Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Podocarpus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Drought tolerant once established (12-18 months). Water 2-3x per week during establishment. After establishment, occasional dry-season supplemental irrigation only. Avoid standing water — root rot in poorly drained soils is the primary failure cause.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer 8-2-12 or similar
Schedule: February and September. Balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 10–20 ft
- Mature Width
- 3–8 ft
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 5/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Podocarpus at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Podocarpus grow in South Florida?
Podocarpus has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Podocarpus safe for pets?
Podocarpus is not safe for pets. Seeds and foliage contain taxine alkaloids toxic to dogs and cats. Rarely palatable but advise clients with pets to monitor.
How much water does Podocarpus need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Podocarpus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Podocarpus tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Podocarpus has moderate salt tolerance (6/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is Podocarpus available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Podocarpus 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 communities.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed with limitations. Moderate salt tolerance sufficient for most Key West and Upper Keys locations inland from immediate waterfront.
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 Podocarpus
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.