Windmill palm roots girdling in a small pot.

[Palmettos]

I just got this windwill for literally 14 bucks. But the pot ia very small for It's size. I want to plant in the ground now. What steps should I take before planting it? The climate is very hot and dry here in the summer and winters are wet and mild.

[Harry’s Palms]

They will take full sun here but some shade helps them look better . It isn’t that hot here but it is warm and mine is planted on a south facing slope with no shade . In the summer it averages the low 80f range.

    It is always best to plant in the Spring but that one needs a bit more soil , it has to be root bound by the look of it . If you decide to plant it , dig a hole in a spot that gets good drainage and access to water in the hotter months . Harry

[wimmie]

If your winters indeed are mild, why not put it in the open ground where it will grow much faster?!

[Gitano Iwan]

4 minutes ago, wimmie said:

If your winters indeed are mild, why not put it in the open ground where it will grow much faster?!

That is what he wants to do isn't it?

[wimmie]

And right you are!😎 Didn't read well enough.

[SeanK]

DON'T plant it in full sun. If there is a spot in the yard with afternoon shade, that's where I'd plant it. Otherwise, leave it potted on east side of the house. Morning sun, up to 11AM for about 3 weeks. Then, add one hour of sun (12N, 1PM, 2PM, etc) for two weeks at a time. 

If it's root-bound, pot it up first and water ever day. Rain will never give a potted plant sufficient water.

[JohnAndSancho]

Just find a shady spot where your hose will reach and dig a hole, man. IMHO they look like trash in full sun, it'll never be happy and they look like telephone poles with hair. I put my Trachies in a shaded corner on my property where they basically get morning sun and they're happy. Mine are a lot smaller, but que sera sera. $14 for that is a crackhead price. Give it some room to grow. 

[Enar]

That's amazing how it's that large in a small pot. Someone grew it right!

[Las Palmas Norte]

It will need very regular watering for the first year or so after planting while the root system establishes. You may not see too much new foliar growth during this period. Create some temporary shade/shelter from excessive heat and direct sun when temperatures exceed 35°C / 95°F. Good luck.

[Harry’s Palms]

It is true , they do better in shade . My climate is probably not quite as hot and dry as yours but mine has been in full sun since it was smaller than the one you bought. It is planted on a south facing hill , full sun at about 34 degrees north latitude. I am inland from the ocean about 20 miles. I water the slope twice a week in the summer or any warm spells. Good mulch helps . Harry

This was taken a couple of years ago during winter on a cloudy day . We were mulching the palms . When the sun is out , it is very hot on this slope.