What Is a Cachepot Planter?

On this page (8 sections)

1. What is a cachepot planter used for?
2. How does a nursery pot fit inside a cachepot?
3. Does a cachepot need drainage holes?
4. Can you plant directly in a cachepot?
5. How do you choose a cachepot size and shape?
6. How do you water a plant in a cachepot?
7. When should you use a cachepot instead of repotting?
8. Which cachepot setup should you choose?

A cachepot planter is a decorative outer pot that holds a plant in its separate nursery pot. The nursery pot stays in place for watering and drainage, while the cachepot hides it and adds a finished look.

This setup lets you change the display pot without disturbing the plant's roots. It also makes it easier to move a plant for watering, as long as the nursery pot fits and can be lifted out.

What is a cachepot planter used for?

A cachepot planter covers a nursery pot and gives the plant a decorative outer container. It can help you coordinate a plant with a room's colors, materials, or furniture.

A corner plant stand can also help arrange a display.

Many nursery pots are made for growing and transport, not display. A cachepot can hide that plain plastic pot while leaving the plant undisturbed.

The cachepot and nursery pot have different jobs. The inner pot holds the soil and usually has drainage holes; the outer pot provides the finished look and catches any drips that remain after watering.

Browse the cachepot section of our indoor planters and supports guide to compare styles and uses.

How does a nursery pot fit inside a cachepot?

The nursery pot sits inside the cachepot with enough room to lift it out. Measure the nursery pot's widest point and height, then check the cachepot's interior opening and depth.

Allow a little side clearance so the inner pot doesn't get stuck. A cachepot that's much wider can leave the plant off-center or make a lightweight nursery pot easier to tip.

For a tall plant, check that the plant and nursery pot remain stable when nested. Avoid lifting the plant by its stems; grasp the nursery pot instead.

Can any outer planter work as a cachepot?

Any sturdy, clean container can serve as a cachepot if the nursery pot fits and can be removed. Check the inner width, depth, and weight before using a decorative planter this way.

The Veradek Mason Series Demi Planter measures 18.5 in across and 20 in high. It has pre-drilled drainage holes, so place it on a surface that can handle runoff if you use it as an outer pot.

Skip it if you need a compact cover for a small nursery pot. Its size makes measuring the plant's inner pot and the available floor space especially useful.

Does a cachepot need drainage holes?

A cachepot doesn't need drainage holes when it only holds a removable nursery pot. The inner pot's holes handle drainage, while the outer pot catches stray water.

After watering, let the nursery pot drain before returning it. If water collects inside the cachepot, pour it out so the inner pot doesn't sit in standing water.

A cachepot with drainage holes can still work, but protect the floor or shelf beneath it. A saucer may help catch runoff, though you should empty it after watering.

For a suspended display, compare hanging planters with drainage trays.

Can you plant directly in a cachepot?

You can plant directly in a cachepot if it has drainage and suits the plant's root space. If you are choosing a growing pot, see whether terracotta pots suit indoor plants.

Without drainage, excess water can collect around the roots, so using a nursery pot is usually easier to manage.

Don't assume every decorative planter has a drainage hole. See how to plant in a ceramic pot for guidance on planting in one.

Check before adding soil, and use the container in the way that fits its drainage and the plant's needs.

The SnugNiture set includes 2 round tall planters with removable insert shelves. The shelves have drainage holes, with space below them for excess water to collect.

These planters measure 22.2 in high, with a 12.8 in top diameter. Check the dimensions of your nursery pot before choosing them as cachepots, since the interior opening determines what can fit.

How do you choose a cachepot size and shape?

Choose a cachepot by measuring the nursery pot and checking the outer pot's opening and depth. The inner pot should slide in and out without being forced.

A round nursery pot generally fits a round cachepot, while a square or tapered inner pot may need more room at the opening. Check the shape at the widest point, not only the base.

Think about how you'll lift the inner pot, especially if the plant is heavy or the cachepot is tall. A snug fit can look neat, but it shouldn't make routine watering awkward.

For a different decorative finish, compare our best ceramic plant pot covers and best black indoor planters.

Do cachepot liners help?

A liner can help protect the inside of a decorative outer pot, but it doesn't replace draining the nursery pot. Water still needs to leave the soil and be emptied from the cachepot or liner.

The ducyak set includes 6 cuttable grids with 18 stakes, designed as soil covers to deter small animals from digging. These grids sit on the soil surface; they are not liners for holding a nursery pot.

Use one only if a soil cover suits your plant and pot. For a flexible layer between an inner pot and a decorative outer pot, see our best indoor planter liners.

How do you water a plant in a cachepot?

Water the plant in its nursery pot, then let the excess drain before returning it. This makes it easy to empty runoff and keeps the cachepot from becoming a hidden water reservoir.

If you water without removing the nursery pot, pour slowly and check the bottom of the cachepot afterward. Empty any collected water rather than leaving the inner pot standing in it.

Keep the plant level when you return it. If the nursery pot sits too low, a stable spacer may raise it, but don't block drainage holes or let the pot wobble.

When should you use a cachepot instead of repotting?

Use a cachepot when you want to change the plant's appearance without moving it into new soil. The plant stays in its nursery pot, so you can lift it out for watering or inspection.

Repot when the plant needs a larger root space or fresh potting mix, following the plant's care needs. A decorative cover does not give roots more room, even if the cachepot itself is much larger.

A hanging plant needs a secure support that suits its weight and location. See our best hanging planter guide if you need a hanging setup, or compare planters for indoor plants for other display options.

Which cachepot setup should you choose?

Choose a cachepot that fits the nursery pot, leaves it easy to remove, and lets you manage excess water. Keep the plant in its nursery pot if you want simple watering and a changeable display.

Pick a planter with an insert shelf if you want a tall decorative container with a separate inner level. Compare tall indoor planters for more options.

For small animals that dig in exposed soil, a cuttable grid may help cover the surface.

Measure before you buy, and decide where runoff will go. Those two checks help you choose an outer pot that looks right and works with your watering routine.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a cachepot and a planter?

A cachepot is usually a decorative outer pot that holds a plant in its nursery pot, while a planter may hold soil and the plant directly. Cachepots often have no drainage hole, so lift out the nursery pot to water and let it drain before putting it back.

Can you plant directly in a cachepot?

You can plant directly in a cachepot if it has suitable drainage and enough room for the roots. If it has no drainage hole, keep the plant in a nursery pot instead; excess water can collect at the bottom and leave roots sitting in wet soil.

Should a cachepot be bigger than the nursery pot?

Yes, the cachepot needs to be wide enough for the nursery pot to slide in and out without force. Leave a little space around the sides, but avoid a large gap that lets the inner pot tip or sit visibly off-center.

How do you water a plant in a cachepot?

Take the nursery pot out, water it over a sink or tray, and let excess water drain fully before returning it. If you water in place, remove any pooled water from the cachepot afterward so the nursery pot does not sit in it.