-cell soft foam for water and oxygen absorption stop and do not circle. According to the invention, however, can without restrictions waterproof material can also be used for the planter.

The subclaims have advantageous developments of the invention Go to content.

According to claim 2, the soft elastic deformable material is water absorption and dispensable. This is due to a certain storage effect of the material the water supply of the plant more evenly, as shown in DE-OS 24 34 538 is known per se.

According to claim 3, the flexible, deformable material is at least almost impermeable to water, so that special measures to avoid water leakage can be omitted.

According to claim 4, the soft elastic deformable material is in a preferably water-impermeable receptacle provided so that a stable Outer shell for the plant pot.

This remains between the planter and the receptacle according to Claim 5 a space that can serve as a liquid reservoir so that the Time periods between water additions can be extended.

According to claim 6 a device is provided with which a continuous and metered addition of water from the space into the planter takes place, so that the addition of water can be adjusted according to the respective conditions.

According to claim 7 there is the device for introducing the water into the planting hole made of a porous body that penetrates the wall of the planter and is in contact with it in a sealing manner. Water from the space between the Receiving vessel and the planter enters the porous body, travels through the porous material and is attached to the substrate in the planting hole slowly and continuously submitted. The flow rate of water through the porous one is determined here Body according to the absorption capacity of the substrate for water; This means that a higher release of moisture from the porous body occurs when the substrate, in which the plant is rooted, is relatively dry and vice versa. Through the sealing The planter is prevented from resting on the porous body in the passage area, that water from the gap penetrates directly into the substrate and the plant is overwatered.

According to claim 8, the porous body jumps from an inner wall of the Receiving vessel, preferably from its bottom surface, before, wherein according to claim 9 the porous body is formed in one piece on the receiving vessel.

The one-piece molding of the porous body on the Receiving vessel is advantageous for manufacturing reasons, whereas the training of the porous body as a projection an enlargement of the water-releasing surface he brings. the arrangement on the bottom surface of the receptacle is advantageous, because the water level in the gap creates a liquid pressure on the porous body exercises, which supports the penetration of water into the substrate.

The frustoconical configuration of the porous body according to claim 10 is also for manufacturing reasons, especially in the molding in a mass production, advantageous. In addition, this allows frustoconical circular Training an easy insertion of the planter into the receptacle, as well a reliable seal between the wall of the planter and the wall it passes through porous body.

According to claim 11 are between the bottom surface of the receiving vessel and a standing surface of the planter spacers are arranged. Thus remains between these two surfaces there is a space which is also filled with water is so that a part of the peripheral surface of the porous body is always surrounded by water is what makes an increased introduction of water into the substrate possible. This is particularly advantageous when cultivating plants with a relatively high Moisture requirement.

According to claim 12, the receptacle made of a porous material, especially made of baked clay. This is particularly advantageous if the spacers according to claim 11 are dispensed with, since then the water transport from the space to the porous body solely through the porous material of the Receiving vessel can be done.

It is also conceivable for the receptacle according to claim 13 to be made of plastic to manufacture, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing costs and weight is.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention emerge from the following description of an embodiment based on FIG Drawing.

It shows: FIG. 1 a sectional illustration of a side view of an inventive device Plant pot; FIG. 2 shows, in an enlarged illustration, a detail from FIG. 1; FIG. and 3 is a top plan view of a plant pot according to the present invention.

According to Fig. 1, there is an inventive plant pot 2 essentially from a receptacle 4 and a planter 6. The planter 6 is in the Receiving vessel 4 can be used in such a way that between an outer peripheral wall 8 of the Planter 6, and an inner peripheral wall 10 of the receptacle 4, a space 12 remains. This space 12 is used to accommodate water, which over a device 14, as will be explained in detail later, one to be cultivated Plant 16 is fed.

The plant 16 is rooted in a plant 18 which is in the selected Form of representation is formed centrally in the planter 6. The planting hole 18 is with a suitable substrate, for example clay granules, lava ash, sand or the like filled, in which the plant 16 forms a root network 20.

The volume of the planting hole 18 depends on the final one Size which the plant 16 should reach 3 and is normally a few cm In Fig. 1, two embodiments of the planter 6 are shown by way of example. In the left half of Fig. 1, a side wall 22 of the planter 6 is with shown essentially constant cross-section. In the right half of the picture Fig. 1 forms the side wall close to its upper end area a step-shaped Paragraph 24, this paragraph 24 also with the substrate from the planting hole 18 can be covered, so that only a relatively narrow area 26 of the side wall 22 is visible. This embodiment of the planter 6 offers a visual appearance more appealing impression, especially if the wall thickness of the side wall 22 is relatively high.

