Hypertufa is an artificial rock that is widely used for gardening. They are frequently designed as pots because unlike those constructed from concrete, they are way lighter plus they don’t split in the winter. They are also quite appealing because of their rustic porous appearance, giving them a more natural feel. Hypertufa pots may be used on many types of plants but they are particularly effective on succulent types.
To make a hypertufa pot, you will need a proper mold that can hold or contain the plant. Consider the shape and size of the mold that you’ll be making use of for the predicted result of your creation. Feel free to use cardboard boxes, buckets, trash cans, styrofoam chests, and even pots as a mold for your hypertufa. Cover your mold with garbage bag or if it’s made of plastic, apply oil lubricants to it. This will make certain that you’ll be capable of taking out the mold later on, as soon as your hypertufa hardens.
The second step is making your hypertufa mixture. You’ll need 1 part Portland cement, 1 1/2 parts perlite, and 1 1/2 parts peat moss for your pot. Mix 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 is up to you which side to apply the mixture on but take note that putting it inside will render a pot smaller than your mold while putting it outside can cause a rough, unequal bottom to your pot. Don’t forget to add drainage openings beneath your pot using a stick. Ensure that the mixture doesn’t flow back to cover the holes you just made.
Right after applying your mixture, wrap a plastic bag around your wet pot and let it sit for about three days until it hardens. After that get rid of the mold off the hypertufa in a really cautious manner. Roughen the edges getting a wire brush to give it a more natural look. Next, return your pot in the plastic bag and place it once again in a protected place. The pot will be ready in about three weeks time. Do not forget to leach it first with water for a few days prior to planting on it as Portland cement has large quantities of lime which is harmful to plants.
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