Can You Make Planter Pots from Aircrete?

  • Context: Lawn/Garden 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Stephen Tashi
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SUMMARY

Aircrete can be used to create lightweight planter pots, but specific formulations may lead to issues such as cracking and bending. A video analysis highlighted these problems, indicating that while aircrete is a viable option, it requires careful consideration of its properties. Additionally, due to its closed-pore composite nature, aircrete necessitates regular fertilization to supply essential minerals to plants, unlike other materials such as hypertufa and papercrete, which require lengthy curing times.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aircrete composition and properties
  • Knowledge of plant nutrient requirements
  • Familiarity with lightweight concrete alternatives like hypertufa and papercrete
  • Basic skills in DIY construction techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research aircrete formulation techniques to minimize cracking
  • Explore the nutrient management for plants in closed-pore composites
  • Investigate alternative lightweight materials for planter pots
  • Watch tutorials on creating and maintaining aircrete planters
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Gardeners, DIY enthusiasts, and materials engineers interested in innovative planter solutions and lightweight construction methods.

Stephen Tashi
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TL;DR
Can pots to hold plants be made from aircrete?
There are numerous YouTube videos about making lightweight flowerpots from hypertufa and papercrete. Can such items be made from aircrete? (A disadvantage of hypertufa and papercrete is that pots must be cured for a week to month before using them.)

The one video I found about using aircrete for a planter box determined that the particular formulation of aircrete he used had problem with cracking and bending. at 18:50
 
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Possible, but it would be less convenient to maintain - will need to regularly add fertilizer, because aircrete is closed-pore composite, and therefore provide very few minerals to plants in the pot.