The material from which the receptacle 4 is made is as a rule Fired clay, the receptacle 4 on its outer surfaces with a liquid-tight Coating, for example a glaze 28 is provided.

Besides fired clay, 4 are also used to make the receptacle other porous building materials are conceivable, such as pumice stone, tuff or the like.

It is also conceivable that the receptacle 4 made of plastic or a other non-porous material to be produced here are, however, with regard to the Arrangement of the planter 6 in the receptacle 4 to observe certain guidelines, as will be described later. If desired or necessary, can be at a booth 30 of the receiving vessel, legs 32 and 34 may be formed.

To ensure that the plant 16 that is rooted in the planting hole 18, remains healthy despite the small volume of the planting hole 18, it is necessary to influence the expansion of the root network 20 so that no circling Growth of the roots along the peripheral wall of the planting hole 18 occurs when the individual roots of the root network 20 this circumferential wall in the course of its expansion achieved.

For this purpose it is provided that the material 1 from which the planter 6 is manufactured, is flexible and deformable. In the course of extensive research It has been found that in particular polyurethane foams and rubber compounds are suitable as a material for the planter 6. In the course of these investigations has also been shown that the roots of the root plexus 20 in the course of their radial growth movement stop growth as soon as the root tips die Wall of the planting hole 18, i.e. there is no circular growth of the roots. Rather, the root network 20 forms on the peripheral wall of the planting hole 18 a multitude of fine hair roots which are in close contact with the material of the Planter 6 are. This unbroken growth of the root plexus 20 a permanent dwarfism occurs in plant 16.

The reason or reasons for the roots to stall as soon as these come into contact with the material of the planter 6 is not yet complete clarified. However, studies give evidence that the soft elastic Deformable material of the planter 6 "irritates" the roots as soon as they open hit this material because, on the one hand, there is no unyielding resistance that would divert root growth in a different direction, on the other hand the material of the planter 6 cannot be penetrated by the root network 20 can. The roots meet in the course of their naturally aspired radial Spread rather, on all sides on the rubber or soft elastic resistance and set that Growth a.

Preferably, the material of the planter 6 is water absorption and dispensable but not permeable to water to prevent the plant from leaking is overwatered.

According to FIG. 2, a component 36 is made of porous material, for example also baked clay, arranged on a bottom surface 38 of the receptacle 4. The arrangement of the component 36 on the bottom surface 38 can be such that the Component 36 is formed in one piece on the bottom surface 38 or the receiving vessel 4 is. As an alternative to this and indicated in FIG. 2 by the dashed line, can the component 36 can be designed as a separate component, which is connected to the bottom surface 38 of the receptacle 4 is only in plant.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the component 36 penetrates the Planter 6 in such a way that an upper end region 40 of component 36 enters the planting hole 18 protrudes. The component 36 preferably has a truncated circular contour, on the other hand a passage opening 42 in the planter 6 has a cylindrical contour, so that when the planter 6 is inserted into the receptacle 4, the component 36 the planter 6 passes through the opening 42, a deformation of the Passage opening 42 and thus a liquid-tight system of the planter 6 takes place in the area of the passage opening 42 on the component 36.

In the following, with further reference to the drawing, the mode of operation of the component 36 in connection with the planter 6 is explained in more detail will: First, the planter 6 is in this way in the porous receptacle 4 inserted that the component 36, the planter 6 at its passage opening 42 penetrates. Then the plant 16 is used and the plant 18 with it filled with a suitable substrate. The space 12 between the outer peripheral wall 8 of the planter 6 and the inner peripheral wall 10 of the receptacle 4 is filled with water. The space 12 thus serves as a moisture reservoir, which can easily be monitored visually and is only refilled at longer intervals must become. For easier monitoring of the water level in the space 12 and for easier refilling of water, the planter 6 is on one edge provided with a recess so that, as can be seen from Fig. 3, a filling opening 44 forms, in which, for example, a water level indicator can be inserted, or through which the refilling of water into the space 12 takes place.

In the selected form of representation according to FIGS. 1 and are on the Bottom surface 38 of the receiving vessel 4 spacers formed, which in Fig. 1 with 46 are designated. These spacers also result below the planter 6 an intermediate space 12 ', which is also filled with water.

