How to grow dragon fruit at home?
Things to note
- The ideal size of the pot should be 15-24 inches in diameter and 10-12 inches in depth. ...
- You can use plastic, clay or even terracotta pots for the dragon fruit.
- While the ideal size is mentioned, using a bigger pot will only be beneficial as it will give the roots more space.
How to grow dragon fruit from seed?
Method #2: Growing From Seeds
- Be sure to acquire good quality, preferably organic seeds from a reputable seller.
- Follow the same directions as above (for growing dragon fruit from seeds) and plant in a big pot with good drainage holes.
- Again, make sure the soil is suitable for this type of plant and that is is well watered.
How do you take care of a dragon fruit plant?
Winter Care of the Dragon Fruit Plant
- Mulch. For outdoor dragon fruit plants, mulch makes a great insulator, preventing extreme temperature changes in the soil.
- Water. As a cactus, dragon fruit can withstand dry periods, but needs more water than other succulent varieties.
- Protection. ...
- Rejuvenation. ...
How do you grow dragon fruit?
To grow dragon fruit cuttings, follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Selecting the garden space: Select a sunny spot in your garden. ...
- Prune healthy axial shoots from a mature dragon fruit plant. ...
- Slice the big, pruned branch (s) into smaller branches. ...
- Allow the cuttings to heal for some time. ...
How long does it take a dragon fruit cutting to produce fruit?
Cuttings will grow rapidly and may produce fruit 6-9 months from propagation.
How big do dragon fruit plants get?
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.
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 tall should dragon fruit trellis be?
I would recommend a maximum trellis height of 6 feet above the ground, as dragon fruit typically grow at least a foot higher than their trellis, making it hard to reach for most people. Further, tall trellises can be more susceptible to wind damage, and can more easily become lopsided due to leverage.
How long do dragon trees take to grow?
GROWTH PATTERN It takes about 8 to 10 years for the slow-growing dragon tree to reach just 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) of height, and 30 years for the tree to reach maturity. New leaves grow only from the very end of the youngest branches of a dragon tree.
How often should I water dragon fruit?
Water more frequently than other cacti ( approximately once every 2 weeks ). Allow soil to dry between waterings. Soil should be moist, but not saturated.
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.
How to grow dragon fruit?
To successfully grow your own dragon fruit plant, you'll need to live in a warm and sunny region and have ample space in your garden—this is a heavy cactus, with a spreading habit and long stems. Make sure it's planted far enough away from your home, electrical lines, and any other hazardous objects it could interact with.
How long does it take for a dragon fruit cactus to grow?
Dragon fruit cacti can take up to seven years to produce fruit from seeds, but if you plant a cutting, you may have a harvest within one to three years.
What type of soil do dragon fruit cacti need?
Soil. Dragon fruit cacti are not terribly fussy when it comes to their soil type or pH level. The key is that their soil is moist, rich in organic matter, and well-draining. Cacti experts also recommend mulching around the base of the plant—especially in drier regions—to help the soil retain its moisture.
What animals like dragon fruit?
Depending on where you live, wild animals could find your dragon fruit crop appealing. You may need to take measures to protect your cactus and its fruit from rats, raccoons, birds, and more. The plants are also attractive to ants, mealybugs, mites, and slugs.
How often should I fertilize dragon fruit cacti?
Fertilizer. Dragon fruit cacti are rather hungry plants, and feeding them every couple of months during their first year, using a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer, is recommended. Once the plants are well-established, they should do fine with just a few applications of fertilizer annually.
What is dragon fruit?
Known for its bright pink, leathery skin, dragon fruit is sweet on the inside, featuring bright white flesh and tiny black seeds. Not only will you have a harvest of this unusual, nutritious, and showy fruit if you grow a dragon fruit cactus, but these fast-growing perennial cacti also have ornamental value in your garden landscape.
How to tell when dragon fruit is ready to harvest?
You will know your dragon fruit is ready to harvest when the flaps on the pink outer skin start to develop a withered appearance. If it's ripe, you should be able to twist it from the stem with ease—any fruit that has fallen from the stem on its own tends to be overripe, so timing your harvest properly is important. If kept in the refrigerator, dragon fruit can last up to two weeks.
How to grow dragon fruit?
Therefore, it order to grow dragon fruit, you'll need to plant it near a fence, build a trellis, or a climbing pole. In either case, it's extremely important for your dragon fruit plant to be able to support itself.
When to harvest dragon fruit?
In a regular growing climate, dragon fruit will grow from summer to late autumn, and even into winter. In temperate regions, you'll be able to harvest dragon fruit between summer and early to mid autumn.
How hot can a dragon fruit plant survive?
Remember that the dragon fruit plant or pitaya plant can only survive temperatures that are above 28F (-2C).
How to make a dragon fruit potting soil?
You can also make your own soil by mixing in half perlite and half peat, or just add a little bit of sand into your potting soil. The good news is that dragon fruit is very tolerant of poor soil, and even cactus oil will work well.
What is the pH of dragon fruit?
Learn how to grow dragon fruit, one of the most peculiar looking fruits in the world! Can be grown in USDA zones 9 through 11, and with a soil pH of 6 to 7.
How long does it take for a stem to heal from a plant?
Make the cut at an angle for best results. Let the cut stem heal for about a week in a dry place.
Where does dragon fruit come from?
Dragon fruit is native to Central America and most often grown in tropical and sub tropical climates.
How long does it take for dragon fruit to bloom?
After the flowering occurs, fruit will begin to form. One plant can produce fruit for 20 to 30 years, so if you plant one, be ready for a lot of dragon fruit.
How to grow dragon fruit from seeds?
Dragon fruit can be propagated directly from the seeds in the fruit. You will need to cut the fruit in half, and then scoop out the seeds. The seeds need to be separated from the flesh, so wash the seeds and dry them overnight. Using a germinating tray, plant the seeds in soil, but make sure that they are close to the top. Make sure that the soil is moist, and then cover it with plastic wrap until it germinates, which will take ten to 15 days. Once germination occurs, the young plants can be transplanted into a larger pot.
How to pollinate dragon fruit?
You will need to collect the pollen from two different dragon fruit plants, and gently use a cotton swab to paint it onto the stigma of the opposite plant to cross pollinate. This does need to be done at night, so between the hours of eight at night and eight in the morning is best. If you are pollinating different plants, use a new cotton swab for each. It will take about a month for the fruit to grow.
What temperature should dragon fruit be?
Temperature Requirements – Dragon fruit will not grow in cold climates, so make sure that the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage from occurring to the plant. For optimal growth, the temperature needs to be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why do my plants have dragon spots?
Dragon Spots, which occur on the stems and leaves of a plant, can be the sign that your plant has an infection. Bacteria can cause other issues as well like soft stem rot. This is a disease that affects the ends of the branches. These illnesses are typically transferred from plant to plant, so sterilize your clippers.
How long does it take for a plant to germinate?
Make sure that the soil is moist, and then cover it with plastic wrap until it germinates, which will take ten to 15 days. Once germination occurs, the young plants can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Can dragon fruit grow in a pot?
Since dragon fruit does not like to grow in colder climates, having it planted in a pot can be a great idea. It allows you to easily move the plant indoors when the weather starts getting cold. Large pots are best; typically they should be at least 15 gallons.
