Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Century Plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Virtually no supplemental irrigation once established. Water 1x per week during 3-6 month establishment period only. After establishment, rainwater is entirely sufficient — supplemental irrigation promotes root rot. One of the most drought-tolerant plants available for South Florida landscapes.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Light balanced slow-release fertilizer — minimal need
Schedule: Generally not required. Light balanced slow-release fertilizer in February only if visible deficiency.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 6–8 ft
- Mature Width
- 8–12 ft
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 9/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Century Plant at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Century Plant grow in South Florida?
Century Plant has a slow growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Century Plant safe for pets?
Century Plant is not safe for pets. Caustic sap causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. Terminal spines cause puncture injuries. ASPCA lists Agave americana as toxic to dogs and cats — causes vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage with significant ingestion. Not appropriate for pet-accessible landscapes.
How much water does Century Plant need in South Florida?
Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Century Plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Century Plant tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Century Plant 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 Century Plant available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Century Plant is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Non-native, non-invasive.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. No restrictions.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. No restrictions.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Very popular in Naples-area xeriscape gardens and coastal estates.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Good for Keys coastal properties where extreme drought and salt tolerance are needed.
✓ 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 Century Plant
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.