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South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Coontie is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
No supplemental irrigation required after 12 months of establishment in South Florida. During establishment (first growing season), water 2x per week. After establishment, Coontie is self-sufficient on rainfall. Do NOT maintain on regular irrigation — overwatering in South Florida conditions is the primary cause of Coontie failure. This is the lowest-water-demand groundcover available for South Florida professional installations.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Slow-release balanced 10-10-10 or foliar manganese sulfate for deficiency (low frequency — native)
Schedule: Minimal fertilization needs — Florida native, adapted to South Florida's nutrient-poor soils. If manganese deficiency is present (yellowing fronds in alkaline soils), apply foliar manganese sulfate spray in late winter or early spring. General slow-release fertilizer application once per year in early spring if deficiency symptoms are present.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 1–3 ft
- Mature Width
- 2–4 ft
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 8/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Coontie at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Coontie grow in South Florida?
Coontie has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Coontie safe for pets?
Coontie is not safe for pets. ALL parts of Coontie are toxic to dogs and cats — seeds, roots, and leaves contain cycasin, which causes liver failure, vomiting, and neurological damage. Seeds are the highest ingestion risk due to bright orange-red color and similarity to berries. This is a REQUIRED disclosure for all installations at properties with dogs or cats. Refer to ASPCA Animal Poison Control for confirmed toxicity listing.
How much water does Coontie need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Coontie is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Coontie tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Coontie 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 Coontie available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Coontie is classified as: allowed. Florida native — allowed and actively encouraged.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Florida native — allowed and actively encouraged. Listed on Miami-Dade preferred native species list.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Florida native — allowed. FFL program approved.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Florida native — allowed and encouraged. Palm Beach County actively supports native landscape installations.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Florida native — allowed. Collier County LDC encourages native groundcover use in new developments.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Florida Keys native — allowed and encouraged. Compatible with Monroe County native vegetation preservation requirements.
✓ 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 Coontie
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