Hardy Tropicals UK

Hi,

I got this Washingtonia robusta today, it has four trunks ranging between 8-11 cm in circumference and it is pot bound (21cm pot) and will need potting up. However, before I do anything I would appreciate some advice please.

1) Should I pot it on as it is,or can it/should it be split up?

2) If leaving as is how big a pot should I use?

3) If splitting should I use roughly the same size pot as it is currently in?

Many thanks
Lee

I don't think it's easy to split them up as the roots will be tangled uip together. I've planted out a similar plant like yours once and the weak stems died leaving a double trunked Washi. Try the biggest pot possible, or better put it in the ground. If you plant it out you'll probably end up with one big one or maybe a double trunked one.

Thanks Eddie

Eddie's right, Lee. If you split them with that much if a tangled root mass you stand to lose most of them. I've seen large mature doubles which were plant out young do very well.

If planted out and given some winter protection you would probably be left eventually with one or two. Three mature ones would look good!

A little tip: I always used warm water (around 40c) May to September to keep the roots at a higher temperature and promote extra seasonal growth.

Thanks GREVILLEAJ