Caring for Dragon Fruit Cactus Plants

Dragon fruit cactus plants, scientifically known as Hylocereus, are tropical cacti native to Central and South America. With their captivating night-blooming flowers and distinctive, sweet-tasting fruit, they bring a touch of tropical enchantment to any garden.

Also referred to as pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear, dragon fruit showcases vibrant red skin and seed-speckled pulp, making it visually stunning and refreshing to the palate. This tropical fruit is renowned for its abundant antioxidants, nutrients, and its journey from its origins in Central and South America to becoming a beloved delicacy around the globe.

Originally cultivated by the Maya and Aztec civilizations, dragon fruit holds a rich history of traditional medicinal use. Over time, its popularity has expanded, finding its way to Asia in the early 20th century and becoming a sought-after fruit in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Peru, Mexico, Southeast Asia, East Asia, the United States, the Caribbean, Australia, and Mesoamerica.

In recent years, dragon fruit has gained widespread recognition as a health food and has become a trendy ingredient in smoothies, salads, and various culinary creations. Today, you can easily find dragon fruit in supermarkets and specialty stores, delighting taste buds across the globe.

If you desire to add a touch of exotic beauty to your garden, consider embracing the allure of dragon fruit cactus plants. Their vibrant colors, enticing flowers, and delicious fruit make them an irresistible choice for garden enthusiasts and food enthusiasts alike.

Appearance

Its appearance and characteristics include a climbing succulent with large, white, nocturnal flowers in summer followed by oval-shaped fruit encased in a pinky-red skin when ripe. Cut through the vibrant skin to reveal a white flesh with black seeds. Dragon fruit is an incredible food with potential benefits including helping with weight loss and providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Let’s take a look at what it takes to care for and grow dragon fruit cactus plants.

Types of Dragon Fruit

There are several varieties to choose from. The most popular type is the red-skinned variety, which is native to Mexico and Central America. This type has a sweet, creamy flesh and small black seeds. Other varieties include yellow- or purple-skinned dragon fruit with white or pinkish flesh and yellow or black seeds. Dragon fruit can also be found in green or yellow-skinned varieties with white or pink flesh. Each variety offers its own unique flavor and texture, making it easy to find something that you like. No matter which type you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the sweet and refreshing taste.

Blue Dragon Fruit like this are fake news

The beauty of the internet is that it allows us access to a virtually unlimited number of products and services. However, sadly, along with the abundance of legitimate companies there are unscrupulous sellers waiting to take our hard earned money in exchange for a product that does not exist. Such is the case of Blue Dragon Fruit or Blue Hylocereus – despite its photorealistic picture circulated on the internet, Blue Dragon Fruit simply do not exist in vivid colours like this. With pictures like this easily able to be made with free Ai tools and software packages such as photoshop, it’s all too easy to be tempted by these fraudulent sellers. So please don’t get taken in by false promises; if blue dragon fruit appears too good to be true, then more than likely it is!

best dragon fruit varieties

There are several varieties of dragon fruit, and they can be divided into two main categories: Hylocereus, which are native to Central and South America and have thin, green or purple skin; and Selenicereus, which are native to the Caribbean and have thicker, red or yellow skin. Some varieties of dragon fruit have pink or red skin and flesh, while others have white skin and flesh. The color of the fruit is determined by the type of dragon fruit plant it comes from.

The most common type of dragon fruit is Hylocereus undatus, which has pink or red skin and flesh and is the most widely available type.

Selenicereus megalanthus, which has white skin and flesh is less commonly cultivated than Hylocereus undatus.

There are also hybrid varieties of dragon fruit that can have a combination of pink and white flesh. The color of the flesh can vary depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.

• Hylocereus undatus – Has thin, green skin and white or pink flesh. It is the most commonly grown variety and is known for its sweet, refreshing taste.
• Hylocereus costaricensis – Purple skin and white or pink flesh. It is similar to Hylocereus undatus in flavor and appearance, but the skin is slightly thicker.
• Hylocereus megalanthus – This variety has thin, green skin and red flesh. It is known for its unique color and sweet, tropical flavor.
• Selenicereus anthonyanus – Thick, red skin and white or pink flesh. It is native to the Caribbean and is known for its sweet, juicy fruit.
• Selenicereus grandiflorus – Also has thick, yellow skin and white or pink flesh. It is also native to the Caribbean and is known for its sweet, tropical flavor.

