Hypertufa is an economical cast “rock-like” material which can be used to craft bonsai pots and planting slabs for relatively inexpensive bonsai plantings and bonsai displays. Resembling real rock in appearance and extremely lightweight compared to its rock counterpart, Hypertufa can be easily formed into any shape while remaining strong enough to withstand freeze/thaw cycles common in most northern climates. The American Rock Garden Society employs this basic recipe when creating Alpine Troughs which range in texture from smooth finishes up to rougher rocky textures for creating “natural pots”.
Recommend visiting Hypertufamolds.net for additional ideas for Hypertufa moldings.
Ingredients of Cement/Portland cement for building: Cement and Portland cement as dry mixes
Builder’s sand, traction sand or “sandbox” sand; may include relatively large stones for texture!
Peat (which must be sifted through to remove lumps and foreign objects). Perlite
“Normal” garden variety perlite that has been sifted to remove larger lumps;
Permiculite: 100% vermiculite (some seed starters contain mixed vermiculite with additional materials such as compost or peat; however this won’t work); Fibermesh: “Shredded fiberglass fibers for extra strength).
Concrete Dye (optional)
All of the following mixtures work similarly: first mix all of the dry ingredients thoroughly before slowly adding water until you achieve a thick “mud pie” texture, pour it into molds, shape (pour it), and allow it to cure – typically 1 to 2 months! Molds can be constructed several ways. One method I think would be straightforward is creating an inverted “bowl”-shaped mold from sand and then lining it with plastic (such as heavy garbage bags). Once hypertufa has been placed into this mold, cover it with plastic and leave to cure for several days before unmolding it. Cover it for its remaining cure time, then uncover it. After it dries, use wire brush or saw to rough up its surface; cut drainholes as needed using screw driver or drill; add drainholes if required using screw driver or drill; if you prefer an uneven finish you may also “melt” exposed fiberglass using propane torch or candle.
Blends to Consider (Basic and Variation 1) For optimal results, we suggest mixing 1 part cement, 1 part sand and 2 parts peat into your mix. Alternatively, try using 1.5 parts cement, 1.5 parts sand and 1.5 parts peat as your ingredients for your custom blends.
Personally, I haven’t used any of these mixtures myself, although I did observe a demonstration in October 1993 and saw the finished slabs by November 1993. Keep in mind that the finer the mix, the smoother will be its texture in terms of finished product texture.
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