Creating Hypertufa Planters

Hypertufas are anthropic rocks that contain numerous aggregates that is put together using Portland cement. It's appearance is inspired by tufa, a porous rock composed of calcium carbonate. Considering they are light-weight and porous, they are very beneficial for plant development; therefore hypertufas are typically crafted as garden ornaments. They're also tough and have the ability to withstand extreme winter conditions, which makes them more preferable than concrete.

One of the most common types of hypertufa is a planter, since you can create strong pretty pots with these. You also only need simple molds for a hypertufa planter so most beginners are encouraged to make them first. For planter molds, you can use cardboard or wooden boxes, pots, plastics or metal containers, styrofoam ice chests, buckets and other objects that has a structure that can hold plants. Just be sure to add releasing agents to your molds, such as garbage bags, plastics, and oil lubricants, before putting on the hypertufa mixture to them.

To build your own hypertufa planter, first you have to prepare your mixture by mixing 1 part Portland cement, 1 1/2 parts perlite, and 1 1/2 parts peat moss. Slowly add water while mixing up the ingredients, until you achieve a moldable consistency. Then using a trowel, transfer your mixture to the mold of the planter that you prepared. Pound the mixture in the mold so that it is stuffed, ensuring its durability. Additionally, because you are going to place plants in what you are building, do not forget to put drainage holes at the bottom by sticking dowels or branches. Ensure that the mixture does not trickle back into the opening that you created.

Right after filling your mold, protect it up with a trash bag and let it sit for around one to three days, based on the size of your planter. Once it is hard enough that you cannot make an indentation with your finger, you may now remove the mold off your hypertufa. You may also add extra touches to your planter by sculpting using wire brush. Return it to the trash bag and let it sit again for more than three weeks, occasionally misting it. When it already creates a hollow knock once you tap it, your hypertufa planter is already completely cured and dried.

Keep in mind that your hypertufa planter has a great deal of lime in it that is harmful to plants. Make use of water and vinegar to leach the lime from the planter for about 10 days before planting anything into it.