Katie,
I have seen this done once before and I was curious to see results, but at the same time I was dubious as to the prognosis. These are things that are good to try, as it is the only true way we will find out the answers.
My thoughts at the time where that it was going to be like pulling dirt up around celery or asparagus which blanches (turning white) them due to lack of sun/chlorophyll. Which in turn it seems to be the case.
My experience with the Arabicums is that the upper portion above soil (caudex) grows horizontally across. Which is noted and documented by the many experienced growers of these. The ones I have watched grow, when unearthed have a vacant area (more so on older plants) directly below and roots radiate out from edge of caudex.
One thing I have been toying with is the potting up of my obesum, obesum x's. Trying to see if I can encourage them to grow very wide root systems, rather then long roots. So when they get raised they have a 'up side down "V" shape'. This is my preference for overall finished shape of tree when maturing. I do not favor the " Beach Ball on a straw" shape. Just my own preference.
Rick
