Title image above is copyright © Robyn in Dawesville WA

First published 9th October 2025

This post was inspired by Robyn in Dawesville WA, who sent me these two photos of her Coral Gum (Eucalyptus torquata) in a 38 L Air-Pot, inside a larger, decorative pot:


Coral gum in 38 L Air-Pot Container
copyright © Robyn in Dawesville WA


Coral gum in 38 L Air-Pot Container
copyright © Robyn in Dawesville WA

Robyn has quite the to-die-for collection of natives by the way!

I asked to use these photos as they beautifully illustrate two things (and thank you so much Robyn!):
One: that it is more than fine to sit an Air-Pot inside a decorative pot like this, and
Two: use of a decorative pot may even enhance the performance of an Air-Pot by protecting it from drying effects.

Let’s begin!

Yes, You Can Sit an Air-Pot Inside a Decorative Pot!

Much as I personally love the look of an Air-Pot, they can be rather “bold” and overly-strong in presence, and not suited to every landscape. Sometimes you really, absolutely need a softer look in your garden.

Placing an Air-Pot inside a decorative pot gives you the best of both worlds — the growing environment only an Air-Pot can give, with the aesthetic only a decorative pot can provide.

Robyn said “I hate the way plants can get so root bound in normal pots”, and including an Air-Pot not only eliminates the root-bound problem but doesn’t stop the normal pot being used either!

A Decorative Pot May Provide Additional Benefits

The open cones and deep aeration of an Air-Pot, together with the incredible root ball that develops in that environment all place a toll on the water held in an Air-Pot. The medium inside these containers can dry out more than if in regular pots, and especially so in strong winds and/or hot summer months.

A decorative pot enclosing an Air-Pot may afford some protection from these drying effects.

Another possible advantage may also concern the bottom of a decorative pot, especially one placed where roots can penetrate, such as on soil, grass or mulch. These pots tend to have one large drainage hole.

A plant potted straight into such a pot will eventually have strong roots find their way through this hole and straight into the ground. But a plant in an Air-Pot in a decorative pot can create an additional barrier for such roots to navigate. This may not be foolproof with some species, but will make it harder for this kind of thing to happen!