How to Make Hypertufa Pots
Hypertufa is a man-made rock that is popular for gardening. They are generally constructed as pots because unlike those constructed from concrete, they are way lighter and they do not break in the winter. They are also very appealing because of their rustic porous look, giving them a more natural feel. Hypertufa pots can be used on many types of plants but they are especially beneficial on succulent types.
To create a hypertufa pot, you will need a proper mold that can hold or contain the plant. Think about the shape and size of the mold that you’ll be using for the envisioned result of your creation. Feel free to use cardboard boxes, buckets, trash cans, styrofoam chests, and even pots as a mold for your hypertufa. Protect your mold with garbage bag or if it’s made of plastic, apply oil lubricants to it. This will make certain that you will be capable of detaching the mold later, when your hypertufa hardens.
The second step is creating your hypertufa mixture. You will need 1 part Portland cement, 1 1/2 parts perlite, and 1 1/2 parts peat moss for your pot. Combine the ingredients nicely and slowly add water until it attains the sticky, mud-pie consistency. Then apply the mixture to the mold that you have prepared. It’s up to you which facet to put the mixture on but keep in mind that putting it inside will render a pot smaller than your mold while applying it outside can cause a abrasive, unequal underside to your pot. Do not forget to include drainage openings beneath your pot using a stick. Make sure that the mixture does not flow back to cover the openings you recently made.
After applying your mixture, place a plastic bag all over your wet pot and allow it to sit for about three days until finally it hardens. Then take away the mold off the hypertufa in a very careful manner. Roughen the sides using a wire brush to give it a more natural look. Next, return your pot in the plastic bag and place it once more in a protected space. The pot will be all set in about three weeks time. Don’t forget to leach it initially with water for a few days prior to planting on it as Portland cement contains large quantities of lime which can be damaging to plants.
