Modular Plant Growing Unit
(250 mm diameter Γ 500 mm deep)
The MaterialCycle Grow Tube is a durable, fully reusable plant-growing module designed for growers who value efficiency, longevity, and minimal waste. It integrates seamlessly into the MaterialCycle tower system, combining robust construction with practical features that support high-quality plant production in compact, vertical spaces.
Rather than treating growing containers as disposable items, the Grow Tube is designed to remain in continuous use across many planting cycles β supporting a more resilient and circular way of growing.
The tube and removable base plate are constructed from 1 mm clear polycarbonate sheet, selected for its strength, weather resistance, and recyclability at end of life. All bolted connections use small stainless steel bolts and nuts, ensuring corrosion resistance and easy disassembly for repair or recycling.
Snap-fit mounting clips are made from long-lasting UV-stabilised LDPE, designed to withstand prolonged outdoor exposure while remaining flexible and replaceable.
This material strategy keeps the Grow Tube simple, durable, and compatible with circular economy principles.
Plants grow inside a clear cylindrical tube, supported by a suspended removable base plate resting on four aluminium rods. Excess irrigation water drains freely below the base plate, preventing waterlogging while maintaining a well-aerated growing medium.
The transparent tube allows growers to easily monitor soil structure and moisture content, enabling accurate watering and healthier plants without disturbing the soil.
Any water that drains below the base plate is captured by the towerβs reservoir and recirculated back to the plant, forming a closed-loop system where water and nutrients are conserved rather than lost.
When a plant is ready to be harvested, transplanted, or sold, the four aluminium support rods can be removed, allowing the base plate to be dropped out together with the entire plant and root ball fully intact.
This approach enables:
Stress-free transplanting
Clean harvesting
Sale of mature plants without destroying the growing container
Once the plant is removed, the Grow Tube remains fully reusable and ready for immediate replanting β a significant advantage over conventional potted systems where containers are often discarded after extraction.
The section of transparent tube above soil level doubles as a mini greenhouse, providing valuable wind shelter for young plants while still allowing full sunlight penetration. This is especially beneficial in windy outdoor environments, where early-stage stress can slow or damage growth.
Wind protection and plant support can be extended upward using clip-on wind shelter / plant support rings, allowing growers to adapt protection as plants grow taller.
Additional shelter and support attachments are sold separately.
The Grow Tube is designed to work as part of a larger system, where:
π§ Water is captured, reused, and never wasted
πΎ Nutrients remain within the growing loop
π Growing remains efficient even in water-scarce conditions
This makes the Grow Tube particularly well-suited to sustainable food production and long-term outdoor setups.
β»οΈ Fully reusable growing container β no disposable pots
π§ Closed-loop water & nutrient reuse with zero runoff
π± Stress-free full plant extraction via drop-out base plate
π¬οΈ Built-in wind shelter for young plants
π Rapid crop turnover without system disruption
π§© Modular, snap-fit integration with MaterialCycle towers
π Easy visual monitoring of soil moisture and condition
β¬οΈ Extendable wind shelter and plant support
π‘οΈ More stable growing microclimate
π Safer transport of plants for sale or relocation
π¦ Lower consumable costs over time
π§ͺ Ideal for experimentation and side-by-side trials
π§ Lower skill barrier for new growers
π§± Space-efficient vertical growing
π§Ό Fast cleaning and reset between cycles
π οΈ Long-lasting, repairable construction
βοΈ Outdoor-ready, UV-stable materials
π Reduced plastic waste footprint
π© Field-repairable, component-level serviceability
π·οΈ Easy plant identification and tracking
π± Supports living soil systems
π Clean, professional presentation for resale
1 mm UV-stabilised clear polycarbonate tube and base plate
Stainless steel bolts and nuts throughout
Aluminium base plate suspension rods
UV-stabilised LDPE snap clips
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and modular
Price: R220
Price is indicative and subject to change. Lead times may apply.
For availability, bulk orders, or integration into a complete MaterialCycle tower system, please contact MaterialCycle directly.