A cache pot is a decorative container designed to conceal the functional pot in which a houseplant is growing. The term originates from the French phrase “cacher un pot,” meaning “to hide a pot.” Its primary role is aesthetic, serving as an ornamental sleeve that elevates the visual appeal of a plant display. This vessel allows a homeowner to introduce color, texture, or pattern to a space without repotting the plant.
Understanding the Design Difference
The distinguishing feature of a cache pot is the intentional absence of a drainage hole at the bottom. This design choice means the cache pot is not meant for direct planting but for holding another container. Its sealed base protects surfaces like furniture and tabletops from water damage, acting as a built-in saucer.
Traditional planters are designed for direct planting and include a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape the soil. This prevents the roots from sitting in stagnant water, which is a common cause of root rot and plant death. The cache pot functions as an outer layer, containing the inner pot and any water that drains out.
Practical Use and Care
The lack of a drainage hole means managing excess water is the core practical concern when using a cache pot. If the inner pot is watered while inside the cache pot, the plant’s roots will be left submerged, quickly leading to root suffocation and decay. Therefore, the method of watering must be carefully adapted to this two-pot system.
The recommended care practice involves removing the inner pot completely for watering. The plant should be taken to a sink or tub, watered thoroughly until it drains freely from its own drainage holes, and then allowed to sit for several minutes until no more water drips out. Once fully drained, the inner pot can be safely returned to the dry cache pot.
Some gardeners use a layer of pebbles or inverted saucers at the bottom of the cache pot to elevate the inner container slightly. This elevation ensures the inner pot’s drainage holes are not sitting directly in any small amount of condensation or residual water that might accumulate.
Materials and Aesthetic Variety
Cache pots are available in many materials, reflecting their decorative role in interior design. Common options include glazed ceramic, porcelain, and metal, which prevent moisture from seeping through. Ceramic varieties are popular for their stability and the rich colors and patterns achieved through various glazes.
For a softer or more rustic look, materials like woven fibers, such as rattan, seagrass, or jute, are frequently used. These organic materials require the use of a waterproof liner inside to protect the fiber from moisture damage. Since a cache pot’s function is solely to hide the inner pot, the material can be chosen simply for its aesthetic appeal, allowing it to seamlessly match or accent a room’s existing decor.