This question would be different if you're in Florida than if you're in Alberta, Canada. More info ?

and a further question is.. where was it prior ... in a cushy greenhouse???

it definitely needs hardening off ...

but as noted... where are you

ken

Hi! I'm in Melbourne, Australia. It's summer here and the temperature is 25-30 deg generally. Thanks!

No idea where it was originally, it was given to me. I believe it has always been in a pot.

I'm a real novice- what is hardening off?

Assuming the 25-30 is Celsius, you should be able to move it out-side now. If it has not been used to full sun, protect from afternoon sun. Or you could even plant it outside.
I'm in Z8 hot and somewhat dry Texas(32" annual rainfall). Leyland Cypress have not proved to be a good choice for this area. They are not as drought resistant as most trees and are suceptible here to disease and insect infestation. I have seen them do better in moister areas that were Z6 or Z7.
I like to have potted trees in at least a 5 gal pot before planting them out. Good luck.

lets presume it was greenhouse grown ...

it needs to be hardened off to all sunshine ... a couple days in full shade ... then move it to morning or evening sun ... do not let a small pot heat up too much ... i would NEVER put a small pot in full sun ....

i expect it to be severely root bound ... and will need unwinding of roots... at planting ...

i would have done this in very early spring ... not the beginning of summer ...

i might up pot ... with not too much root surgery.. until proper planting time in fall ... and leave it in full shade all summer ...

there are a couple other posts on the page... about these xmas type plants .... the specific plant is irrelevant .. they are all conifers ... and they have all been poorly grown for holiday houseplants .... i am sure you can glean info in all those posts .....

ken