A cachepot is an ornamental cover placed over a flowerpot to conceal the flowerpot in a decorative manner, while also helping to hold it in place. Although these covers are not necessary for growing flowers or plants, they add an extra layer of protection and make the overall appearance of the flower or plant more attractive.
Cachepots may be used both indoors and outdoors. Those for outdoor use, however, are more restricted in the designs and materials that may be used. Those that are not meant for outdoor use may fade prematurely or even become damaged or begin to deteriorate if used outside.
These covers can usually be purchased from home improvement stores, as well as from nurseries. They are available in a wide variety of materials, including different types of metals, porcelain, china, tole, and even paper. Common metals used to create cachepots include aluminum and copper. They can also be purchased in a wide array of colors.
Many gardeners choose to create their own cachepots with supplies from around the home or supplies that can be easily purchased. A common method for creating personalized cachepots involves decorating an aluminum pail with raffia or other materials. Indoor versions can also be created with drawings or photographs taken by the plant owner.
When selecting a cachepot for a plant, it is important to make sure the it is large enough to hold the entire plant and its pot without placing pressure on the pot or on the plant. At the same time, cachepots that are too large for the plant will dwarf the plant and detract from its overall appearance. Nevertheless, it is generally best to err on the side of too large when selecting a cachepot, as the plant will continue to grow and will eventually fit nicely inside.
Cachepots should also be stable and sturdy, particularly when used to house outdoor plants. Otherwise, the cover may topple and cause damage to the plant inside. Those with a bit of weight to them are also advantageous for outdoor use, as this feature helps ensure that the plant is too heavy to be easily knocked over.