What is hypertufa and how is it used?
What is Hypertufa. Hypertufa is an artificial stone material that is made of several different aggregates and mixed with portland cement in order to create pots, planters, stepping stones and more. It is much lighter than cement but can still withstand harsh weather conditions. It is primarily used as garden art and is fairly easy and fun to make.
Do hypertufa planters make a mess?
Hypertufa planters will make quite a crunchy mess, and they can stain the containers you use to mix them in. If you’re attached to any of your buckets or tools, don’t use them for this process. Instead, grab a bucket, wheelbarrow, or large plastic bowl that you don’t mind getting a little messy. [2]
How do you make hypertufa pots?
Hypertufa Pots How-To. 1. Wearing rubber gloves and a dust mask to avoid breathing cement dust, mix 3 parts perlite, 3 parts peat moss, and 2 parts Portland cement in a plastic tub. If desired, add cement pigment for color. If making a large pot, add acrylic fibers for strength.
What is hypertufa mold?
The term "hypertufa" refers to a type of artificial stone, and is a conglomerate of the words "tufa," a natural volcanic rock, and "hyper," a prefix meaning excessively or extremely; hypertufa are extremely rock-like containers. You can use almost anything that has an interesting shape for a mold, such as an old tub, bin, or nursery pot.
How long does hypertufa last?
The durability of hypertufa containers depends on the ingredients you use. Those made with sand can last 20 years or more, but they are quite heavy. If you substitute with perlite, the container will be much lighter, but you will probably only get ten years of use out of it.
What grows in hypertufa pots?
Planting Succulents in Hypertufa Pots Hypertufa pots are extremely versatile; many plants will grow well in them, including all types of succulents.
What is hypertufa made out of?
0:082:42How to Make Hypertufa Pots - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlanters can cost a lot so why not whip up a bunch with a batch of hypertufa. One of the mainMorePlanters can cost a lot so why not whip up a bunch with a batch of hypertufa. One of the main benefits of paper tufa. It's so much lighter than concrete. It's a mix of one part Portland cement one
What is hypertufa good for?
Hypertufa is great for making stepping stones, garden ornaments, planting troughs, sculptures, and more. Hypertufa is made by mixing various amounts of Portland cement and sand with peat moss, perlite, and water. Since this stone-like material is porous, it also makes an excellent choice for use as planters.
Can hypertufa hold water?
Hypertufa troughs are an earthy and natural container that goes with every garden style. Modeled after ancient stone troughs that were once used to hold water and feed for livestock in England and the Orient; later they were repurposed into planters. The look of these troughs as containers became very popular.
Is hypertufa safe for plants?
One of the main ingredients in hypertufa is Portland cement which is very alkaline. Leaching the lime out of the hypertufa is the final step to make sure the alkalinity of the portland cement won't be toxic to your plants. Because hypertufa is porous it can withstand winter expansion/contraction better than concrete.
How long does hypertufa take to dry?
Once you have molded the hypertufa in to the form and you are happy with the way it looks, it is time to begin the curing process. This is a two stage process; the first part lasts between 24-48 hours and the longer curing should take about four weeks.
How do you make a hypertufa planter?
Mix 1 part Portland cement with 1.5 parts each of peat moss and perlite in a large tub. Add just enough water so that when you form a ball in your hands and squeeze it, it holds its shape and little or no water drips out.
Can I use quikrete in hypertufa?
1:063:25Which Bag Do I Buy to Make Hypertufa Pots? Portland Cement!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut these are concrete mixes. And they will say on them concrete mix fast-setting etc things likeMoreBut these are concrete mixes. And they will say on them concrete mix fast-setting etc things like that.
Can hypertufa pots be painted?
Painting hypertufa with a latex paint makes for easier cleanup and I happen to have some leftover paint so that there is no expense involved. This color is not white but an eggshell color ( it may have been called Honey.) Contrasting the pot with green plants inside will look really good.
How do I make my concrete planters durable and lightweight?
0:183:21Fix This: Lightweight concrete planters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need peat moss and you need quick-setting cement okay anyone want that it's quick setting rightMoreYou need peat moss and you need quick-setting cement okay anyone want that it's quick setting right setting yes because this stuff takes a long time to dry anyway.
Will hypertufa stick to styrofoam?
Use a foam brush to paint the styrofoam with a thin coat of yellow wood glue. This helps the hypertufa adhere. It doesn't matter whether the glue is dry or not when the hypertufa mixture is applied.
Can you make hypertufa without peat moss?
If you do not wish to use peat in hypertufa projects, you can substitute other organic materials. Combine 2 parts cement, 1 1/2 parts perlite and 2 parts coir fiber in a plastic bucket. Coir fiber is the fiber leftover from coconut husks when coconuts are harvested.
Can you paint hypertufa pots?
Yes, You Can Paint Hypertufa!
Will hypertufa stick to plastic?
The mix won't stick to cardboard, plastic, or Styrofoam molds.
