A nursery pot is the simple plastic pot your plant is grown and sold in. It has drainage holes to help excess water escape and keep roots healthy.
A decorative pot, also known as a cachepot or planter, is the pretty pot you display your plant in. The easiest and safest option is to keep your plant in its nursery pot and place it inside your decorative pot.
This gives you the best of both worlds: healthy roots, easy watering, and a beautiful display.
What is a nursery pot?
Nursery pots are designed for function, not looks. They are usually made from lightweight plastic, have drainage holes, and are sized to fit the plant’s root system. They also make repotting much easier when your plant starts to outgrow its home.
What is a decorative pot or cachepot?
A decorative pot is the outer pot you see on display. They come in all kinds of materials, from ceramic and glazed pots to woven baskets and metal planters.
Many decorative pots don’t have drainage holes, which is perfectly fine as they are designed to hold the nursery pot rather than replace it. The word “cachepot” even comes from the French for “hide pot”!
Should I plant straight into my decorative pot?
For most houseplants, we recommend keeping them in their nursery pot. This helps prevent overwatering, as excess water can drain away rather than sitting around the roots.
It also makes caring for your plant much easier. You can simply lift the plant out, water it at the sink, allow it to drain, and pop it back into its decorative pot.
The only time you’ll need to change this is when your plant has outgrown its nursery pot. Even then, it’s best to move it into a slightly larger nursery pot first and use your decorative pot as a cover.
How to use a decorative pot without overwatering
The golden rule is simple: never let your plant sit in standing water.
After watering, allow the nursery pot to drain fully before placing it back inside the decorative pot. If any water collects at the bottom, simply tip it away.
For extra peace of mind, you can add a layer of gravel or use pot feet to lift the nursery pot slightly above any leftover water.
Looking for an easier option? Self-watering planters can help take the guesswork out of watering and are a great choice for busy plant parents.
Do I need to repot my plant when I bring it home?
Not usually! Most plants are perfectly happy staying in their nursery pot while they settle into their new home. Give your plant some time to adjust, then repot when it’s ready.