Each variety of dragon fruit has its own unique flavor and appearance, and all are enjoyed for their sweet, refreshing taste and nutritional value.

Growing Dragon Fruit Plant Growing Tips

If you’re interested in growing your own dragon fruit, then you’re in luck as Dragon fruit is fairly easy to grow and can be done in either a pot or in the ground. The best time to plant dragon fruit is during the spring or summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. When planting dragon fruit, make sure to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to provide your dragon fruit plants with some kind of protection during the winter months.

Seed or Stem

Dragon fruit plants can be propagated from seeds or from stem cuttings. Growing dragon fruit from seeds is generally more challenging and time-consuming, as the seeds have a low germination rate and can take several weeks or even months to sprout.

To grow dragon fruit from seeds, follow these steps:

1. Collect the seeds from a ripe dragon fruit.
2. Rinse the seeds under running water to remove any pulp or debris.
3. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the outer coating.
4. Plant the seeds in a pot or seed tray filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and mist them lightly with water.
5. Place the pot or tray in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks, but it may take longer.

It is generally easier and more successful to propagate dragon fruit plants from stem cuttings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Cut a healthy stem from a mature dragon fruit plant.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top.
3. Plant the stem cutting in a pot or tray filled with a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil lightly and place the pot or tray in a warm, sunny location.
4. Keep the soil moist and wait for the cutting to root and grow. This may take several weeks or even months.

Additionally, keep an eye out for pests like mealybugs and scale insects which can cause damage to the plant. With proper care and attention, your dragon fruit plants should start blooming and producing fruit in no time!

Location

Dragon fruit cactus plants prefer a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can also tolerate partial shade, but will produce fewer fruit in these conditions. A south or west facing window is ideal if you’re growing them indoors.

Soil

These cacti prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. A cactus potting mix or a mix of equal parts sand and potting soil can be used. For outdoor planting, make sure the soil isn’t too heavy or clay-like as this can cause waterlogging and root rot. Make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes so excess water can escape quickly after watering.

Water

Water dragon fruit cactus plants deeply, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot which is very difficult to treat once established; aim for an inch of water per week during spring and summer months when they are actively growing and producing fruit, reducing this amount slightly in winter when the plant isn’t actively growing (unless you have particularly dry weather).

Support with a Dragon fruit trellis

To support the growth and maximize the harvest of dragon fruit plants, a trellis is necessary. There are various designs and materials you can use, such as wood, bamboo, cement, or even repurposed pallets. Follow these general steps to make your own dragon fruit trellis:

1. Determine whether the dragon fruit will be planted in the ground or in pots.
2. Choose the material for your trellis and gather the necessary materials, including bamboo stakes, rope, and a plastic bucket.
3. Build a sturdy trellis structure that can support the weight of the dragon fruit plant.
4. Secure the dragon fruit plant to the trellis using ties or clips.
5. Regularly monitor the plant’s growth and adjust the trellis as needed.
6. Keep in mind that mature dragon fruit plants can become quite heavy, with a 4-year-old plant weighing up to 400kg. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure the trellis is strong and durable enough to withstand the plant’s weight.

By providing a trellis for your dragon fruit plants, you can promote proper growth, facilitate easy harvesting, and prevent the plant from sprawling on the ground.