What can I use for hypertufa molds?
Plastic planters or buckets can be used. I look in the thrift store or recycle center for plastic bowls; these come in all shapes and sizes, and are easy to use; line with plastic so you can get the pot out once it's done. Use old plastic bowls from the thrift store...
What is hypertufa made of?
Hypertufa is an artificial stone material that is made of several different aggregates and mixed with portland cement in order to create pots, planters, stepping stones and more. It is much lighter than cement but can still withstand harsh weather conditions. It is primarily used as garden art and is fairly easy and fun to make.
What are some examples of hypertufa?
What you would like to make is pretty much up to you. Some examples would be Hypertufa Stepping stones, planters, bird baths & feeders and even totem poles.
How much perlite is needed for hypertufa?
You will find much more info on our “Hypertufa Recipes” page but the most basic recipe involves mixing 1.5 parts of perlite, 1.5 parts of peat and 1 part of Portland cement.
What is hypertufa planter?
The material has an ancient, hand-hewn quality; a perfect home for plants that you might find nestled into crevices in a rock garden, such as alpines, succulents, mosses and even tiny evergreens. Hypertufa is a versatile and strong material ...
What is hypertufa?
Hypertufa is a versatile and strong material that you can mold into your desired shape. Working with hypertufa is a messy endeavor, but those of us who reminisce about the pleasures of making mud pies will appreciate this opportunity to indulge in a childhood pastime while creating a custom planter with an instantly antique character.
What are some low maintenance plants?
Low-maintenance plants include sedum (in bunny), dwarf heuchera, selaginella, and hosta (clockwise). Begonias and caladiums in background bowl.
How long does it take for hypertufa to cure?
They require several days to cure before they can be planted. The basic ingredients for hypertufa are readily available at home improvement stores and garden centers. They include peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement.
What plants are in the center of the bowl of papyrus?
Clockwise from upper left: echeveria, jade plant (crassula), haworthia in center, peperomia and silver-leaf kalanchoe. This bowl of papyrus and water lily is surrounded by yellow-flowering corydalis and purple Persian shield in the upper-right corner. Add a few guppies for mosquito control.
What kind of soil do alpine plants like?
Small alpine plants that naturally grow in gravelly soil do well in stone and hypertufa planters.
What to put in a concrete bust for mosquito control?
Add a few guppies for mosquito control. Tuck a tufa planter into the edge of a pond or water garden and add a colorful red cobra pitcher plant. Water lettuce and ribbon grass in background. Water plants tucked into a concrete bust include trailing bacopa for hair and a water lettuce bow.
What is a hypertufa pot?
Hypertufa, or tufa, plant pots have a coarsely textured, stone-like appearance that’s pleasing to the eye. With their thick, porous texture, they are good containers for smaller plants, such as cacti, succulents, and alpine plants.
How to keep hypertufa in shape?
Press it into the center of your mold to keep the hypertufa in its shape as it dries. If there’s any holes or gaps, fill those in with more hypertufa until it’s solid-looking. The smaller portion inside will hold the sides in place as the hypertufa dries, so make sure your mixture is really packed in there.
How to get hypertufa off tools?
Hypertufa dries pretty quickly, and it’s super hard to scrape off once it’s dry. Spray your tools and mixing container out with water before you move onto the next steps so your cleanup job is easier. If you forget to spray off your tools, you might have to scrape them off later on.
What happens to the smaller portion of hypertufa?
The smaller portion inside will hold the sides in place as the hypertufa dries, so make sure your mixture is really packed in there .
How thick should hypertufa be?
Start by picking up handfuls of the hypertufa and pressing it down into the bottom of your mold, aiming for a layer that’s about 2 in (5.1 cm) thick. If you’re using a square or rectangular mold, remember to really pack it into the corners to avoid any holes in your planter.
How to keep plants from sucking up water?
While this is great for some plants, it can harm ones that need and love a lot of moisture. If you’re worried about your planters sucking up too much water, spray them down with a concrete sealer and let them dry for about 1 day.
How long does it take for a planter to dry?
Wrap the planter in plastic and set it aside for 14 to 36 hours. Here comes the hardest part: waiting. Wrap up your planter or pot in a plastic tarp and set it somewhere that it can stay cool and dry. After 14 to 36 hours, unwrap it and test the softness by scratching it with your fingernail.
What are some of the plants that I have been choosing for hypertufa planters?
Well, there is not just ONE that I love, so I will try and make a series of suggestions . These are ones I prefer for well-drained hypertufa troughs, since that’s my addiction or obsession.
What is the name of the little plant that looks like a tiny geranium?
I am totally in love with this little plant which looks like a tiny geranium. It is called Erodium reichardii “Bishop’s Form” Stork Bill. I think the term storksbill is used just as the term cranesbill is used for its larger look-alike, the geranium whose spent flowers look like a crane’s bill. These do too!
Hypertufa Design Ideas
Now that you know how to make a hypertufa pot, get creative. Try different shapes and textures and explore ways to make the most of your hypertufa creations.