The material of the planter 6 is either complete or at most water permeable to an extremely small percentage to prevent the Plant hole 18 when the water level is too high in the space 12 by penetration overwatered by water from the space 12 through the material of the planter 6 will. The supply of liquid from the space 12 or 12 'into the planting hole 18 takes place through the component 36 in such a way that the water from the space 12 'penetrates into the porous material of the component 36, by capillary action or the like in the component 36 rises and then from the end area 40 of the component 36 to the substrate in the planting hole 18, or to the root network 20 is released, as indicated schematically in FIG. 2 by the flow arrows. It is particularly advantageous that the water supply is through the component 36 into the planting hole 18 according to the moisture content of the substrate in the planting hole 18 directs, i.e. the drier the substrate in the planting hole, the higher is the water supply through the component 36 due to a certain suction effect of the Substrates and vice versa.

Drying out or overwatering the plant 16 is thus practical excluded, since the plant has its own water requirements fetches from the space 12.

The plant 16 is supplied with nutrients directly from above, i.e. by introducing nutrients into the planting hole 18 Long-term fertilizer with ion exchange function, in which the appropriate nutrients be released from the root secretion of the plant and then absorbed.

A plurality of modifications are within the scope of the present invention and modifications are conceivable, which will be briefly addressed here below: If a plant is to be cultivated that only needs a low level of moisture has, the spacers 46 can be dispensed with, so that the planter 6 rests directly on the bottom surface 38 of the receptacle 4. The supply of moisture from the intermediate space 12 into the component 36 then takes place through the porous material of the receptacle 4 in the area between its bottom surface 38 and the standing surface 30th

It is also conceivable, for example, with larger plants or for plants with high moisture requirements, two or more components 36 to use, which enforce the planter 6.

It is also conceivable for the component 36 not to be in one piece on the bottom surface 38 of the receptacle 4 to form, so that there is the possibility of a plurality of components 36 to be provided which have mutually different degrees of porosity, thus the release of water from the space 12 or 12 'into the planting hole 18 to adapt to the respective requirements.

As already mentioned, the receiving vessel 4 can also not consist of one porous material, such as plastic, are made. Here, however, is note that in each case the spacers 46 are provided to the To enable water from the intermediate space 12, via the intermediate space 12 ', the component 36 and from there to reach the planting hole 18.

Of course, the shape of the receptacle 4 or the Planter 6 is not limited to the rectangular form of representation selected in FIG. 3. The receptacle 4 can also be circular, oval or some other optically pleasing one Have shape.

It is also conceivable in a correspondingly large receptacle 4 or a correspondingly large planter 6 has a plurality of planting holes 18 train to build plant arrangements.

In summary, it can be said that with the plant pot described the cultivation of plants with permanent dwarf growth is extremely problem-free, since only a monitoring of the water level in the space 12 is necessary, or the long-term fertilizer in the planting hole 18 is renewed at longer time intervals must become. The supply of the plant with the moisture it needs activity in the form of water from the space 12 takes place continuously and in a metered manner the component 36, with the current release of water into the substrate or to the root network 20 of the plant 16 is optimally adapted to the respective requirements of the plant is.

There is no need to fear drying out or rot due to waterlogging.

By using a soft, elastic, deformable material for the planter 6 is the circular growth of the roots with a minimum of effort prevented, so that the plant kept healthy despite the permanent dwarf growth can be.

Claims (13)

Claims 1. Plant pot for growing plants with dwarf growth, with a planter in which a planting hole for the full growth of the plant is formed into small volume, characterized by that the planter (6) at least on its side facing the substrate from a Resiliently deformable material such as soft foam, rubber or the like. Is. 2. Plant pot according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible deformable material is capable of absorbing and releasing water. 3. Plant pot according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible deformable material is at least approximately impermeable to water. 4. Plant pot according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized marked, that the planter (6) in a preferably water-impermeable receptacle (4) is arranged. 5. Plant pot according to claim 4, characterized in that between the outer peripheral wall (8) of the planter (6) and the inner peripheral wall (10) of the receiving vessel (4) an intermediate space (12, 12 ') which can be filled with water is provided is. 6. Plant pot according to claim 5, characterized in that at least a device (36) for the continuous and metered introduction of water the space (12, 12 ') is provided in the planting hole (18). 7. Plant pot according to claim 6, characterized in that the device for introducing water is a porous component (36), which is the wall of the planter (6) penetrates and is sealingly in contact with this. 8. Plant pot according to claim 7, characterized in that the porous Component (36) from an inner wall of the receiving vessel (4), preferably from its Floor surface (38) protrudes. 9. Plant pot according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the porous component (36) is formed in one piece on the receiving vessel (4). lO. Plant pot according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that that the porous component (36) is frustoconical. 11. Plant pot according to claim 4, characterized that Spacer (46) between the bottom surface (38 receptacle (4) and one Standing surface of the planter (6) are arranged. 12. Plant pot according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving vessel (4) is made of a porous material, in particular of baked clay. 13. Plant pot according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving vessel (4) is made of plastic.