Hi

I live in South UK and I got an 8' tall, very healthy CIDP (I think), for free. It had been brought up in a partial-shade garden. The roots had been contained by virtue of it having been originally planted between breeze blocks, so they came out intact. It was transplanted within 24 hours, the owner keeping the roots damp with a wet towel overnight. 

I dug the hole (without any informed advice, totally exposed to the wind and sun) and planted (in clay soil) with loads of (peat-based) quality compost. Also did another apparent no-no, gave it some blood, fish and bone fertiliser. Watered well. A couple of days later it poured down, so ground around quite saturated. 

4 weeks on, I think it has survived the transplant, but a lot of the outside leaves have turned brown. I chopped some of the fronds, then read they're best left until horizontal. But my dilemma was, given the soil..is this transplant shock, over-watered or still under-watered?  The crown seems healthy and secure. I took a soil sample 6-8" down, and it was the perfect 'moist'. 

But, part due to my my 'gut feeling ' and part my impatience/not enjoying a sickly-looking plant, I've now drip fed it, outside of the dug hole/it's original root boundary, thinking well if it wants it, it'll 'reach out', otherwise, it shouldn't cause direct waterlogging. Was just my theory 😄 On a sunny, dry evening..over time, it probably got several gallons. Now I've crossed my fingers..

So having come across a site with experts, (although somewhat 'after the horse has bolted'), thought I'd ask, did I do good or bad? Might it survive my possible abuse? Last pic is the crown bit. What might I do next, if anything? Will it survive the upto 50 pmh winter winds?

Cheers

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They are pretty tough, I think it will be fine. In retrospect, I think the only thing you did that I wouldn’t recommend is the blood and bone fertiliser but as long as it wasn’t excessive, it shouldn’t cause permanent damage.

I’d keep it on the more well watered side of things at least for the rest of your growing season and then back off a bit as it cools down.

OK, thank you..that's reassuring 🤞🏻

Trim of the dead leaves, a mild solution of seaweed extract for vitamin B stress relief each watering. And don’t fertilise in winter.

Thanks, would you also say it's more likely under than overwatered? Only I gave it some more last night.. I've marked the newer fronds against the older to see if there's any growth...nothing noticeable in the last few days.

I have transplanted a few Phoenix palms , but no Canariensis. They may stall a bit but seem to take to it very well. A couple that I moved were root damaged because of where they were grown but it didn’t seem to matter . They grew just fine . Here , in Southern California , I don’t fertilize my Phoenix palms . I only fertilize a few of my more special ones. Harry

OK, thanks all..again, I am reassured! Perhaps, having read a few 'horror stories', I'm being over-concerned. I guess 'it is what it is' now anyway so I'll wait and see. I'll post back with the results..may help someone. Colin.

Promised update since I gave it a thorough watering bout 3 weeks ago (none since). Understanding I know nothing about palms:

There has been little growth, new or otherwise. But nothing has further died either. Despite care, I reckon the move resulted in about 25% loss of fronds..mostly the nice, older, larger ones 😟. But hey ho, it was a freebie, and I'm just happy it has seemingly survived.

So anything I might offer up to anyone faced with the same (and my palm newbie status born in mind) is likely general; transport keeping the roots moist. Complete the transplant in the minimum of time. Use appropriate soil/compost. Take advice from others on any required fertilisers. Then just simply apply your normal gardening instincts, because beyond that, it's down to nature/chance. Expect it to suffer some 'transplant shock', but don't be too hasty in chopping off the dead-looking stuff.

Thanks to those that contributed!