Cachepot: How To Double Pot And Display Plants Without Repotting

What’s the easiest way to describe the term “cachepot planter”? Think of double-potting indoor plants or a pot inside a pot.

One mistake many people make as soon as they bring their new plant home is – repotting houseplants. I haven’t quite figured out why. Maybe it makes them feel good, or they think the plant will do better.

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Small potted multi-stem ficus tree placed inside ceramic planter used as a cachepot | Patryssia-Adobe

Generally, the plants you purchase can stay in their growing pot for a long time.

Most plants sold come in a plastic or azalea pot. I realize these store-bought plants with pots aren’t the most attractive. Sometimes, the plant may be a little top-heavy and unstable, depending on the plant variety.

One way to “spruce up” the plant look – is to “Double pot” or “use a Cache pot planter” your plants. It’s what professional plantscapers do.

So, what is a cachepot?

It simply means double potting indoor plants.

Cachepots help separate the growing pot of a moth orchid, for example, from the flower pot used to display the plant.

More formally, a cachepot conceals a flowerpot placed inside an ornamental receptacle. An example is a plant in a plastic pot inside ceramic pot.

The pot or container with a drainage hole a plant grows directly in is called a “grow pot.”

The decorative plant pot or more attractive container you place the “grow pot” in is what we call a cachepot planter.

You’ll find many potential and gorgeous cache pots ceramic designs, along with good, bad, and ugly ones.

It’s also fun to come up with interesting ideas on how to use unusual items in fabulous, attractive plant holders. But when and how should you use a cachepot?

What is a Cache Pot?

Cache pots for plants (usually pronounced as ‘cash-pohs’) are generally decorative pots for indoor plants made from different materials such as glass, metal, or ceramic.

These indoor decorative plant pots for houseplants typically complement the plant since most lack a drainage hole.

This means water could accumulate in the soil, which can cause root rot in plants like Ranunculus. A little over-watering could potentially rot the plant since the water will not drain away.

Cat beside potted plant on shelf.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @milo.in.clay

Moreover, most cachepots lack porosity, so air can’t move into the container. Terra cotta or clay pots usually have the greatest porosity, allowing air and moisture to permeate through the soil and vice versa.

For plastic pots used outdoors, large drainage holes are placed at the bottom near the sides of the base. These holes allow water to flow out and even back in.

You can easily swap between cachepots or decorative flower pots to move a plant from one room or location to another.

Additionally, the pot itself stays clean; you just have to slip it from the previous container onto the new one.

Keeping your plant in a standard-size plastic grow pot is usually your best choice. All you’ll need to do is place the pot and plant inside the larger decorative container.

What are some of the benefits of cachepots or double potting?

  • The aesthetic purchase price – cachepots give the plant a “finished look.”
  • Plant and roots are not disturbed.
  • Easily replace plants that stopped blooming, or you don’t like the look of it.
  • No repotting and making a mess
  • No heavy pots to move around
  • Pots without drain holes can be used
  • Cachepots can serve as a saucer by holding the excess water that drains out of the grow pot.
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Cachepot Ideas

Cache pots provide lots of different decorative pot solutions.

Woven baskets: Baskets make great indoor plant pots or cachepots; they’re usually inexpensive and light in weight. The downside is they rot away quickly after coming in contact with moisture. To prevent rotting, line the basket insides with plastic before putting it in your plant. Also, use a saucer in the bottom for extra moisture protection.

Potted plants in a plant shop.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @verdeevibes

Plastic pots and containers: What they can do with plastic now…Plastic pots come in just about every shape, size, and color you can imagine. Some of them even have self-watering systems built right in.

Glazed ceramic pots: These come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and styles. You can find something to match just about every decor. They’re sturdy but can be very heavy to move around.

Italian terra cotta pots: They can do a lot with plastic, but I think the Italian terra cotta pots may have them beat. You’ll find many choices from very ornate designs, fancy ribbed or rolled edges, and brushed finishes.

Fiberglass pots: Tubs or boxes are great for larger plants or group plantings. You’ll see these kinds of planter vases used in many of the theme parks. The containers can be fairly large (up to 60 inches) and lightweight but can easily roll around on wheels or casters. Use wood and plastic pots the same way.

Metal: You’ll find brass and chrome, some that look like regular pots and others that look like buckets. It really depends on the look you want.

Cement: Unusual designs, just like the Italian terra cotta, but heavy and need waterproofing.

Plants planted directly inside terra cotta and cement pots can stain the outside from the salts and minerals in the soil and water. To keep them looking good, use them strictly as cachepots.

TIP: Professional plantscapers paint the inside and bottom terra cotta and cement pots with a coat of waterproof paint or shellac.

The biggest advantage of cachepots is that they reduce shock to plants by not disturbing the plant and its roots. That’s the first big step in being successful with your indoor plants.

Food tins and boxes look incredible. You can easily make gorgeous cachepots from cookie boxes and food tins. Although they may rust when in contact with water, you can line them with plastic bags to make sure moisture doesn’t accumulate around the metal.

Plant on a rattan stand in a modern roomPin
Photo Credit: Instagram @a.casa.boho

Other cache pot ideas include:

  • Decorative plastic pots
  • Hand-painted porcelain
  • Italian terra cotta clay pots
  • Ceramic planters
  • Jardiniere pottery
  • Glazed pottery
  • Fiberglass pots
  • Bonsai pots
  • Wooden containers
  • Bowls
  • Metal
  • Baskets
  • and many other possibilities.

If there’s enough room, placing a plant saucer at the bottom of the metal cachepot can help protect the lower surface from spills.

For cachepots with no drainage holes or ones you plan on putting on a wooden surface such as the floor or on a table, putting “feet” under them helps prevent moisture from collecting under the pot.

Baskets and Spanish Moss

Generally, inexpensive baskets make great cachepots. Line them with plastic to protect the basket, the floor, or table surface from spills. Cache pots allow you to create lovely displays like a bromeliad garden by placing several pots in a single large basket.

Spanish moss makes the ideal filler for the spaces between the rims and the pots. The moss makes the basket look like one cohesive planter instead of just a group of pots.

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Unique Designs

To make a really unusual cachepot, convert a vintage cradle to display plants.

The cradle, probably one which you or your kids slept in as a baby, can make a unique display when filled with several smaller potted plants.

Create a Casual Country Look With Old Cans and Buckets

Use old watering cans, buckets, and coffee cans for indoor plants, wine boxes, or wooden crates (obviously lined with plastic).

You can even convert old suitcases, rubber boots, and trunks into cachepots, and design them in a way that accentuates the look you want to achieve.

Convert large soup tureens, ceramic teapots, and even colorful modern garbage cans into sleek cachepots.

Where to Look for DIY Cachepot Materials

The internet is a great place to look for different kinds of DIY cache pots for indoor plants ideas you can enhance on your own.

Hardware stores also make great places to look, where you can find plastic pots, terra cotta pots and pot liners, buckets, and PVC pipes that can all be converted.

If you order Cachepot online, always check on their shipping and delivery methods. This will ensure that the item will arrive in one piece.

Other businesses offer white glove delivery for a price, so you may want to consider that as well.

Be sure to also check out flea markets and yard sales as well. You can easily find old pots, buckets, Italian planters, and watering cans.

Keep in mind that at the end of the day, each container will have its pros and cons. However, cachepots will help you create incredible container displays for your plants.

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