The Sweet Reward of Harvesting Dragon Fruit

If you’re lucky enough to have successfully grown dragon fruit plant in your garden, you know the anticipation that comes with waiting for the fruit to ripen. But when the time comes to harvest these sweet and juicy treats, how do you know they’re ready to be picked? Here are some tips to help you harvest dragon fruit like a pro:

• Look for color and texture – When dragon fruit is ripe, it will be slightly soft to the touch and will have a bright pink or red skin. If the skin is still green or yellow, the fruit is not yet ready to be picked.
• Follow your nose – As the fruit ripens, it will develop a sweet aroma. If you can smell the sweet scent of dragon fruit, it’s time to harvest.
• Cut, don’t pull – To harvest the fruit, use a sharp knife to cut it from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Be sure not to pull on the fruit, as this can cause damage to the plant.
• Peel and slice – Once you’ve harvested the fruit, use a knife or a peeler to remove the skin, revealing the white or pink flesh inside. You can then slice or dice the fruit as desired.
• Enjoy or store – Dragon fruit is delicious when eaten fresh, but it can also be used in smoothies, desserts, and other dishes. If you don’t plan to eat the fruit right away, store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

Harvesting dragon fruit is a rewarding experience, and with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy these sweet treats straight from your own garden.

Training and how to prune dragon fruit

Are your dragon fruit plants looking a little overgrown and unruly? It might be time for a pruning session! The dragon fruit plant, in contrast to the majority of other types of cactus, is a climber. So in order to facilitate its growth, you’ll need to provide it some assistance. Dragon fruit cactus plants can be trained to grow up a trellis or other support. They can also be pruned to remove any damaged or diseased branches.

Pruning is an essential part of dragon fruit plant care and can help improve the health and productivity of your plant.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning your dragon fruit plant:

1. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches. These won’t be productive and can even harbor pests or diseases, so it’s best to get rid of them.
2. Next, thin out the plant by removing any branches that are crowded or rubbing against each other. This will improve air circulation and allow more sunlight to reach the fruit, which is crucial for growth and development.
3. If your plant is really overgrown, you may want to prune back some of the branches to encourage new growth. Just be sure to cut back to a healthy bud or shoot to give your plant the best chance of success.
4. Finally, remove any suckers that are growing from the base of the plant. These won’t produce fruit and will only drain the plant’s energy, so it’s best to remove them.

It’s also important to use clean, sharp pruning tools and to make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant. And the best time to prune your dragon fruit plant is in the late winter or early spring, before the growing season begins.

Dragon Fruit Plant Problems

There are several common problems that can affect dragon fruit plants, including the following:

1. Poor fruit production: This can be caused by a lack of pollinators, poor soil quality, or insufficient watering. To improve fruit production, you can try planting male and female plants together to ensure proper pollination, enriching the soil with compost or fertilizers, and watering the plant regularly.
2. Pest infestations: Dragon fruit plants can be affected by pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and mealybugs. To control these pests, you can use organic pest control methods such as introducing natural predators, using horticultural oil or soap, or applying neem oil.
3. Disease: Dragon fruit plants can be affected by diseases such as leaf spot, stem rot, and crown rot. To prevent these diseases, it’s important to practice good hygiene by removing any infected or dead plant material, avoiding overhead watering, and providing proper drainage. If your plant is already infected, you may need to use a fungicide to treat the disease.
4. Poor growth: This can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor soil quality, insufficient watering, or lack of sunlight. To improve growth, you can enrich the soil with compost or fertilizers, water the plant regularly, and ensure that it is getting enough sunlight.
5. Turning yellow: Dragon fruit plant turning yellow is likely to be a nutrient deficiency. Yellowing leaves can often be a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough nitrogen or iron. Try fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer that includes these nutrients to see if it helps.

By identifying and addressing these common problems, you can help your dragon fruit plant thrive and produce healthy, delicious fruit.

How to Choose shop bought Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is an exotic available year-round in specialty stores and supermarkets, and it can also be found in some Asian markets. When choosing a dragon fruit, look for one that’s firm and has a vibrant red or pink skin. Avoid any with dark spots or soft spots, as this indicates it’s overripe. Once you have your dragon fruit, store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Be sure to keep it in a sealed container to avoid any odors from seeping out.

Dragon fruit cactus plants are easy to care for and relatively hardy once established, making them an ideal choice for gardens across the country! With proper care and attention they will reward you with beautiful night blooming flowers and sweet tasting fruits throughout the summer months – what better way could there be to add some exotic beauty into your garden? With these tips in mind, it won’t be long before your dragon fruit cacti are thriving!