Homemade Concrete Pots

[Krone]

Have read plenty about this topic, at this forum and elsewhere, but i did not find the definitive answer on how to winter proof them or if the mix that should withstand the winter temperatures was actually successful? Got any opinion / experiences regarding that topic?
Thanks

 

[sorce]

I trust the products in this thread.
Though a sealer isn't absolutely necessary.

The fibers hold everything together well.

Study about curing and approach it as scientifically as you can.

You can make it weak, or strong.

Sorce

 

[flor1]

Only two true givens about concrete is gray and eventually will crack.

 

[Silentrunning]

You can greatly increase the endurance of concrete by slowing the curing process. I have made a couple of test pots (no actual design) and kept them enclosed in plastic bags for 3 months and then put them in the dark and kept misting them for 3 more. Last winter I filled them with sand and water to see if they would crack. In the spring they were fine. My next experiment will be to see how thin I can make a pot and still keep it durable.

 

[rockm]

Concrete is not a real great material for bonsai pots. Calcium aluminate cement has been used for a long time for slabs and other bonsai containers. The product is called "Ciment Fondu" in Europe. It hold up better in weather/water and can be shaped more easily than "regular" cement. It also doesn't leach lime into the soil...

Fondu Technology

A world leader in calcium aluminate technology, Fondu Technology develops high-added-value products and innovative solutions tuned to its clients’ expectations.

www.fondu-technology.com

 

[Krone]

Doubt that i can get that stuff in may country...
I have read about lime in cement and i have found this: https://www.hunker.com/12261199/how-to-seal-concrete-planters-so-plants-dont-die
Is this legit?

 

[rockm]

Doubt that i can get that stuff in may country...
I have read about lime in cement and i have found this: https://www.hunker.com/12261199/how-to-seal-concrete-planters-so-plants-dont-die
Is this legit?

Doubt that i can get that stuff in may country...
I have read about lime in cement and i have found this: https://www.hunker.com/12261199/how-to-seal-concrete-planters-so-plants-dont-die
Is this legit?

Might not be able to get the brand name, but you can get hydraulic cement--do a search on calcium aluminate hydraulic cement and see what comes up...You are probably not going to be happy with Portland cement and how it works with freezing/constant wet...

 

[Ruben Bouwmeester]

I'm using this product: https://caltra.com/product/calight-40/
and used almost every product i can find in hardware store. Some worked find others not. Most off the product that are for use outside are ok.

Sticky stuff

About 4 year ago a started making pots and slab's form cement. A made a few for friends a mine. The inspiration came from erik http://www.atelierbonsai-element.com/en/ Here are a few picture's, hope you like it.

www.bonsainut.com

 

[Krone]

https://www.hunker.com/12261199/how-to-seal-concrete-planters-so-plants-dont-die

Have read that you should soak the pot into a vinegar solution to neutralise alkalinity. Does this sound correct?