Just the other day I was looking for a pot to put this little cyclamen in. This red bucket was a Christmas gift from a neighbour a few years ago, it had a sweet little glitter covered Christmas tree in it. The tree didn't survive but the bucket is very cute so I held on to it.
Lots of people seem to be planting their plants straight into decorative pots nowadays. I've done that myself occasionally but really I think you are better leaving the plant in it's plastic plant pot and dropping that into something decorative.
- Better drainage for the plant
- Your decorative pot won't be damaged being against wet compost. On terracotta the wet seeps through and can lift any paint or unstick glue - been there, done that! Metal tins can start to rust at the joints - been there, done that too!
- Less mess when your plant needs re-potting or you fancy a swap round
But what if the decorative pot is too big? This is what I do:
Take a decorative pot, a plant, a piece of foil and a container of some sort. Here I used a little glass pot that had a lovely mini cheesecake in it. What you choose depends on the size of your pots, you might find just an old lid will be enough.
Put the container upside down in the decorative pot...
Shape the foil roughly into a dish shape and tuck it in on top. Press it to the sides to make it as snug as you can.
Now pop your plant in on top.
If your plant needs lots of drainage you can put a layer of gravel or pebbles on the foil first.
Now the plant is up at the right level, the pot is protected from the wet compost and when you water your plant the water will sit in the foil dish and not at the bottom of the decorative pot where the plant can't get it.
I've done this quite often, especially with those super tall ceramic pots you sometimes get with orchids. They are great for orchids that must not sit in water but not so good if you want to use the pot for something else. An upturned empty yoghurt pot is a good size for them.
It's not life changing I know, not rocket science either, but a simple trick that has helped me out which you might find handy one day.
A very handy trick Julie!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea! So simple, but so worthy of sharing. I've often used those foam peanuts to give the lift, but it's never even and I have to do some jiggling to get the pot to sit level. Yours is such a better idea...thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy, I nearly didn't bother to share this as it seemed too simple!
DeleteSmart idea - pinned and shared
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Carol :-)
DeleteExactly what i needed. Our small kalachoe looks funny inside the decorative pot.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help Zografia, it's not possible to have a plant pot in the cupboard "just in case" for every plant size is it? Sometimes you have to work with what you've got!
DeleteSo simple!! and pretty! Thanks for sharing at the Pleasures of the NW's DIY link party!
ReplyDeleteLovely idea Julie, it might not be life changing but it really will make a huge difference in my life. It's one of those ideas that I'll pass onto my kids and friends
ReplyDeleteIndeed, not life changing but potentially useful! I hope you find it useful.
DeleteSuch a clever tip Julie I have a pot I must do this with
ReplyDeleteThis is a really clever idea Julie! I usually don't know what to do with short plants.
ReplyDeletePoor old short plants! They either get squished in a pot that's too tall or end up just on a saucer usually don't they?
DeleteGreat idea. I had to dig under my deck to find rocks for the bottom of my plant pots. This is a much easier alternative. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Leanna, I used to do the same but then my plants would be dry and water would be sitting in the rocks at the bottom getting a bit stale & smelly. At least this way the plants can get to any water you might give them.
DeleteThis is a good idea! I love that it's an easy fix. Thanks for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle.
ReplyDelete