Yes, you absolutely can use outdoor plant pots indoors, and it's a popular method for decorating and housing your houseplants. Repurposing outdoor planters is highlighted as "one of the easiest ways" to bring a touch of the outdoors inside.
However, while feasible, there's a significant aspect to consider: the drainage hole. Outdoor pots are typically designed with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing roots from sitting in soggy soil (which can lead to root rot). While essential outdoors, this drainage can be "one big drawback" when using these pots indoors, as water can leak out and damage floors, furniture, or windowsills.
Addressing the Drainage Challenge
Using outdoor pots indoors primarily requires managing the drainage hole. Here are common and effective methods:
1. Using a Saucer or Tray
The simplest solution is to place a saucer, tray, or drip plate underneath the pot.
- Benefits: Easy, widely available, prevents water damage.
- Considerations:
- Ensure the saucer is large enough to catch all excess water.
- Choose a saucer material that complements the pot and your decor (plastic, ceramic, terracotta).
- Regularly check and empty the saucer to prevent water from being reabsorbed by the pot base (which can lead to humidity issues or pest attraction).
2. Double Potting
This involves placing the outdoor pot (with the plant inside) inside a larger, cachepot (a decorative pot without drainage holes).
- Benefits: Hides the original pot and saucer, allows for easy watering (just lift the inner pot to drain), protects surfaces completely.
- Considerations:
- You need a cachepot that is slightly larger than your outdoor pot.
- Ensure there's space at the bottom for water collection, or use a layer of pebbles or pot feet in the bottom of the cachepot to keep the inner pot elevated.
- Remember to periodically remove the inner pot to empty any standing water from the cachepot.
3. Sealing the Drainage Hole (Use with Caution)
While possible, this method is generally not recommended for the health of most houseplants.
- Method: Use waterproof sealant, silicone, or even strong tape (for temporary fixes) to block the drainage hole from the inside and outside.
- Drawbacks: Removes essential drainage, significantly increasing the risk of overwatering and root rot, especially for beginner plant owners. Requires very careful watering.
Why Choose Outdoor Pots for Indoor Use?
Despite the drainage consideration, outdoor pots offer several advantages for indoor gardening:
- Size: Often available in larger sizes suitable for mature houseplants or statement pieces.
- Durability: Built to withstand outdoor elements, meaning they are typically robust and long-lasting indoors.
- Aesthetics: Come in a wide variety of materials, colors, textures, and designs that can add unique character to your indoor space.
By implementing simple strategies like using saucers or double potting, you can effectively and safely utilize outdoor plant pots to enhance your indoor environment, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside just as suggested.
| Method | Drainage Management | Surface Protection | Ease of Use | Plant Health Risk (Overwatering) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using a Saucer | Collects excess water | Good (if used correctly) | Very Easy | Low (water drains) |
| Double Potting | Water collects in outer pot | Excellent | Moderate | Low (water drains from inner pot) |
| Sealing Hole | Prevents any drainage | Excellent | Easy | High (no drainage) |
In conclusion, repurposing outdoor plant pots for indoor use is a practical way to add greenery to your home, provided you manage the necessary drainage.
