Hypertufa is possibly the cheapest way to get a lot of pots and containers for your succulents. You can make your hypertufa containers, which is a fun and relatively easy project.
Supplies
- Mixing tub
- Container for measuring
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Portland cement
- Concrete reinforcing fibers
- Dust mask
- Rubber gloves
- Trowel
- Plastic drop cloth
- Plastic container for a mold
- Wire brush
Basic Hypertufa Recipe
1 part portland cement
1 1/2 parts sphagnum peat moss
1 1/2 parts perlite
Five Easy Steps
Step 1
Measure and mix the peat moss, perlite, cement, and a small handful of reinforcing fibers in your tub. At this stage, you will kick up plenty of dust, so wear a dust mask.
Add the water while stirring with your trowel. Test the consistency frequently, as it is much easier to add water than readjust the dry ingredients. The mix is ready when a squeezed handful retains its shape and does not release more than a few drops of water.
Step 2
Mold the mixture around the chosen object and place it upside down on the plastic drop cloth. Avoid objects with a pronounced lip since they make it difficult to remove from the finished container.
Pack the mixture around the object's sides, tamping it down firmly to bond the hypertufa to itself and avoid a crumbly texture. A 1- to 2-inch (2.5 to 5 cm) layer on all sides will create strong walls.
Flatten the intended bottom of the completely covered object for stability, and shape the sides to the desired form. Then poke your finger through the bottom to create a drainage hole.
Step 3
Wrap the container in the plastic sheeting, and place it in a shady spot for about a day to let it harden.
Step 4
Remove the wrapping after the hypertufa has had a day to harden. The mixture will be firm but still soft enough to work with. Turn the container over, and remove the mold. Brush the sharp edges and the smooth top, if desired, to give the container a rougher, more natural look.
Step 5
Rewrap your container, and place it in a shady place for another two days. Then unwrap it, and soak it with a hose periodically over a few weeks to leach out the residual lime from the cement, which would harm plants.
Source: oregonstate.edu
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus