How to Make Concrete & Perlite Flower Pots

Overview

Hypertufa is a type of faux stone that is a substitute for natural tufa, a volcanic rock that is porous in nature and very light. Tufa was a substance favored by the Romans for use in buildings because it was light and easy to shape. Hypertufa is made like a mud pie. There are a number of recipes for making hypertufa, but the most basic recipe is 3 parts concrete or cement and 9 parts aggregate such as perlite, vermiculite and peat moss. This recipe uses hypertufa to create your own flower pot.

Step 1

Put on protective clothing, gloves, breathing mask and goggles before beginning your project.

Step 2

Measure out concrete, perlite and peat moss at a ratio of 3 parts concrete, 5 parts peat moss and 4 parts perlite.

Step 3

Mix concrete, perlite and peat moss in a 5-gallon bucket until the mixture is the consistency of a mud pie.

Step 4

Grease the sides of a flower pot with petroleum jelly. This will help in the unmolding process.

Step 5

Apply the concrete mixture to the sides of a plastic flower pot to mold them into the correct shape.

Step 6

Press chicken wire into the hypertufa shape to reinforce it. Cover with more of the mixture and sculpt the exterior into a pleasing shape.

Step 7

Wrap the hypertufa with plastic sheeting and allow it to cure for 24 to 36 hours.

Step 8

Unwrap the hypertufa pot and gently unmold it.