Shape
Experiment with different container shapes, ranging from troughs and rectangles to bowls and pots. It’s okay to mix them -- the common material links a collection of pots with varying shapes and sizes. You can even tie the look together with a decorative finish.
Texture
Part of hypertufa’s appeal is that you can experiment with different textures. In addition to a smooth look, you can create interesting effects with bubble wrap, a rug pad or even by embedding random bamboo into the hypertufa before it dries.
Placement
Hypertufa containers can be surprisingly lightweight, so you can easily place them wherever some decoration is needed. Because of its rustic look, a single hypertufa container fits right into a rock garden. Or, you can create a pleasing vignette by grouping an odd number of hypertufa pots together. Mix up the heights and widths for variety.
Why use a hypertufa planter?
The weight and thus its portability factor is one of the prime reasons to make a hypertufa planter. They are lighter than cement pots in comparison. Hypertufa can be heavy, especially the very large ones , but compared to one made of cement, the weight is less. This helps when placing the garden planters around and among your flowers and shrubs, or even when you use it as a landscape planter.
Can hypertufa troughs withstand freezing temperatures?
Hypertufa pots and troughs made with a thick bottom and sides are perfectly suited to withstand freezing temperatures. I have several that I have made as far back as eight to ten years old, and they are as nice as they were when they came out of the mold.
How to remove hypertufa from planter pot?
Remove the plastic sheet, lift the smaller planter pot out of the mold, and then carefully remove the hypertufa from the larger mold. You may need to tap lightly around the sides to release it. Image Credit: Trisha Sprouse.
How to make a hypertufa pot look more porous?
Scrub the sides and rim of the hypertufa with a wire brush to rough up the surface and give it more of a porous stone appearance. You could also use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. Afterwards, mist the pot lightly with water, re-cover with plastic, and let it sit in a shaded or covered area for at least two weeks until dry. The pot will lighten in color and weight as it continues to dry.
How to make a side wall with hypertufa?
Then place it centered inside the larger planter pot, and pack the hypertufa mixture in the space between the two pots to create the side walls.
How to make a coppery patina?
If you'd like to create a bit of coppery patina to the pot, mix 1/4 cup of instant coffee with a teaspoon of water (or watered-down brown paint), and sponge some of the mixture into small crevices or areas around the pot. Blot with a damp paper towel to blend the edges and dilute some of the color.
How to neutralize lime in planter?
Before planting, neutralize the lime in the planter by pouring in one gallon of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Pour the solution out and let the planter dry.
Is hypertufa lighter than limestone?
Meant to mimic the old stone troughs of yesteryear, hypertufa planters are much lighter than limestone, so you can move them around, and they are super affordable to DIY. Plus, they're porous like stone, which makes plant roots happy, and can be used either indoors or outdoors.
What is hypertufa made of?
By definition, hypertufa is an anthropic rock, (that just means a rock made by humans). Mostly anthropic rock is thought of as cement. But those of us who make hypertufa are looking to make something that looks like concrete but is lighter and easier to use as planters or other garden art and ornaments.
What is the basic recipe for hypertufa?
But first of all, what is the Basic Hypertufa Recipe? The basic recipe uses Portland cement, a fine baby-powder-like or flour-like powder that is gray in color. If yours is chunked full of gravel and sand, that is not the Portland cement (or General Purpose Cement) that you want for hypertufa.
What is the final ingredient in hypertufa?
Peat moss is the final basic ingredient. This comes in bales and can be sifted to make it less chunky and mix better with the cement and vermiculite. The sphagnum peat moss is mainly what results in the porous nature of hypertufa. The tiny fragments of peat moss will decay over time and create tiny sponge-like breathing holes in the side and bottom of the hypertufa project, even creating tiny anchoring spots for roots and clinging or climbing tendrils.
Does fiber mesh help with hypertufa?
Fiber Mesh to strengthen your hypertufa project. In most cases, I don’t think this is necessary, but if you make a large piece of garden art, you may want to add a few handfuls of these hair-like strands. For me, this was hard to find. I had to finally go to a local concrete production facility. Here closest to me at the time was Ernst Concrete.
Can you mix concrete with hypertufa?
Concrete mix is NOT for hypertufa. The next ingredient is vermiculite or perlite (sand can also be used too). This is a part of the aggregate that goes into hypertufa along with the Portland cement which results in a lighter weight than if you were making CONCRETE.
Is hypertufa fun to make?
As you make more and more, you will find that you prefer one over the other and can then really get experimental. Hypertufa is fun to make, and for some people, can make some money selling them locally. Just be sure to practice all safety precautions.
Is coir more expensive than sphagnum?
This is called coir. It is a bit more expensive than sphagnum peat moss. If you have an objection to using peat moss, you could use a bag of potting soil or organic potting soil. Just check and see if your bag of potting soil is listed as composed mostly of….yeah, peat moss.
