How to Make a Hypertufa Pot for Plants

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Make a Hypertufa Pot for Plants

How to Make a Hypertufa Pot for Plants

It's easy to make your own hypertufa pots for your plants. Autumn through winter is the perfect time to make them so they will be ready for spring planting!!

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Step 1 of 20
Gather your materials together. Peat Moss, Perlite and Portland Cement can all be found at Home Depot or other home improvement stores.

Gather your materials together. Peat Moss, Perlite and Portland Cement can all be found at Home Depot or other home improvement stores.

Step 2 of 20
Measure out one part peat moss and one part perlite. I used an old dishwashing tub to mix the hypertufa.

Measure out one part peat moss and one part perlite. I used an old dishwashing tub to mix the hypertufa.

Step 3 of 20
Put on your gloves and mix together the peat moss and perlite. Break apart any clumps of peat moss.

Put on your gloves and mix together the peat moss and perlite. Break apart any clumps of peat moss.

Step 4 of 20
Add one part Portland cement and mix together thoroughly.

Add one part Portland cement and mix together thoroughly.

Step 5 of 20
Add water, a little at a time as you mix the hypertufa. I used less than one part water. This measurement will vary based on how moist your peat moss is.

Add water, a little at a time as you mix the hypertufa. I used less than one part water. This measurement will vary based on how moist your peat moss is.

Step 6 of 20
The hypertufa should hold it's shape when squeezed together. If it is too wet it will be hard to build up the sides of the pot.

The hypertufa should hold it's shape when squeezed together. If it is too wet it will be hard to build up the sides of the pot.

Step 7 of 20
Use two nesting containers to mold one hypertufa pot. Spray the inside of the larger pot with nonstick cooking spray.

Use two nesting containers to mold one hypertufa pot. Spray the inside of the larger pot with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 8 of 20
Press a layer of the hypertufa mixture at least a half inch thick on the bottom of the larger container.

Press a layer of the hypertufa mixture at least a half inch thick on the bottom of the larger container.

Step 9 of 20
Build up the sides of the pot at least a half inch thick.

Build up the sides of the pot at least a half inch thick.

Step 10 of 20
Spray the outside of the smaller pot with nonstick cooking spray.

Spray the outside of the smaller pot with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 11 of 20
Press the smaller container into the larger one to mold the pot.

Press the smaller container into the larger one to mold the pot.

Step 12 of 20
Pack in the hypertufa mixture to build the sides of the pot.

Pack in the hypertufa mixture to build the sides of the pot.

Step 13 of 20
Smooth out the top edge of the pot.

Smooth out the top edge of the pot.

Step 14 of 20
Work quickly to make the pots. You can add a little water if the hypertufa mixture dries out while working.

Work quickly to make the pots. You can add a little water if the hypertufa mixture dries out while working.

Step 15 of 20
Wrap the pots in plastic bags and place in the shade to dry. The humidity will allow the pots to dry more evenly, making the pots stronger once they are fully cured.

Wrap the pots in plastic bags and place in the shade to dry. The humidity will allow the pots to dry more evenly, making the pots stronger once they are fully cured.

Step 16 of 20
You can remove the inner bowl in 24 hours. Wrap the hypertufa in a plastic bag again.

You can remove the inner bowl in 24 hours. Wrap the hypertufa in a plastic bag again.

Step 17 of 20
Remove the outer mold in a few days and replace the plastic bag. The pots will be fully cured in about 4 weeks.

Remove the outer mold in a few days and replace the plastic bag. The pots will be fully cured in about 4 weeks.

Step 18 of 20
Place the fully cured hypertufa in a large container of water. Change the water every day for three days. This will allow the free lime to leach from the pots, making it safe for plants.

Place the fully cured hypertufa in a large container of water. Change the water every day for three days. This will allow the free lime to leach from the pots, making it safe for plants.

Step 19 of 20
Drill a hole for drainage if you would like.

Drill a hole for drainage if you would like.

Step 20 of 20
Plant and enjoy.

Plant and enjoy.

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3 Comments
Supplies

Peat Moss (1 part)

Perlite (1 part)

Portland Cement (1 part)

Water (approximately 1 part)

Container to Mix Hypertufa

Nonstick Cooking Spray

Nesting Containers

Gloves

Plastic Bags

πŸŒ΅Γ‘Γ tΓΌrë🌾 ŁâvΔ™rπŸ„

This is a great idea, thanks for sharing!

πŸŒ΅Γ‘Γ tΓΌrë🌾 ŁâvΔ™rπŸ„ 4 months ago

Richard Henderson

Nice guide. My wife will love these. Thanks.

Richard Henderson 7 months ago

Ed Rd

Great guide. Thanks for warning me about the free lime, I didn't even know about that. Your awesome.

Ed Rd 7 months ago

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Ed Rd

Making double the pots on top of each other is brilliant πŸ‘

Ed Rd 7 months ago

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shmarz 🌡

@Boris You can place the pots back in the same bag once you remove the mold. Then let them fully dry in the plastic bag, in the shade for 4 weeks. Have fun making some pots!! πŸ˜„

(author) 7 months ago

Boris Borealis

In the shade for 4wks? Thx for posting this guide :)

Boris Borealis 7 months ago

Boris Borealis

I'm a little confused about this step, do I put the pots back in a new plastic bag, or remove them from the plastic & let them air dry I

Boris Borealis 7 months ago

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shmarz 🌡

πŸ˜„πŸŒ΅

(author) 7 months ago

Ed Rd

That's a cute barrel cactus

Ed Rd 7 months ago