The dragon yield cactus ( Hylocereus undatus ) , also do it as pitahaya cactus , is a striking and unusual plant native to Mexico , Central America , and South America . Its bright pinkish cutis , adorned with thorn - similar fins , and its sweet , vivacious flesh make it a prized fruit in many gardens . But beyond its toothsome fruit , the Draco fruit cactus is also valued for its decorative appeal , fast growth , and power to boom in tropical and semitropic climate .
In this comprehensive usher , we will plunk late into everything you postulate to hump about dragon fruit cactuscare and growingtechniques .
Dragon Fruit Cactus Overview
Common Names : Dragon fruit , Pitahaya , Strawberry Pear , Moonlight CactusBotanical Name : Hylocereus undatusFamily : CactaceaePlant case : repeated yield - bearing cactusSize : 8 - 20 feet grandiloquent , 3 - 10 feet wideSun picture : Full sun , fond shadeSoil : Sandy , well - drainedUSDA Hardiness zone : 10 - 12Native Region : Mexico , Central America , and South America
Dragon yield cactus are turgid , sprawl plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall . Their farsighted stem and aerial roots allow them to cleave to social organization , making them a natural crampon in garden or outdoor landscapes . Smaller varieties are worthy for growing indoors in containers .
How to Plant Dragon Fruit Cactus
When to Plant
The best time to plant dragon fruit cactus is in early bounce , when temperatures start to rise . The growing time of year typically spans from March to August , giving the works ample time to establish itself before the fall .
Selecting a Planting Site
flying lizard fruit cacti need well - drain soil and flourish in full sunlight , though they can tolerate fond ghost . Choose a planting location that get rich sunlight for at least six hour a day , but in blistering regions where temperatures on a regular basis pass on 100 ° degree Fahrenheit , fond shade can facilitate protect the cactus from sunburn .
insure there ’s enough blank space for this large cactus to spread its roots and branches . Avoid planting it near anatomical structure like building , Tree , or electrical lines , as it needs way to produce without hinderance .
Spacing, Depth, and Support
institute each firedrake fruit cactus at least 6 invertebrate foot apart , providing room for air flow and growing . grasp a hole about three times the depth and breadth of the nursery container to loosen the soil for root developing . After plant , you will need to support the cactus with a sturdy treillage or other climbing structure , as the flora ’s sonorous stems call for right reinforcement to grow upright .
Dragon Fruit Cactus Care
Light
While dragon fruit cacti prefer lovesome weather condition and sunshine , too much verbatim Lord’s Day can cause stem equipment casualty , specially in dry or extremely blistering areas . In region with temperature exceeding 100 ° F , partial shade can avail protect the plant from acute sun exposure . Conversely , too small sun can reduce yield production , so find the right balance is indispensable .
Soil
tartar yield cacti are not finicky about territory pH , but they do require sandy , well - debilitate soil that retains wet but does not become waterlogged . In drier regions , mulch around the stem of the plant can help retain wet . The industrial plant thrives in soil rich in constituent topic , so bestow compost is good .
Watering
Draco fruit cacti have some drought tolerance , but regular watering is necessary for fruit production . During the spring up season , keep the dirt systematically moist but not soggy . Overwatering can go to root rot and fungal disease . In wintertime , reduce watering as the plant enter sleeping .
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropic plant , the dragon fruit cactus thrives in temperatures between 65 ° fluorine and 80 ° farad . It does not digest frost or freezing temperature , so if you exist in a tank climate , grow the industrial plant in containers that can be bring indoors during cold months .
Fertilizing
Dragon fruit cacti are heavy birdfeeder . In the first year , apply a balanced fertilizer ( such as 20 - 20 - 20 ) every two calendar month . Once the plant is established , reduce fertilisation to twice a yr , in the spring and summer . Incorporating organic compost into the soil also encourages healthy increment .
Pollination
pollenation can be a challenge for dragon fruit cacti , as their big , fragrant flowers bloom only at night , attract nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths . Some diverseness are self - cross-pollinate , while others are self - incompatible and require crossbreeding - pollination between dissimilar varieties . If your plant needs manual pollination , collect pollen from one flower and transfer it to another using a cotton mop . This should be done between dusk and dawn when the flowers are undecided .
Types of Dragon Fruit Cactus
Several mixture of dragon yield cactus extend unique color and flavour . Some of the most popular include :
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning is essential to keep your flying dragon yield cactus healthy and generative . Prune dead or damaged stems , as well as any tangled or overly long branches . Proper pruning encourages melody circulation , reduces the risk of fungous infections , and promotes flowering .
Plan to prune two to three times a year , peculiarly after harvest , to maintain a manageable sizing and prevent the plant from becoming too heavy for its backing structure .
Harvesting Dragon Fruit
Draco fruit is ready for crop when the flap on its cutis begin to wither , and the yield can be easily flex off the stem . Timing is crucial — yield that falls on its own is often overripe . decent harvested dragon yield can be store in the icebox for up to two hebdomad .
The flowers of the dragon fruit cactus are also edible and highly fragrant , though they blossom only at Nox . you may enjoy their beauty and scent in the evening or pick them for use in teas or other culinary creation .
Growing Dragon Fruit Cactus in Containers
For those with limited space or in cooler climates , grow tartar fruit cacti in containers is a cracking choice . select a smaller variety , such as ‘ Edgar ’s Baby ’ or ‘ Yellow Dragon Fruit , ’ and use a 5 - gallon container with good drain . ensure to provide a sturdy treillage for the cactus to climb , and use nutritious - rich potting soil . Container - grown plants may necessitate more frequent watering and fertilization due to the circumscribed soil intensity .
Common Pests and Diseases
Dragon fruit cacti are generally brave , but they can appeal plague likeants , mealybugs , and jot . raccoon , birds , and other animals may also be drawn to the fruit . For disease prevention , quash overwatering and ensure good flow of air around the plant . Fungal infections , such as shank rot or cankers , may pass off if the works is maintain too moist . Treat infections with antifungal and remove affected parts pronto .
Propagation
The easy way to distribute flying dragon fruit cactus is through stem cutting . Here ’s how :
Once settle down , the cutting can be planted in the garden or a large container . With proper care , the new plant may bear fruit within one to three years .
Conclusion
