Roots trying to break free at the surface

[cybergandalf]

Recently purchased a 12 yo JM grown from seed. It arrived in fairly decent condition, unfortunately some young branches were lost during shipping. It currently lives on my porch and gets dappled sun in the early morning and is then in shade for the rest of the day.

Suddenly it seems like the roots are dying to escape the soil. The soil appears to be a good mix of lava, akadama, and perlite. It’s being kept adequately watered. Not sure if this is normal. Any thoughts on if this is normal or not?

 

[Dav4]

I suspect the soil is shifting and those roots once were covered and aren't any more. I'd cover those roots with more soil and make sure the tree is firmly attached to the container.

 

[cybergandalf]

I suspect the soil is shifting and those roots once were covered and aren't any more. I'd cover those roots with more soil and make sure the tree is firmly attached to the container.

That makes sense! I appreciate the response, I’ll try that out.

 

[Shibui]

+1 for soil movement. Roots don't move or rise out of the soil of their own accord.
That can be from:
Tree movement in transit, or while you are moving or handling the tree. Each movement of the trunk also moves the roots, allowing soil particles to move under roots so the soil gradually filters down through the roots, leaving some exposed.
Watering can wash some surface soil away, leaving roots above soil level.
Roots growing inside the pot push the entire root ball up in the pot, then watering washes some soil off leaving roots exposed.

 

[SeanS]

Is the tree wired into the pot?