How to Make Hypertufa Planters
Have your supplies ready, especially the pots or molds you will use. , Mix three parts peat moss, three parts Perlite, and two parts Portland cement in a wheelbarrow, bucket, or other large container., Gradually add water and stir the mixture, until...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Have your supplies ready
Vermiculite can be used in place of perlite for a more workable hypertufa.
Perlite resists water where vermiculite will absorb it.
The vermiculite concrete will be harder than perlite concrete Measurements may be approximate.
Try to get all the lumps out of the peat moss for best texture.
Wear gloves and avoid breathing near the mixture.
You can use a shovel or trowel to stir. , You should be able to form a ball of the mixture in your hand. , Whatever you use as the form should be much larger than the opening you want in the finished plant pot, because the walls will be quite thick.
Make sure the shape of the pot or form you use will allow you to remove the finished planter easily.
It should have sloped sides with no undercuts. , Make the walls 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5cm) thick.
You will be able to see the shape of the finished plant pot as you complete it. , You can use your finger to form the hole. , To reach full strength the concrete will need 28 days total however the initial 7 days will provide an 75-80% strength, -
Step 2: especially the pots or molds you will use.
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Step 3: Mix three parts peat moss
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Step 4: three parts Perlite
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Step 5: and two parts Portland cement in a wheelbarrow
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Step 6: bucket
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Step 7: or other large container.
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Step 8: Gradually add water and stir the mixture
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Step 9: until you achieve a stiff
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Step 10: workable "mud pie" consistency.
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Step 11: Place some of the mixture in a plastic plant pot
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Step 12: bucket
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Step 13: or other form.
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Step 14: Press the mixture against the sides of the form
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Step 15: leaving a thick wall with an opening for a plant.
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Step 16: Add a hole in the bottom for drainage.
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Step 17: Allow the planter to dry thoroughly for about 7 days.
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Step 18: Carefully de-mold the planter and add soil and plants.
Detailed Guide
Vermiculite can be used in place of perlite for a more workable hypertufa.
Perlite resists water where vermiculite will absorb it.
The vermiculite concrete will be harder than perlite concrete Measurements may be approximate.
Try to get all the lumps out of the peat moss for best texture.
Wear gloves and avoid breathing near the mixture.
You can use a shovel or trowel to stir. , You should be able to form a ball of the mixture in your hand. , Whatever you use as the form should be much larger than the opening you want in the finished plant pot, because the walls will be quite thick.
Make sure the shape of the pot or form you use will allow you to remove the finished planter easily.
It should have sloped sides with no undercuts. , Make the walls 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5cm) thick.
You will be able to see the shape of the finished plant pot as you complete it. , You can use your finger to form the hole. , To reach full strength the concrete will need 28 days total however the initial 7 days will provide an 75-80% strength,
About the Author
Brian Martin
Committed to making home improvement accessible and understandable for everyone.
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