Have you ever thought about
growing dragon fruit plants in your own garden? It is a wonderful plant.
The fruit of this plant is also known as Pitaya. It is not only attractive to
look at but also packed with valuable nutrients. Its taste is amazing.
Everyone is attracted to it for its fascinating appearance and mild sweet and
refreshing taste. If you want to grow this unique plant, you have come to the
right place. In this article, I will share everything you need to know
about the dragon fruit plant. Now, let's enter the mysterious world of
dragon fruit plants.
Dragon Fruit Plant
What is Dragon Fruit Plant?
Dragon fruit plants originated
from several species of cactus in the genus Hylocereus. It is a fruit plant
native to Central America. In recent years, it has gained popularity
worldwide for its attractive fruit. The fruit has incredible health benefits. It
is fascinating for its bright pink or yellow skin and white or red flesh mixed
with small black seeds. However, dragon fruit is of three main varieties:
white-fleshed, red-fleshed, and yellow-skinned. Each variety has a unique
flavor profile.
The dragon fruit plant is just
like a cactus. It grows several feet tall. It can grow to be 20 feet tall or
more in ideal conditions. It has long, green, and ribbed stems. The flowers of
the dragon fruit plant are very attractive. They are large, white and fragrant.
They bloom at night like the Night Queen flowers and only last a few hours. The
nickname of the flowers is Moonflower.
How to grow Dragon Fruit
To grow a dragon fruit plant
successfully, you have to know a lot about its requirements. Now let's see
about the requirements for dragon fruit plants:
Climate and Suitable Place
Dragon fruit plant grows well
in warm weather in temperatures between 65°F and 100°F (18°C and 38°C). It is a
hardy plant that can tolerate drought. However, it can be grown well with
regular watering. If you live in a country with a cooler climate, you can plant
dragon fruit in a container.
Necessary Soil
Dragon fruit plants need
well-draining soil. Sandy or loamy soil is suitable for growing them. You can
make well-draining soil by adding organic manure and fertile to it. It should
have a soil pH between 6 and 7 for optimal growth.
Essential Sunlight
Dragon fruit plant needs at
least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you grow this plant in a
container, place it in a sunny spot on your balcony.
Growing Dragon Fruit Plant
It is easy to grow dragon fruit
plants. You can grow them from seeds or cuttings. Two methods of dragon fruit
propagation are as follows:
Seeds: If
you want to grow dragon fruit plants from seeds, choose a ripe dragon fruit.
Then scoop out the seeds from the fruit and wash them to remove the pulp. Then
dry the seeds for a few days before sowing.
Cutting: The
most popular and effective method is to take cuttings from an established
plant. Take a healthy stem cutting about 12 inches long. Keep it for a few days
before planting.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Soil: Fill
a pot with well-drained soil or prepare garden soil with organic
fertilizer.
Planting Depth: Sow
the seeds or plant cuttings about 1-2 inches deep in the soil.
Watering: Water
lightly after planting to help the roots establish. Avoid overwatering because
it can cause its roots to rot.
Read More
Caring for Dragon Fruit Plants
After planting, take proper
care of your dragon fruit plant for healthy growth and good fruit production.
Follow the tips below to care for your dragon fruit plants:
Watering: Water
your dragon fruit plants regularly. Water when the top layer of soil is dry and
white. Water the plants more consistently in spring and summer. In winter,
water the plants less consistently.
Fertilizing: For
healthy growth and good fruit production, use a balanced fertilizer every few
months. Use fertilizers that are high in potassium and phosphorus because these
improve flowering and fruiting.
Pruning: Prune
the plants regularly to maintain their shape. Remove any dead or unhealthy branches
and cut excessively long branches.
Pollination and Fruit Production
The most important aspect of
growing a dragon fruit plant is to observe its flowering and fruiting process.
Pollination
Usually, the flowers of dragon
fruit plants are pollinated by nocturnal pollinators such as moths. However, if
you want to get good fruit, you can hand-pollinate the flowers. Use a small
brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the stamens to the stigma.
When to Bear Fruit
After successful pollination,
you can expect fruit within 30 to 50 days. The fruit will grow slowly and
change color as it is bigger.
Harvesting Dragon Fruit
You have to know the proper
time to harvest dragon fruit. For this, follow the instructions below.
When the fruit is bright in
color and slightly soft when pressed, it seems to be ripe. Then you can harvest
it.
Again, to harvest dragon
fruit, use pruning scissors to cut the fruit from the plant. While harvesting
the fruit, keep a small part of the stem attached to the fruit. The best
time to harvest the fruit is in the morning or afternoon.
Storing Dragon Fruit
Store dragon fruit at room
temperature until it is fully ripe. Once ripe, you can refrigerate it for up to
a week. Avoid washing the fruit until you are ready to eat it.
In conclusion, growing a dragon
fruit plant is undoubtedly a wonderful experience. This plant can increase
the beauty of your home garden. Many people turn to it for its attractive
appearance, unique aroma, and amazing health benefits. You can fill your garden
with dragon fruit within 2 years with proper care. Although dragon fruit
plants take several years to bear fruit, after several years, you can enjoy the
valuable nutrients of fresh fruit. So, decide to grow a dragon fruit plant in
your garden today. If you want to know anything about it, share it in the
comments.
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