Marica,

I cannot speak for either of Laura or Tracy, but there is some debate as to whether a plant will establish a bigger root mass if left under the soil? If grown in a pot that allows room for good growth, I believe that the plant genetically is going to grow natural as destined. Unless there is human intervention of involved. The root mass is going to grow larger as the plant ages, no matter what we do.

Whether the plant is left, never lifted or visa versa. The root mass will be called it's "Caudex" when lifted.

The Arabicums/TS will grow wider (again genetic make up, not all) if left with out raising. In fact when having centipede/decorated root plants are best with roots kept under soil, as they will grow larger in some respects as opposed to being lifted out of the soil.

Rick

Never done any manipulation with my 3 seed grown ones. They're natural with minor roots trimmed off as I prefer them that way and I've lifted them slightly in spring. I don't do any further lifting now though. The visible caudex on each one continues to expand, have no idea what's going on underground till next repot in spring 2017.

Meant to say I trim the minor roots off as I don't like those. I do however like centipede and decorated roots and not just naturally grown ones. Does that make sense? My post above may be confusing :-/ I'm confused now :-0

Gill

Gill those roots are perfect! Nice and clean looking, great job!

Gill I love the roots. I have not decided if I like the small roots or not yet. But since I like gnarly (twisted) I probably will keep them.

Thanks everybody this is the info I needed.

I keep my small roots on some plants because I think it makes them look old. If there are only a few, or sparse, I cut them off.

They look great either way to me!