Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Louisiana Red Acalypha is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Moderate water once established. Water 2x per week in dry season. Rainy season rainfall usually sufficient. Excellent drainage essential.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release 8-2-12. Micronutrients in limestone soils for best color.
Schedule: February, May, September with slow-release balanced fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 4–8 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–6 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 3/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 5/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Louisiana Red Acalypha at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Louisiana Red Acalypha grow in South Florida?
Louisiana Red Acalypha has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Louisiana Red Acalypha safe for pets?
Louisiana Red Acalypha is not safe for pets. Euphorbiaceae — milky sap mildly toxic if ingested. Low landscape risk.
How much water does Louisiana Red Acalypha need in South Florida?
Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Louisiana Red Acalypha is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Louisiana Red Acalypha tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Louisiana Red Acalypha has moderate salt tolerance (4/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is Louisiana Red Acalypha available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Louisiana Red Acalypha is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Non-restricted non-native.
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Popular in Broward HOA communities.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Cold sensitivity limits northern Palm Beach County.
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Used in Naples area landscapes.
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Low salt tolerance — inland or protected sites.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Louisiana Red Acalypha
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.