PlantInstructions.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for websites to earn referral/advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They can reach a diameter of up to 25cm and are about 30cm in length. If the temperature drops below 65 F. (18 C.), conditions may be too chilly. You should prune dragon fruit plants on a regular basis to control size and improve air circulation. In either case, it’s extremely important for your dragon fruit plant to be able to support itself. During this time, keep the soil moist. Cut a 6-15 inch (12-38cm) stem from a plant (the parent plant) that is at least one year old. The taste is similar to that of a kiwi, but a lot less subtle. Fruits should be ready to harvest 30-50 days after flowering. Since dragon fruit is a tropical/sub-tropical plant, it will needs those conditions to survive. This means moderate watering – it's always best to give your dragon fruit less water than more water. Sprinkle the seeds onto the surface of the soil and cover with a thin layer of the growing medium, barely covering the seeds. Dragon fruit, also frequently called pitaya, is the fascinating, thoroughly tropical looking fruit you may have seen in the market. Wait until the soil has absorbed all the water and is draining properly before planting. Be sure to only water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus and will need support to climb. Dragon fruits usually only develop in the summer, when temperatures are high and the days are long. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is an exotic, tropical fruit you've most likely seen before in stores. Because it's a climbing cactus, it will need lots of support such as a fence, trellis, or climbing pole. It’s all according to personal preference, but the red dragon fruit is much sweeter than white dragon fruit. Provided you have warm temperatures and enough space, you can grow a dragon fruit cactus at home. In a regular growing climate, dragon fruit will grow from summer to late autumn, and even into winter. of water per week. You can harvest dragon fruit once its skin color changes from bright green to red or pink. This will also help prevent fungal infections and diseases. The pot should be at least 20-24 inches deep and hold 25-30 gallons. The seeds need to be separated from the flesh, so wash the seeds and dry them overnight. Cross-pollination will usually occur at night since pollination depends on moths and bats. To hand pollinate, use a small paint brush and rub the anthers to collect the pollen then gently dab the top of the stigma to deposit the pollen and thus fertilise the flower! Fruit growing in pots is fairly easy to care for, and dragon fruit plants are no exception. – promotes a healthy gut If you can’t manage this indoors, place it under bright lights instead. Once dry, water deeply and be sure that your pot has good drainage holes. If temperatures are below 65 F. (18 C.), your plant is unlikely even to form flowers. If you live in a colder climate, you can still grow dragon fruit, but make sure you do so in pots, and never put it outside, especially if below 28F. Dig a hole in the middle of the soil that's at least 2-4 inches deep and place the cutting inside of it, packing the soil firmly around the stem. Dragon fruit trees do not need much water, much like their cousin, the cactus. Obviously, growing from cuttings is the most popular method, but it can also be quite difficult to achieve, especially for beginner gardeners. Fill a small germination tray or a small pot with well draining soil. Remember that the dragon fruit plant or pitaya plant can only survive temperatures that are above 28F (-2C). Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Sign up for our newsletter. Make sure your plant is in a spot that receives a full 6 hours of sun per day. The fruit should be oval in shape and about 10-15 cm long. This means that it will need plenty of warmth and sunlight. The dragon fruit cactus is a tropical plant, which means it likes heat. Normally, there are no real pests or diseases that can seriously affect the dragon fruit, but do watch out for aphids. After they've germinated, remove the plastic wrap, and transplant to a bigger pot. Harvesting – Pitaya (dragon fruit) do not ripen off the plant after harvest. Learn how to grow dragon fruit in your garden! The good news is that dragon fruit is very tolerant of poor soil, and even cactus oil will work well. Because dragon fruit is part of the cactus family, it prefers cactus soil, or. Which one you choose all depends on time. During its growing season, fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Ensure the plant is in full sunlight. So now that you know how to grow dragon fruit, let's get the planting! Choose a pot that's about once or two times bigger than the root ball of the dragon fruit. By increasing the above elements, however, you can extend the fruiting season somewhat. Alternatively, you can also use cactus soil. If it’s cool out, bring your plant indoors or, better yet, move it to a greenhouse to try to induce flower and fruit production. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! There are two ways you can grow dragon fruit in pots. To encourage fruiting, you should give your cactus a tall, sturdy trellis to climb. Also, be careful when watering the dragon fruit plant, as over-watering can cause root rot as well as fruit rot. It’s also possible your dragon fruit won’t develop fruit because of a lack of moisture. Follow the same directions as above (for growing dragon fruit from seeds) and plant in a big pot with good drainage holes. – strengthens immune system Dragon fruit grows well in pots, especially if you live in a cooler climate or don't have a lot of growing space. Purchase a dragon fruit and cut it in half. In either case, it's extremely important for your dragon fruit plant to be able to support itself. Using a germinating tray, plant the seeds in soil, but make … If necessary, shine a spotlight or a bright outdoor light on the plant for a couple of hours … If it’s winter, you likely won’t see any fruit. Make sure the soil is well draining, and always moist. As the plant matures, this schedule may change. Please note that growing dragon fruit can take several years to bear fruit, but in the meantime, you'll have a stunning flowering cactus! In fact, it can be much easier, since the pots can be moved to accommodate the plant. Extend the length of daylight your dragon fruit plant receives. After they’ve germinated, remove the plastic wrap, and transplant to a bigger pot. Fill your pot with the correct soil, and water the soil well. A Guide to Buying Real Christmas Trees: Top 10 Trees, Winter Flowers: 17 Flowers That Bloom in the Winter, 20 Winter Indoor Plants to Bring Into Your Home. dragon fruit, how to grow, tropical fruits. – great source of magnesium Because dragon fruit is part of the cactus plants family, it will love heat and full sun. [1] X Research source If you grow from the cuttings of a stem, it could take much less time (depending on how large your cutting is). If temperatures are below 65 F. (18 C.), your plant is unlikely even to form flowers. 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Moisten the soil with a spray bottle and cover with plastic wrap to keep moisture. This bright pink, scaly fruit comes from a long, winding cactus of the same name.