Landscape Uses
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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Sylvester Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Drought tolerant once established (12-18 months). During establishment irrigate 2x per week. After establishment, once weekly in dry season is generally sufficient. Ensure excellent drainage — does not tolerate chronic wet feet.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: 8-2-12-4Mg slow-release palm special
Schedule: April and August. Palm special 8-2-12-4Mg.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 25–40 ft
- Mature Width
- 10–15 ft
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Water Demand
- 3/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $$$
- USDA Zones
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 8/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Sylvester Palm at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Sylvester Palm grow in South Florida?
Sylvester Palm has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Sylvester Palm safe for pets?
Yes, Sylvester Palm is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic but sharp petiole spines can injure pets. Monitor proximity.
How much water does Sylvester Palm need in South Florida?
Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Sylvester Palm is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Sylvester Palm tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Sylvester Palm has high salt tolerance (7/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.
Is Sylvester Palm available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Sylvester Palm is classified as: allowed. Non-invasive non-native.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Non-invasive non-native. No restrictions.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
No restrictions. Popular in commercial and HOA installations.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Premium estate and country club choice.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Widely used in Naples luxury residential.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Better salt tolerance than most Phoenix palms for Keys use.
✓ 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 Sylvester Palm
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.