Make Bonsai Pots for Free

[@robbybobby6483]

In the good old days we used to use horse hair in the concrete. It works like a fiber additive to stop surface chips and cracking. Human hair is actually stronger than horse. Horse hair unlike human hair is heat resistant. One tip i have is sanded grout comes in colors and can be used just like cement to make various colored pots. Perlite mixed into the cement would make the finished dried pot lighter.

[@peterchan3100]

Like fibreglass or reinforced concrete - same principle.

[@salimerekhorami5039]

Woah thats briiliant

[@robbybobby6483]

@@sharoncampbell8566 organic material like coco peat will break down and be bad for the cement. Is swells with water then shrinks when it dries. That movement is bad for the growing crystals and so better to use a fibre that does not break down or rot.

[@latetodagame1892]

Gross!

[@Stettafire]

Ash added to the cement also gives a nice colour.

[@michaelhenderson643]

Concrete pots FAQ: Doesnt the high alkalinity of the cement damage the plants? After the chemical process that solidifies the concrete, the alkilinity will be almost completely gone. To get rid of any residual, soak the pot in water or simply leave it out in the rain. It will balance ph very easily. How do i make sure the pot doesnt crack? Cement naturally expands and contracts with heat/cold and dry/wet changes. To prevent cracking, add a sufficient amount of sand/perlite/pebbles to provide structure and offer some flexibility. For pots larger than 5lb, add micro fiber polyfibers to add durability and strength. For very large pots, add a metal structure of some kind, but know that rust will likely bleed through over the years. Should i water proof my pot? If you want to, use a penetrating acrylic product. That being said, its almost impossible to keep water from seeping into the pot over time. Leaving the pot unsealed will allow water to absorb and evaporate, and allow more air to pass through letting the pot breath, and be less likely to crack. This is also good for the plant, similar to a terracotta pot. I forgot to add drainage holes? The best way to cut or grind a hard pot is to put the pot in some water while you grind. The water will allow the pot to cut and grind without risking fractures, as well as preserving your drill bits. Let the weight of the tool do the work, applying too much force will crack the pot. Be sure to use bits rated for concrete/glass/metal, typically carbide bits. My pot is going to be too heavy! Keep in mind that a heavier pot can serve as a better foundation for a heavy, large tree. But if your pot is far too heavy, consider mixing in perlite to reduce weight, and consider if you made the edges and bottom too thick. Fun tips: pour multiple layers. Mix in acrylic concrete fortifiers into the layers after the first structural layer to ensure the new coats bite. Sponge down new coats to allow the new coat to fill cracks while exposing the older coats and leaving a nice contrasting pattern. Consider mixing in stucco color packs to change the colors of your mix. These packs seal in the color and hold their color through the ages.

[@peterchan3100]

Clever tips - thank you for sharing.

[@NMranchhand]

Good supplementary info👍

[@NMranchhand]

@@peterchan3100 Say, Mr. Chan, I’m going to start into your books, never having read one, and I wonder in what order would you advise me to proceed through them, regardless of whether they are in, or out of print.

[@michaelhenderson643]

@@sharoncampbell8566 the mix in the video looks like portland and sand, a stucco. The kind of cement people put between bricks when they make a wall. The lime in stucco is extremely corrosive, ive been burned by it more times than i could count. But its a key ingredient for a mix that serves well as a pot. The portland cement is strong, but brittle. The sand is a vital part. Without the sand, portland cement chips easily and cracks easily. You can buy a good mix that is similar, spec mix. There arent any rocks or pebbles, just sand. Portland and sand. All harsh chemicals in concrete mixes are gone after hardening. In my business, ive installed thousands of lbs of fake rock next to trees and plants on the edges of pools. The plants never mind at all.

[@michaelhenderson643]

@@NMranchhand my favorite is "choosing and growing bonsai." Is very practical and offers basic information on keeping common, easily available trees as Bonsai. If youre looking for beautiful photography, go with 1: "bonsai, the art of growing and keeping miniature trees" or 2: "the complete book of bonsai, principles and practice." 1 focuses on details of methods and practice and looks at several species of trees, 2 takes a general but very informative look at the art and practice overall.

