Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Desert Candles is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Very low water requirements. Water weekly during establishment (first 3 months), then monthly or rainfall only. Overwatering causes root rot and is the primary failure cause. Extremely well-suited to SFWMD water restriction compliance.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Light cactus/succulent formula or dilute balanced fertilizer annually.
Schedule: Light annual application only. Over-fertilization causes lush growth prone to rot.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 1–2 ft
- Mature Width
- 1–3 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Desert Candles at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Desert Candles grow in South Florida?
Desert Candles has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Desert Candles safe for pets?
Desert Candles is not safe for pets. Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities. Low risk in landscape settings.
How much water does Desert Candles need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Desert Candles is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Desert Candles tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Desert Candles has moderate salt tolerance (6/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is Desert Candles available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Desert Candles is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Non-restricted.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Popular in Broward xeriscape and water-efficient landscape programs.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Performs well across Palm Beach County with good winter hardiness.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Good choice for Naples area xeriscape projects.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Moderate salt tolerance — protected sites in Monroe County.
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 Desert Candles
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.