Table of Contents
How to Care for a Dragon Fruit Plant Water. Dragon fruit need moist soil to mimic their subtropical environment, so be sure to keep the soil evenly moist and don’t let it dry out completely. Support. Prune. Fertilize. Pollinate. Keep at temperature.
How often should you water a dragon fruit plant?
Water more frequently than other cacti (approximately once every 2 weeks). Allow soil to dry between waterings. Soil should be moist, but not saturated.
How long does it take for dragon fruit to bear fruit?
Plants can begin flowering in as little as six to eight months, although container-grown plants may take up to two years to bear fruit. The good news is that once the plant is mature, you could see four to six fruiting cycles a year from a plant that is capable of bearing fruit for 20 to 30 years.
What is the best fertilizer for dragon fruit?
Choose a fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. However, most experts agree that some type of balanced fertilizer, like 16-16-16 or 13-13-13, is a good choice for your dragon fruit. You can use fertilizer granules, or spread fertilizer through your irrigation system. Slow-release fertilizer is also an option.
Do dragon fruit plants need a lot of water?
The dragon fruit cactus is a tropical plant, which means it likes heat. Since it’s a cactus, many gardeners assume the pitaya doesn’t need much water. In fact, it likes its soil to be kept consistently moist and should be given about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week.
How much sun does a dragon fruit plant need?
Dragon fruit needs full sun, so choose a sunny area in your garden or a sunny windowsill that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. For the soil, choose potting soil that is well-draining (dragon fruits are sensitive to “wet feet,” or consistently wet roots) and rich in organic matter.
How long does it take dragon fruit to flower?
It huge, it’s bright white to attractor its “suitor” (pollinator) on full moon nights – the bat. Once pollinated, the dragonfruit forms at the base of the flower. The flower fades as the dragonfruit grows. Dragonfruit takes about 21 days to go from bud to flower and 30 days to go from flower to fruit.
Can dragon fruit grow indoors?
Can You Grow Dragon Fruit Cactus Inside? You can grow the dragon fruit plant (Hylocereus undatus) indoors if your home has a location with plenty of sunlight, such as a sunroom or a large window where the plant gets six to eight hours of sunlight. Dragon fruit cactus is a vine that can grow up to 20 feet tall.
What month does dragon fruit bloom?
This unique jungle plant typically blooms from early summer through mid-autumn. Dragon fruit cactus is a night blooming plant and the flowers last only one evening. If you want to see the spectacular display, head out with a flashlight in the dark of night, or visit your garden very early in the morning.
What month is dragon fruit in season?
Marketing Channels. The summer (June through September) is the main season for fresh dragon fruit. August and September are the peak months for most varieties; however, varieties of Selenecereus megalanthus produce fruit during the winter months of November through February (Lobo et al, 2015).
How do you make dragon fruit grow faster?
Dragon fruit needs sun to produce fruit so plant it in a full sun spot or a place that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. When situated indoors, make sure your plant is in a warm and sunny spot. Unlike most cactus, dragon fruit likes to have its soil on the slightly moist side.
What is the best soil for dragon fruit?
Soil Requirements – This plant is able to grow in any soil that is well draining, but it prefers to grow in soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level that is between six and seven. Sandy soil is the best option for this plant; if it is not available, just ensure that it is well draining soil.
What do you feed dragon fruit plants?
Fertilize plants once in early spring and again after the plants finish flowering with a water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Mix 1 tablespoon of fertilizer for every gallon of water.
Where does dragon fruit grow best?
Dragon fruit grows on cactus plants which love warm, humid climates and needs very little water. They are subtropical plants which need at least six hours of sunlight per day. They will also grow well in a warm and sunny spot indoors.
Does dragon fruit have deep roots?
Rooting for the Dragon Fruit The belowground roots are initially shallow, extending to 12 inches. However, when the plant starts fruiting, they have a growth spurt and can reach up to 24 inches into the soil.
Is dragon fruit self pollinating?
Dragon fruit plants have some of the most impressive flowers in the cacti family. These flowers open at night and close early in the morning, so natural pollinators include moths, bats, bees, and ants. They can be either self-pollinating, self-fertile or self-sterile, depending on the variety.
How big do dragon fruit plants get?
Best planted in spring, dragon fruit cacti can grow up to 20 feet tall and produce aerial roots that allow them to cling to surfaces, creating their creeping, climbing habit.
Is dragon fruit a flower?
Dragon fruit flower, also called Pitaya [pit-EYE-ah], is an exotic fruit cactus with colorful leaves, flowers, and fruits. Pitaya typically refers to the fruit of a genus columnar – Stenocereus which has a prominent exterior with scaly spikes. Dragon fruit flowers have a few common names as follows: Red Pitahaya.
How do I get my dragon fruit to flower?
How to Induce Flowering in Dragon Fruit Move your plant into a greenhouse. Extend the length of daylight your dragon fruit plant receives. Train the dragon fruit plant up a trellis. Prune the tips of the plant’s uppermost stems after it climbs up the trellis.
