This planter was another hypertufa project, this time using coloured cement oxide to create a tinted planter.

I wrote more about hypertufa in this article, but basically it is a lightweight form of concrete.

Portland cement is mixed with lightweight additives, such as perlite, untreated sawdust or coconut coir, to create an end product that has strength but also lightness.

The typical ratio to create hypertufa is 1 : 1 : 1 of Portland Cement, Perlite and Coconut Coir/Sawdust. Like the earlier hypertufa planter, I again experimented with a ratio of 2 : 3 : 3 of Portland cement, Perlite and Untreated Sawdust.

Additionally, I used a coloured concrete oxide (found in Bunnings NZ), in the colour Marigold oxide.

I wanted to create a planter that had a warm earth tone, to offset the cooler grey tones of the cement.

As in the earlier project, I followed the normal preparation, safety and cleanup process.

For this planter, I used a bucket lined with plastic and sprayed the internal surface with cooking oil. I also used an inner lining bucket, covered with plastic and sprayed with cooking oil. This creates the mould to shape the planter.

After measuring out the dry ingredients, I added 2 tablespoons of marigold oxide to the mix. This amount was experimental, but it seemed to produce the right result.

After the water was added to the mixture, the planter mould was filled, starting at the base and working up the sides. I flattened and smoothed the top rim as much as possible, but ultimately chose to leave it in its raw rustic state.

The planter mould was wrapped in plastic and left to set for 2 days. After the initial two day cure, the planter was removed from the bucket, wrapped in plastic, and set aside in the shade for two weeks. This ensures it completes its setting process.

After the two weeks, I unwrapped the planter. It will look darker initially, but will lighten as it air dries.

Again, similar to the previous planter, drainage holes were drilled in the base and a Fiddle Leaf Fig was planted.

Certainly not the easiest DIY project, but if you’re comfortable handling cement and have all the relevant safety and cleanup equipment, it can be an enjoyable project.

Being able to tint hypertufa with coloured concrete oxides provides a new range of customisation for your hypertufa projects, to match your indoor or outdoor style.