How to turn an Outdoor Plant Pot into an Indoor Plant Pot
Bringing a touch of the outdoors inside can do wonders for your home décor, and one of the easiest ways to do this is by repurposing outdoor plant pots as indoor planters. Sometimes, outdoor pots have the perfect design and size, but they come with one big drawback – the drainage hole. While essential for outdoor plants, that hole can spell disaster for your indoor surfaces. Not to worry, though! With a little creativity and some simple steps, you can turn any outdoor pot into the perfect indoor plant pot.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the process Hannah used to convert one of our Ancient outdoor pots into a new home for her beautiful houseplant.
Step 1: Lining and Sealing the Pot
The first thing you’ll want to do when converting an outdoor pot is to seal off the drainage hole to avoid any water leakage. This is especially important when using larger, heavier pots that aren’t easily moved. For this, Hannah used thick plastic sheeting as her liner. I recommend using at least two layers of plastic to ensure there’s no risk of water seeping through.
To line the pot properly:
- Cut the plastic sheeting so that it fully covers the bottom of the pot and extends up the sides.
- Make sure the sheeting sits flush with the inside of the pot, and secure it firmly in place to prevent any slipping as you fill the pot with soil.
- Double up the layers for extra protection, ensuring a completely watertight seal. This will help keep your floors and surfaces safe from water damage.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Compost
For indoor plants, using the right soil is key to keeping your plant happy and healthy. Since she was planting a Polyscias Fabian, a houseplant that thrives in well-draining soil, she opted for houseplant compost. You’ll want to fill the pot about halfway with compost before placing your plant inside.
If you’re not sure what type of compost to use, general-purpose houseplant compost works well for most indoor plants, but be sure to research the specific needs of the plant you’re potting.
Step 3: Preparing the Plant for Repotting
Before you commit to repotting, it’s essential to test the height of the plant within the pot. Hannah gently placed her Polyscias Fabian into the pot to check how high or low it sat within the soil. This is important to avoid planting too deeply or too shallowly. Your plant should sit at a height where the top of its root ball is just below the rim of the pot.
Once you’re satisfied with the height, you can go ahead and add more compost around the plant.
Step 4: Filling the Pot and Topping Up
With the plant in place, you can now begin to fill in the gaps with more compost. Be sure to pack the soil gently around the root ball without compacting it too tightly, as this could hinder water drainage and airflow.
Make sure to leave a bit of space at the top of the pot to allow for watering. Filling the pot all the way to the brim may cause water to overflow when you water your plant, leading to unnecessary mess.
Step 5: Adding Decorative Moss
To give your plant pot a more finished and polished look, top off the soil with some dried decorative moss. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely, natural aesthetic to the pot while also helping to keep moisture in the soil.
Make sure not to pack the moss too tightly as you still need space for proper watering. Hannah left a little bit of room between the moss and the edge of the pot to ensure the water would reach the soil easily.
Tips for Caring for Indoor Plants in Outdoor Pots
Once your pot is ready and your plant is comfortably settled in its new home, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind when caring for your new indoor planter:
- Water carefully. Even though the pot is sealed, be mindful of how much water you use. Indoor plants typically need less water than outdoor ones, so avoid overwatering.
- Positioning. Consider where your plant will thrive in terms of light. Polyscias Fabian prefers bright, indirect light, so I’ve placed mine in a well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.
- Regular cleaning. Since outdoor pots are often larger and heavier, they may accumulate dust or dirt over time. Wipe down the outside of the pot regularly to keep it looking fresh indoors.
A Stylish Indoor Garden
Converting an outdoor pot for indoor use is a simple project that can give your home a unique, personal touch. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful, functional planter that protects your floors from water damage while also giving your indoor plants a stylish new home.
If you’re looking for a range of beautiful outdoor pots that can be repurposed for indoor use, check out our selection at Gardenesque here. Happy planting!
