Root over petrified wood

[symbiotic1]

Is there any reason why petrified wood might be a bad choice for a "root over rock" composition? Has anyone on here done it successfully? Do they hold up to the moisture and roots gripping them? Or do I need to be worried about any minerals locked in them as long as I know it doesn't come from a salt deposit area?

It seems like if you can find one that isn't tumbled or glossy[SPECIAL][/SPECIAL], they can have amazing texture. Just curious if there are any examples out there.

 

[DougB]

See no reason why they could not be used. Would not expect moisture to impact them. Only caveat would be that the petrified wood would be so interesting that it would detract from the tree. In my too few days out west I saw many pieces that would have taken the spotlight from any tree. Pictures when you have time please.

 

[symbiotic1]

Valid point there. I guess I'll have to make it a very interesting tree! I was planning to use a cork bark elm on it. Im envisioning sort of a tree on a craggy grey hillside in a forest somewhere, almost a bit spooky looking with the eventual bark and twiggyness the elm will develop. I was initially thinking of just a dark slate colored rock but noticed the petrified wood almost looks like mountains in miniature becuase of the texture and detail they can have. I don't have the rock yet so no photos to be had, just wanted to make sure it would be safe for the tree before pulling the trigger. I can post photos as an update once I start the process though.

 

[DougB]

Will be very interesting. (Brings back memories of AZ and CO) Please keep us updated with pictures.

 

[coh]

I'm glad this topic came up. We were at a gemstone/rock/mineral show a couple of months ago and picked up a couple of pieces of petrified wood. One nice polished specimen and another that had not been polished. The "raw" piece would actually be nice to use in a root over rock planting. It's interesting but not too interesting. I would think if you can find some unpolished pieces they could work well.

 

[Chris_HTC]

I planted this Elm over a piece of petrified wood 3 years ago this month. I just finished transplanting it today. It seems to be holding up pretty good.

 

[The Curator]

Looking very cool! Hood contrast with the bark of the tree too