[@tomfletcher1588]

I knew I wasn't crazy i have been thinking about making pots like this but thought they would be ugly and crack to much. Ceramic pots cost a fortune and I've found it's cheaper to buy the cheap factory grown bonsai from garden centers use the tree as stock for cuttings and airlayering and then you have a empty pot and verious species and amounts off trees for less than what a pot cost's on it own. I also enjoy noodles and find that a certain brand that comes in blue pots is perfect as for £2 you get a meal and a pot with a drip tray. Definitely going to mix some cement and give this ago when the weather gets abit warmer and dryer although I think il use clingfilm or a plastic lining instead of bags to try and achieve a smoth finish with a bit of paint and luck they might look as good as bought ceramic pots. Thank you so much for all your advice and knowledge you are a master with alot of grateful apprentice's.

[@jtaylor126]

What kind of paint should be used? Thanks!

[@Tybold63]

I love when people don't let useful things and material go to waste, thumbs up

[@mallmanceramics2048]

I'm new to bonsai, and I have enjoyed watching your videos very much. I really appreciate that you provide an experience for all economic and skill levels and that there is variety of aesthetic approaches. You make this art very approachable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@jimmoody4404]

I've seen many techniques for conc planter, many very skillful. I tried some with partial success. This method is next on my list. Thanks very much for sharing Peter. Your videos are brilliant.

[@t3dwards13]

Thanks for sharing this! Another way is to flip the container upside down, and coat the outside with cement. Then you can add feet, drainage and whatever texture you want outside.

[@davidschare283]

I would like to tell you , I think you are the most amazing Bonsai man nobody does it like you my friend. Thank You for everything you do and teach us

[@anitawaters9275]

Dear Sir, thank you for all your knowledge you’ve have giving people interested in the art of bonsai. I’ve searched other KZbin videos and found that you give of yourself to teach others in an easy explanation of how to care and different topics like making your own pots if your on a limited income. I appreciate you and am blessed have found your your channel. Thank you Mr Chan. Greetings from USA 🇺🇸

[@salimerekhorami5039]

Im going to do this when it stops raining. Looks wonderful, pure creativity, zero waste 💖

[@putnamehereholdmadoodle]

My dad has a computer, he keeps sending me FarmVille request. What should I do?

[@NMranchhand]

It’s OK! Cement will even cure under water. Go ahead and work in the rain; no fear.

[@katherinespencer2073]

I spray with Pam. Then line the inside with leaves, shells, beads, bits of crockery Sometimes hot glueing them before the cement is put inside. Remember to face it correctly ( pretty side against the side of the form) AND the necks of cheap water bottles set into the base to create drainage hole in the center. I like to refine any system that I use as time goes by. Everyone who has some lace doilies which they never use could line the mold with those for really interesting texture.

[@retired3711]

totally trying the doilies, great idea! thanks for the tips!

[@mikec3820]

awesome to see a pro like you peter still making diy pots and things like it. all us poor folks know. waste not want not.. thank you for sharing all your know-how sir

[@lorettamaeder7219]

Never an opportunity wasted. That was easy with materials around anyone's home. Thank you kind Sir.

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

I am always a fan of your channel a good tip is take a heat gun to blow on the plastic that is caught in the cement and it will disappear, then get the camera person a nice gimble the footage will look like a national geographics documentary and for drainage of the pots take a piece of foam or a plastic bottle cap and submerge in the bottom of the pot to pop out later. Love your channel and thank you for all the free info, if we were closer I would sign up for your classes

[@atroutflycrazy8057]

Thankyou Peter that was a really inspiring and simple way to make pots, i recently made a few concrete bonsai pots , slightly diff type of pot to yours but they came out nice . Theres so much you can do with cement and styles of pot.

[@Blaydrnnnr]

Brilliant, and so very UN-selfish of you, to show people a way to make this art form even more creative, and cheap. I've done this with concrete dye. The suggestions from viewers on texturing are brilliant. Thank you Peter.

