Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Clusia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Drought tolerant once established (12-18 months). During establishment water 2-3x per week. After establishment, rainfall usually sufficient in South Florida. Avoid overwatering — root rot risk in poorly drained soils.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer 10-10-10 or similar
Schedule: February and September. Balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 6–25 ft
- Mature Width
- 6–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 6/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Clusia at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Clusia grow in South Florida?
Clusia has a medium growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Clusia safe for pets?
Clusia is not safe for pets. Clusia latex sap is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Typically not palatable — rarely causes issues but advise clients with pets to monitor. Not on ASPCA most dangerous list.
How much water does Clusia need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Clusia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Clusia tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Clusia has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Clusia available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Clusia is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Not on prohibited list.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Widely specified. No restrictions.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Popular in Palm Beach HOA communities.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Widely used in Naples area HOA communities.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Good wind tolerance for Keys conditions.
✓ 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 Clusia
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.