Petrified wood and/or Limestone honeycomb rock for RoR?

Just wondering if limestone honeycomb rock (TX holey rock) is ideal for root over rock (RoR) application. It looks ideal in terms of providing places for a tree to grow but I am afraid they are too soft and may erode or fracture in the future. I just do not want to invest time and effort then end up with a weird tree that lost its rock in the future. Is there a good substance I can use to stabilize the limestone? Wood hardener perhaps?

I would love to use it if possible since we have an abundance of it here in TX. Like this http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects/diy-decoration/aquascaping-african-cichlid-aquarium/147.asp

Another item I am considering is petrified wood. I just purchased one (through eBay) that I think is a good candidate...is there a down side using petrified wood on RoR? If it is not ideal, I can always use it as an accent decoration.


Thank you.

On your limestone rock, you may have problems growing plants that don't like limey soils. Otherwise the rock is hard enough. They're not "limestone" though bu calcium magnesium carbonate -- or at least the ones I got in Florida are. Much harder than "limestone."

Just FYI in the recent thread about acidifying soils I listed a number of plants that do well in alkaline conditions.

I saw that and plan on using Cedar Elm since I have access to some seedlings. That or quince.

Thanks!

I have tested the PH of soils on limestone cliffs and was suprised to fine it on the acid side. I was testing the duff soils in pockets which tend to be acidic naturally. I have seen all sorts of acid loving plants, like pines and blueberries growing on various limestone outcrops and cliffs. I think one could safely plant in and on natural weathered limestone pieces and only find a slight alkalizing effect to the soils if at all. I had a larch planting on a limestone slab for a long time and never noticed a problem.

This is a very nice rock Dario with good color and character. Being soft is also a plus factor, you can carve it easily.

regards,
jun

Thanks Jun.

Though it doesn't look like it from this angle, this is the petrified wood and should be very hard (a bit expensive as well). I like the form and character and I think it can be by itself or used in RoR. I am contemplating if I should clean it up a bit and remove some of the white calcium like deposits. This picture is from eBay but I should receive the piece next week.

Petrified wood is (usually) agatized and is, as a result, VERY hard. And brittle, sometimes.

JimLewis wrote:Petrified wood is (usually) agatized and is, as a result, VERY hard. And brittle, sometimes.

Thanks Jim, I just read it could be as hard as quartz. I suppose it should last longer than any tree I will attach to it.