[@ardri31]

This is excellent, I need to repot my 2 year old Japanese black pine I grew from seed and I myself cannot afford a nice bonsai pot. What an inspiring video. Thank you Peter 😊

[@erniesmith1097]

See everybody the lesson from Mr Chann waste nothing he has so much good and pratical information to share with everybody. Love your style Mr Peter Chann. 🏅🏅🏅. Ernie smith from brisbane Australia

[@peterchan3100]

One of my greatest lessons in life is to be frugal.

[@SarelvdWalt]

When you struggle to get rid of those plastic that's stuck in the cement, I find just taking a flame to it (match for small parts, candle for bigger ones - or even cutting torch). It burns the plastic away, and also leaves an interesting scorched effect on the cement.

[@HootMaRoot]

I made something similar last year it was a bird bath and I used a round dustbin lid as a mould

[@mikenco]

DIY shops sell little bags of "Post Mix" or "Slab Mix" for anyone who doesn't want to buy 25kg bags of sand & cement. These little bags are ready mixed and just need to add a water.

[@sergeykuznetsov8291]

I've recently took up pottery. Clay is another beutiful medium, that is so fun to work with! One of my future projects is a new pot for my bonsai.

[@jokesterk5302]

I think it's very creative,practical ,and it is decorative. What else could we want,such a good idea. You are one of a kind,just love it! Thank you,for sharing agsin!

[@ranjanty]

I like this man, he is a bit like myself ...., very frugal and doesn't like to waste things.

[@GT-of4ts]

This makes me so happy. Thanks for these videos and everything you share! You experience and wisdom is a gift to all!

[@Deepseaotter]

Love this! I would love to try this!!! Love your videos Peter, and admire your works of living sculpture!!!

[@MrQuarfoth]

Hello from Sweden! I love everything you do on the channel! Thank you for everything you do!

[@timp1390]

always keeps bonsai accessible!! you the man Peter👍

[@DarleneBoyd]

Thank you. I like and agree with the plastic bag liners fir ease if release as well as texture. Will be doing this for making some of my pots.

[@verticalmatt]

It cannot be more simple

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

I appreciate this video so much! I am basically in same position you where in in 1966! Very inspiring and insightful thank you

[@angie3504]

A Peter original. Totally enjoyed the simplicity of creating something beautiful.

[@peterchan3100]

Beautiful things are often simple

[@rconner96]

I love this! I was wondering about the leftover plastic bag. Then I figure you could use a small torch and burn it off 😉👍

[@vandoren156]

interesting texture without the plastic can be obtained using paper, the cement bags work great for that. The paper can be burned off or soaked and removed with a brush, or simply let the empty pots outside for a bit and the weather will do the work. Another way is to use the ground, digging a random hole and using that as the outside container, if the plant is in a big plastic pot it is fairly easy to use that directly as inside mold, put a paper bag around the plant vase (in ok weather the plant wont suffer and it can be removed in a day before the concrete fully cures).

[@nancyreier1070]

Love ur show. You are so inspirational to everyone. Thank you.

[@putnamehereholdmadoodle]

You are also, keep.being you. You are awesome and always will be.

[@MidniteSan]

Ikebana 👏... Reminded me of my late mom instantly 😅. I've tried similar pot making once, I applied used engine oil as release agent and chicken wire as reinforcement 😂. Thx for sharing Peter, refreshing indeed👍.

[@zattoart]

Thanks Mr. Chen! That was lovely and really simple! I’m going to make a couple!

[@mailie6403]

A lovely seasonable natural design in a really nice home made pot. Thank you.

[@cromaxcromagnon3573]

Profi 🥰 Thank you, for this and all of you're Uploads!!! Master of..... Sensei of Bonsai 🤗 For the younger people, listen this man! This knowledge is very high🙏

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

What a Nice Summer Time Project. I will definitely make these Beautiful Bonsai pots. I am going to have so much fun making pots

[@jamessantiagovsky1882]

nice video. very creative pot idea.

[@italianmommaotts3185]

I'm making cement pot's!!!! Looks great

[@hootiebubbabuddhabelly]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

[@YatesNac]

I have a question about moss. I know this video isn't focused on moss, but I thought, since this is Mr. Chan's most recent video, my question has a good chance of being answered. Moss Question: when I see growers that have placed moss growing on the soil in bonsai pots, is that moss growing there for the life of the tree? Or is moss added temporarily to make the bonsai look better for a show/gallery/exhibition? Thanks in advance for any answers.

[@lethanhlong8563]

Moss are long live than you could imagine actually. I have here some ficus pot covered in moss for years. They help keep moisture as well.

[@sid6554]

I'm sorry that Le was unable to answer your question. The answer is both and neither. It seems that I didn't answer your question either.

[@peterchan3100]

The moss you see on exhibition bonsai are usually put on just for the show. But if a tree is watered regularly - moss will grow naturally. Hope that answers your questions.

[@sid6554]

Peter Chan to the rescue! My older brother's childhood hero was Jackie Chan, but my hero is Peter Chan :)

[@jotaroslegs2345]

Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@MrPerforations]

just what i needed, thank you Peter.

[@peterbathum2775]

and again, thank the fates for putting you in that apartment and rooting the development of your art and craft of Bonsai nice that you are showcasing the ancient economy of resueing used materials, even better that they are supposedly one use plastic and foams

[@oNorw]

I want to do the while bonsai hobby in a cheap and sustainable way, like using old hedges for making bonsai and rather buy used pots or make my own and even though some people would think the concrete pots looks "bad" they actually looks good imo. I got friends that work in construction so it would be no issue to get some concrete for free once in a while. Im even thinking of making a wood mold that can be taken apart so i can make "uniform" pots.

[@bryniebear3547]

chicken wire for strength and coconut oil as a nonsticking agent work beautifully

[@Aimless_Funktion]

I strive to be like you Peter everyday. I want to build what you have and have my own. I know it's not the most lucrative but not all artists Are

[@peterchan3100]

I wish you every happiness in pursuing this goal. Stay happy and stay blessed.

[@suer666]

Oh my 1st today. So appropriate as ive been thinking of making some pots

[@tobhomott]

I've been thinking about casting some pots in aluminum, or maybe bronze. But most people do not have a home foundry... concrete seems like a great option too!

[@MultiMrban]

Sir, without wire will it crack/break easily? Tq

[@Alepoudiitsa]

yep that what my pots are made of and i even use water drainers that we use on cooking old one it are nice full of halls.

[@Alepoudiitsa]

i put oil that i used on fraing so the don't get stuck in the placting

[@bridgeth.9594]

Love this thank you for sharing your wisdom. 💯🌞❤️

[@surfearth1]

Can you do a video on moss? I can never keep it green!

[@musicasempre1000]

Thank you!! You are amazing.

[@cakelady62]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND YOUR LOVE OF LIFE. YOU ARE A GIFT FROM GOD SIR. BLESS YOU!

[@drewjohnson4673]

Really enjoyed your demonstration! How did you get the concrete that tan/beige color? Thank you. Mike

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Cool idea in a jelly mold of concrete. Super idea!!!

[@gayefanner731]

Hello Tom, fancy meeting you here! I take it all’s well God’s richest blessings to you 🙏✝️ ✌️🇺🇦🌻✌️

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

@@gayefanner731 Hello Gaye. Sitting with my new 8 year old dog that I took in when my cousin died last Sunday. She had an operation 2 weeks prior to his death so I can do nothing until she heals and we see the vet surgeon on June 10. Glad to see you here also. Watching videos and now have 3 dogs. One happy family. Tom

[@gayefanner731]

Have a look at Nillys Bonsai & Gardening, lovely chap n English moated castle grounds n greenhouse 👌

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

@@gayefanner731 Okay. I will check it out.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

@@gayefanner731 Also check out: Gardening in Canada. She is a soil scientist with great information on soil.

[@cyndy338]

Wonderful and inspirational! Thanks so much! 👏👏👏👏👍🥇🏆💕

[@GrowWithKit]

That’s awesome, thanks Peter.

[@latetodagame1892]

I can't believe you are showing the secrets!

[@davidmurray9844]

Truly amazing thank you for sharing

[@bonzairebellion4663]

Thank you Peter 🙏

[@bobskiale]

well done love your content ! i was 2 in 67 X

[@RohanKumar-xy7hb]

A tip to make pot stronger -Use wire in pot . You can set them in pot while casting the cement

[@patriciavelasco340]

what kind of color you use? oil or acrílic paint?

