Tropf-Blumat
Tropf-Blumat is an automatic irrigation system for plants around the house. Whether flowers or home-grown vegetables, Tropf-Blumat works as required - watering takes place only when needed.
With Tropf-Blumat, each plant is watered individually. This is good for the plants and reduces water consumption. Tropf-Blumat makes a difference. You will notice it by the increase of flowers and/or fruits!
In addition, Tropf-Blumat reliably takes over the daily watering. So you can go on holiday with peace of mind. Tropf-Blumat functions all season long.
Easy and flexible to assemble. Tropf-Blumat consists of just a few parts and can be assembled without tools. Super easy! You can change the system at any time and expand up to 500 drip points.
Tropf-Blumat works smart and therefore without power or a watering computer.
- No power connection
- No battery change
- No time-consuming installation
The ceramic cone thinks for you!
Natural watering
Water is released slowly and in doses. As a result, the plants always receive water at a pleasant temperature, resulting in healthy and lush growth.
Installation and setting
Installation is easy and requires no special knowledge or the use of tools. In fact, a pair of household scissors will do. Once installed, the supply lines stay in place and do not need to be disassembled, even during the winter season.
The setting of the sensors is the same for all plants and can be done in a snap!
A Water tap
The Blumat Pressure Reducer constantly reduces water pressure to 1 bar and can be connected to any water tap with a ¾” thread. Your plants can then stand 4 meters higher or 3 meters lower than the tap.
Tip: If you first install a 2-way water distributor, you can use the tap as usual.
B Water tank
The Tropf-Blumat system also functions seamlessly with a water tank to which the Blumat Tank Connector is mounted. Shape and size are not crucial; it is only important that the tank is positioned higher than the plants themselves. The larger the system and the longer the supply hose, the higher the water tank should be placed. As a rule of thumb, for every 5 meters of supply hose, the barrel should be placed 0.5 meters higher than the plants. For a 10-meter supply hose, it should be at least 1 meter higher.
Tip: Install a Blumat Valve shortly behind the Tank Connector. This allows you to easily interrupt the water supply during maintenance or disconnect the water tank from the supply hose.
C Pump
The water supply with a pump works in a similar way as with the tap. Mount the Blumat Pressure Reducer on the water outlet of the pump and place the intake hose in a well or barrel to make the system operational. Only use a pump with integrated pressure tank (hydrophore pump), this ensures that the pump does not switch on or off continuously. The plants can then be positioned 4 meters higher or 3 meters lower than the pump.
D Supply hose
Water is directed to your plants through the 8 mm supply hose. The total length can reach up to 60 meters. If you install a T-piece right behind the water connection, you can even create two separate 60-meter irrigation systems. The supply hose doesn't need to be disassembled during the winter and can remain in place permanently.
Tip: Placing the supply hose in warm water or exposing it to sunlight makes the installation process easier.
Assembly and Setup
Step 1 - Preparation
After laying the supply hose to the plants, complete the system installation by placing and adjusting the Tropf-Blumat sensors. The setup process for a Tropf-Blumat is the same for all plants. A well-adjusted installation should not need further changes throughout the entire season.
The Tropf-Blumat must be completely filled with water. To do this, first unscrew the green pouring head and then screw it back on underwater. After assembling, let the water-filled Tropf-Blumat soak in water for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2 - Placing the sensors
Ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened with water before placing the sensors. Repeat this process several times. Then, insert a Tropf-Blumat next to each plant into the moist soil, reaching the marked depth. The drip hose should protrude approximately 8 cm.
Step 3 - Connecting to the supply hose
Cut suitable pieces from the supply hose and connect the hose to the T-pieces. Attach an end piece at the end of the system. Do not use grease, soap, or any similar substances to assemble the connectors. Close the adjustment screw on each Tropf-Blumat and then open the water tap. Ensure that there are no water leaks anywhere.
Stap 4 - Adjusting the Tropf-Blumat sensors
- Start the setup with the last Tropf-Blumat in the installation, this way air is purged from the supply hose. Turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to open it. Now water should flow from the drip hose.
- Slowly turn the adjustment screw clockwise until the dripping stops. There should be just one drop hanging at the end of the hose.
- Finally, close the adjustment screw by an additional 1/4 turn (2 marking arrows). Repeat this setup process for each Tropf-Blumat.
Your irrigation system is now operational. Initially, the Tropf-Blumat may not release water because the soil is moist. Once the soil becomes dry, automatic watering will begin.
Step 5 - Monitoring
After installation, you should monitor the water delivery for approximately 1-2 weeks and adjust if necessary, by turning the adjustment screw open (= more water) or closed (= less water). Do this carefully, as the Tropf-Blumat is sensitive to adjustments. Usually, it is sufficient to turn the screw by half a marking arrow.
