Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Small Leaf Clusia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Low water once established. 1-2x per week dry season maximum. Reduce irrigation during rainy season. Extremely drought tolerant once root system is established — overwatering can cause root rot in poorly drained soils.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 slow-release. Avoid high phosphorus in South Florida alkaline soils.
Schedule: February, May, October — balanced slow-release 8-2-12 fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.
- Mature Height
- 6–10 ft
- Mature Width
- 4–8 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $$
- USDA Zones
- 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Small Leaf Clusia at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Small Leaf Clusia grow in South Florida?
Small Leaf Clusia has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Small Leaf Clusia safe for pets?
Small Leaf Clusia is not safe for pets. Milky latex sap — precautionary disclosure for pets. Low ingestion concern but standard Clusiaceae disclosure applies.
How much water does Small Leaf Clusia need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Small Leaf Clusia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Small Leaf Clusia tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Small Leaf 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 Small Leaf Clusia available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Small Leaf Clusia is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Very common formal hedge throughout Broward County HOA landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Very common Palm Beach County hedge.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Common throughout Collier County HOA communities and coastal Naples properties.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Common in Monroe County coastal landscapes.
✓ 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 Small Leaf Clusia
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.