Hypertufas are anthropic rocks that contain numerous aggregates that is combined together using Portland cement. It’s look is inspired by tufa, a porous rock made up of calcium carbonate. Considering they are light and porous, they are very good for plant development; hence hypertufas are frequently created as garden adornments. They’re also durable and are able to withstand extreme winter conditions, which makes them more favorable than concrete.
One of the most popular kinds of hypertufa is a planter, since you can create strong decorative pots with these. You also just need basic molds for a hypertufa planter so most first-timers are encouraged to build them first. For planter molds, you can use buckets, styrofoam ice chests, plastics or metal containers, pots, cardboard or wooden boxes and other objects that has a form that can hold plants. Just make sure to include releasing agents to your molds, such as garbage bags, plastics, and oil lubricants, before applying the hypertufa mixture to them.
To build your own hypertufa planter, first you need to prepare your mixture by combining 1 part Portland cement, 1 1/2 parts perlite, and 1 1/2 parts peat moss. Gradually add water while mixing up the ingredients, until you reach 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 packed, ensuring its toughness. Additionally, since you are going to put plants in what you are creating, bear in mind to put drainage holes at the bottom by sticking dowels or branches. Ensure that the mixture does not leak back into the opening that you created.
Soon after filling your mold, cover it up with a garbage bag and allow it to sit for around one to three days, depending on the size of your planter. Once it is hard enough that you cannot make an indentation using your finger, you may now remove the mold off your hypertufa. You can even include added details to your planter by sculpting using wire brush. Return it to the trash bag and let it sit again for over three weeks, occasionally misting it. When it already makes a hollow knock whenever you tap it, your hypertufa planter is already fully cured and dried.
Keep in mind that your hypertufa planter has a large amount of lime in it that is bad for plants. Make use of water and vinegar to leach the lime from the planter for around 10 days prior to planting anything into it.