Tropf-Blumat Maxi
The Tropf-Blumat Maxi is particularly suitable for large container plants and containers with a height of 30 cm or more. Due to the greater length of the Blumat Maxi, moisture is measured deeper in the soil, providing optimal conditions around the roots in a deeper pot.
Applications
- Large container plants
- Ornamental trees
- Solitary plants in large pots
- Containers with a height of 30 cm or more
Installation Tropf-Blumat Maxi
The Tropf-Blumat Maxi operates in the same way as a normal Tropf-Blumat. For water connection and general operation, follow the same steps as with the normal Tropf-Blumat.
Water the soil for half an hour before inserting the Tropf-Blumat! Then, insert the Tropf-Blumat Maxi approximately 15 - 18 cm deep into the soil, in the outer part of the root zone, not too close to the stem. For container plants, place it about 5 - 8 cm away from the edge of the container.
For freshly potted plants, screw the Maxi clockwise directly into the ground (not into the root ball) and lightly press the soil around it.
If there are strong roots or if the soil is very compact, create a hole in the outer root zone first. Fill the hole halfway with loose soil, place the Tropf-Blumat Maxi in it, and then water vigorously again to ensure the ceramic cone's tip makes good contact with the soil. Then fill the remaining hole with soil.
Setup
The drip tube should protrude 8 - 10 cm from the Tropf-Blumat Maxi. Open the adjustment screw until water flows from the drip hose. Then slowly turn the adjustment screw clockwise until only a water drop remains hanging from the drip hose. Finally, turn the adjustment screw an additional one marking arrow (1/8 turn) clockwise.
Watering with the Tropf-Blumat Maxi results in a slightly drier soil surface. This is normal, as the Tropf-Blumat Maxi regulates moisture in the root zone.
Moisture Regulation
- For plants that prefer dry conditions, the distance from the drip hose to the adjustment screw can be shortened to 6 to 7 cm, reducing the watering duration.
- For plants that need more water, increase the distance to the adjustment screw to 15 cm, prolonging the watering duration.
Distribution Dripper
With Blumat Distribution Drippers, you can increase the number of drip points with one Tropf-Blumat to a maximum of 5. This achieves a more uniform water distribution in a large planter box.
Assembly
- Before you start assembling, thoroughly water the soil, place the Tropf-Blumat in it, and firmly press the soil around it. Important: maintain a distance of approximately 8 cm from the Tropf-Blumat to the nearest Distribution Dripper.
- Adjust the Tropf-Blumat as usual, and only connect the Tropf-Blumat to the distribution drippers after the adjustment is complete.
- Cut approximately 20 cm long sections of the 3 mm drip hose.
- Connect the hose sections to the distribution drippers. Attach an end distribution dripper at the end of the chain.
The chain can consist of up to 5 Distribution Drippers. Place the chain with the distribution drippers randomly near the roots of the plants.
Tip: Distribution drippers work best when mounted together with a ground support. This prevents them from getting dirty due to contact with the soil or roots growing into them. Additionally, it makes it easier to monitor water delivery.
Maintenance
Once a year, unscrew the distribution drippers and clean them thoroughly. It's best to use an old toothbrush for this task. In case of limescale, soak the individual parts in a commercially available descaler or vinegar solution.
Planning
One Tropf-Blumat irrigates approximately 20-25 cm of soil in diameter.
A) For watering balcony boxes
100 cm length: at least 4 Tropf-Blumat
80 cm length: at least 3 Tropf-Blumat
60 cm length: at least 2 Tropf-Blumat
B) For watering plant containers
up to Ø 25 cm: 1 Tropf-Blumat
from Ø 25 to 40 cm: 2 Tropf-Blumat
from Ø 40 to 50 cm: 3 Tropf-Blumat
C) For larger pots, in containers or beds
Distribution Drippers can be used instead of additional Tropf-Blumat. For example, 1 Tropf-Blumat and 5 Distribution Drippers can water an area up to 40 cm wide and 50 cm long.
Facts
1. Observe the plant
Don't be fooled! Even if the soil surface appears dry where you have installed the Tropf-Blumat. The water spreads underneath, only the surface under the drip hose is usually visibly moist. Too much water is also harmful to your plants. Rather, pay attention to the condition of the plant.
2. Maintenance and overwintering
Dismantle the pressure reducer and store it frost-free; all hoses, on the other hand, can remain outside. Clean the Tropf-Blumat sensors with lukewarm water. Caked-on dirt on the ceramic cone can be sanded off with sandpaper.
3. Fertilization
Preferably use slow-release fertilizers, which you add to the soil during planting. Fertilizing with a watering can is also possible.
4. Homegrown vegetables taste the best
Tropf-Blumat can be used safely for your vegetables. There are no plasticizers or other substances of concern in Blumat products. And let's be honest, homegrown vegetables taste the best.
5. Around the house
Tropf-Blumat is specially designed for outdoor plants. For indoor plants, we recommend Blumat Classic Houseplant and Blumat Easy.