Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), also known as pitaya and nightblooming cactus, is a quick-growing, cactus hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 10. Dragon fruit is best known for its unique fruit, a fleshy, oblong berry with a red or yellow peel and scales. Though dragon fruit stems can grow up to 20 feet long, dragon fruit responds well to pruning to keep it small and can be grown in a container indoors near a window with plenty of sunlight.
Place the pot approximately 2 feet away from a south-facing window that receives full sunlight during the day. Windows that are not shadowed by outside obstructions such as bushes, awnings or trees are ideal, since too much shade can result in poor fruit production. Do not place dragon fruit too close to the glass because it is susceptible to sunburn, especially within the first 3 to 4 months as it adapts to this new indoor location. The University of Florida Extension recommends 30 percent shading during this time and full sun thereafter.
Wait until the dragon fruit has bloomed in the summer and then water it once deeply until the soil is saturated and no more water can be absorbed. Wait until the soil dries out entirely before the next watering. A dry period is required to induce blooming, so do not water before flowers appear. Though dragon fruit is a member of the cactus family, is has a fairly high water requirement. Dragon fruit should be planted in a pot with well draining soil and drainage holes.
Keep indoor temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and ideally between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow temperatures to exceed 100 F. Too hot or too cold temperatures can kill dragon fruit.
Fertilize dragon fruit starting one month after planting. In the first year, fertilize once every 2 months using a 6-6-6, 8-3-9 or 8-4-2 fertilizer. Apply at a rate of 0.25 pound per plant. In the second and third year, slowly increase the amount of fertilizer to 0.40 pound per plant, applied every 2 months. In the fourth year and after, apply between 0.50 and 0.75 pound of fertilizer per plant 3 to 4 times a year.
Wipe hand pruners with 70 to 100 percent isopropyl alcohol using a clean rag to disinfect them. Always sanitize pruning tools before use to avoid spreading or introducing disease. