QA

Quick Answer: How To Care For A Dragon Fruit Plant

How do you take care of a dragon fruit plant?

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 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.

Will dragon fruit grow indoors?

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.

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.

Is dragon fruit easy to grow?

It’s especially easy in warm environments, but if you have a greenhouse or sun porch, you can grow dragon fruit in colder environments. Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit, and in most of the southern US, you can grow a dragon fruit plant in pots on your patio if you’re careful to protect it from cold weather.

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 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.

What do I feed dragon fruit?

One-year-old Plants For newly planted dragon fruit, don’t apply fertilizer during the first month. Then apply 4 ounces of a fertilizer such as 6-6-6 or 8-3-9 every two months from the time growth starts in early spring to early fall, when growth stops for the winter.

How big does a dragon fruit tree get?

20 feet tall Botanical Name Hylocereus undatus Mature Size 10–20 ft. tall, 5–10 ft. wide Sun Exposure Full sun, partial shade.

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.

How do you take care of a dragon fruit indoors?

Dragon Fruit Place in a light shaded to bright environment. Avoid direct sunlight. Water more frequently than other cacti (approximately once every 2 weeks). Allow soil to dry between waterings. 12-27ºC (54-80ºF). Keep indoors, except USDA zones 10a to 11b. The fruit borne by mature plants is edible.

Is dragon fruit a cactus?

1) Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus and will require support to climb on as it matures. Aerial roots that form on the ends of the branches seek out something to climb, so you will want to provide some long term support.

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.

How do you force 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.

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.

Do dragon fruit grow trees?

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), also known as pitahaya, is native to Central and South America and needs year-round heat. Dragon fruit trees are vining, and need something to climb. They are also heavy – a mature plant can reach 25 feet (7.5 m.) and several hundred pounds.