[@emijuman1397]

Beautiful 🤩

[@RodneyPeters]

I love this! What did you do for soil and fertilizer when you were broke?

[@peterchan3100]

I used to use builders sand or concrete ballast to pot my pines and larches. Grew the best bonsai with this as the soil.

[@mariapilarme]

Great tip! Thanks 😊

[@rsa420]

Got a few ideas lined up thanks for sharing as always

[@zekesmith354]

you mentioned painting these pots. what type of paint do you use? follow up video?

[@peterchan3100]

Masonry or wall paint for outdoors

[@kryspinkiedrowski3330]

Such a legend!

[@carloscruz6536]

Thanks for sharing your secrets 👍👍🇵🇷

[@wood-youknowit]

Very nice, I love it. Great job!

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

Great idea for warmer climates but not so much for out long winters in the Great Lakes region where temperatures can be very cold and many pots don't survive the freeze/thaw cycle.

[@peterchan3100]

Concrete shouldn't crack in frost.

[@almac2598]

Thanks Peter.

[@Nottherebutthere]

Put straws through for drainage holes before cement sets up completely.

[@abrdds]

Fascinating video

[@kurtkampmeier]

Love that pot

[@uN00b]

Use cardboard, or similar to allow for drainage holes in advance. Also, be sure to soak in vinegar water a few times to get rid of the alkalinity before using.

[@3apa3a4eva]

Ah, that was fun! 🥰

[@JASHIKO_]

You can use this method and take a little more time to get really nice looking pots. These are rough as guts but the concept is sound!

[@peterchan3100]

You dont understand what 'primitive' pots are all about. Its a genre. Read about it

[@JASHIKO_]

@@peterchan3100 I'm very much aware. But there are levels of primitive ;)

[@robertbrandner]

A different kind of "Bag Trick" :-D

[@henzobonsai]

Nice sharing

[@michaelosborne3414]

15:42 Pops open first aid kit, gets bonsai scissors out

[@swimminwitdafishes8059]

This is not my original idea but I make mine by dipping odd cut pieces of old clothing into soupy Portland cement. The cloth pieces are laid over a plastic pot put into a plastic garbage bag and is used as a mold. The garbage bag stops the Portland from sticking to the mold and porous cloth acts as the aggregate with no sand or gravel needed. 2 layers of dipped cloth are allowed to partially dry and a layer of soupy Portland is brushed on inside and out for added strength. After drying for about a week it is very strong with 1/2 the weight of ceramic or concrete planters. I finish with a thin layer of white tile mortar, applied by hand, for aesthetics but is not necessary. Simple, effective and extremely inexpensive.

[@Bonsai286]

I like primitive pots 😃

[@htbwhite7721]

The synergy between the ugly primitive pot and the plant arrangement some how makes the whole composition simply beautiful. Thank you Mr Chan for the inspiration. It so happens that I salvaged half a bag of easy mix concrete from a neighbour so will definitely have a go at making my own pots.

[@elizabethturel78]

You never cease to amaze!🪷🤗

[@saviourwofesor2905]

Grandpa used the Dog's bowl for a bonsai pot. Hope our dog was fed any way 😊

[@kelvintan674]

can use some flame to grid of plastic

[@mikesbonsaiandmore]

Very nice video, thanks for showing :-)

[@josemg784]

That' s a great idea, peter. I'll definitely make a pot of my own one of these days. By the way, what's the ratio of cement to sand in your concrete mix?

[@peterchan3100]

4:1

[@treesbonsaiperfect8420]

Wow so beautifoll your every bonsai trees good work 😊❤🌳

[@boym8123]

Cheers mr Peter I've just got some cheapo fragile £2 "breeze blocks" to carve out for same idea :)

[@peterchan3100]

I will talk about it one day too.

[@vandamourao5516]

wonderful!

[@hennesseyme9112]

I hope that pot never breaks, but for me it would be cheaper to just purchase the pot. Do you sell pots?

[@TrialanError]

Thank you sir