The dragon fruit cactus is a tropical plant. It is also called a “pitaya”. In this article, we will teach you how to take care of a dragon fruit cactus.
If you’re a gardener or just want to try your hand at growing plants, Hylocereus undatus (the dragon fruit cactus) might be worth trying out. This plant produces white-fleshed pitahayas – commonly referred to as dragon fruits.
These vining cacti produce dense foliage and large fruits. When planted in warm, sunny regions, these cannery gems can live for decades if properly cared for.
Taking care of a dragon fruit cactus?
How to Care
Hylocereus undatus, commonly known as Dragon Fruit Cactus, requires ample sunlight and regular watering to thrive. Be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot in these plants.
These cacti require a well-draining, succulent potting mix. Make sure it’s a sandy blend that replicates their native subtropical environment.
SUNLIGHT: For optimal growth and blooming of a dragon fruit plant, it needs at least 6 hours of bright sunlight per day. If yours isn’t getting enough light, trim back any skinny growth from the top of the stem and move it to an area with better illumination.
PRUNING: To keep your cactus healthy and growing on its support system, regularly prune back any dead or dying parts of the plant. Doing this will allow it to focus on producing blooms and fruit.
FERTILIZING: Apply fertilizer to your dragon fruit cactus once a month for optimal growth. Additionally, adding organic matter to the soil is especially beneficial for these jungle cacti.
PROPAGATION: Depending on the variety of dragon fruit cactus, you can propagate this plant through seeds, stem cuttings, or division.
Harvesting
Dragon fruit is a refreshing, crunchy treat that’s great for your diet. Not only is it highly hydrating and satisfying, but also packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids.
Harvesting fruit is a straightforward procedure. Simply twist off the pink outer skin, and take out any ripe or overripe fruit that falls from its stem on its own.
When you’re ready to enjoy dragon fruit, it is best to store it in your fridge before consumption. It will last several days in the fridge and can either be consumed fresh or used in smoothies or baking recipes.
When cultivating dragon fruit plants, ensure they are placed in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. Furthermore, dragon fruit prefers slightly acidic conditions with a pH level around 6-7.
Pests
Dragon fruit cactus (Hylocereus undatus) is typically free from pests and diseases that could negatively impact production. However, dragon fruit cactus can be susceptible to anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and bipoaris cactivora.
Anthracnose causes halo-like concentric lesions on stems and fruit, while bipoaris cactivora causes black/brown spotting on pitaya blossoms and fruit. When the infection is severe, it manifests in branch/stem rot as well.
According to scientists at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, farmers can minimize these risks by providing ample sunlight, temperature regulation, and fertilizer.
Furthermore, watering should be kept to a minimum and the soil well-drained to avoid root rot. While plants can tolerate brief periods of cold temperatures, prolonged exposure will result in damage.
Dragon fruit thrives best in a sunny, warm climate. During hot summers it may require some shade to prevent excessive sunburn and encourage healthy growth.
Cacti are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, either outdoors in the garden or indoors in pots. When planting indoors, make sure the container has permeable soil and remove weeds as necessary.
Diseases
Dragon fruit cacti, commonly referred to as pitayas, are vine-like climbers found in tropical climates around the world. While these plants require minimal upkeep, diseases can still present challenges for gardeners.
Dragon fruit cacti are susceptible to sunscald when exposed to excessive heat and sunlight. To reduce this risk, try positioning the plant in an area with some shade during peak summer hours.
Another disease that affects this cactus is ‘Virus X’ (cactus mild mottle virus). This bacterial infection causes splotchy, mottled areas of light and dark green on the stems and leaves of the plant.
Stem rot and canker are two common diseases of dragon fruit cacti that are caused by bacteria or fungi and cause discolored spots on the stems and leaves. Applying an effective fungicide can help control these issues.
How long does it take for a cactus to produce dragon fruit?
Depending on the species, a cactus can take anywhere from one to five years to produce dragon fruit. The exact time frame can vary depending on the climate, the cactus, and the growing conditions.
The dragon fruit cactus needs to reach a specific size before it can produce flowers, which is the first step in making fruit. The optimal climate for dragon fruit cacti is warm and dry, and the growing conditions should be tailored to the specific species of cactus.
Once the dragon fruit cactus has grown to the appropriate size and is in the optimal environment, it will take several months for the flowers to transition into mature fruit. Dragon fruit trees can produce up to 100 fruits per wave, and 3 waves per year.
