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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Caribbean Agave is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
EXTREMELY LOW water — near zero once established. One of the most drought tolerant plants in South Florida. ZERO supplemental irrigation during rainy season. Coastal rain and humidity provide sufficient moisture for established plants.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: If any: very light balanced slow-release once per year in February. Over-fertilization harmful.
Schedule: No regular fertilization needed or recommended. Coastal soils and rain sufficient for naturalized species.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 3–5 ft
- Mature Width
- 4–6 ft
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 9, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 9/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Caribbean Agave at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Caribbean Agave grow in South Florida?
Caribbean Agave has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Caribbean Agave safe for pets?
Caribbean Agave is not safe for pets. Sharp terminal spines — significant physical injury risk to pets. Agave sap contains saponins — GI irritation if ingested. Not appropriate in pet access areas.
How much water does Caribbean Agave need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Caribbean Agave is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Caribbean Agave tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Caribbean Agave has high salt tolerance (9/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Caribbean Agave available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Caribbean Agave is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Moderate Broward availability.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Limited Palm Beach availability.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Limited Collier availability.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Naturalized throughout Monroe County and Florida Keys — this is the most common Agave in the Keys landscape.
✓ Coastal OK
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 Caribbean Agave
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.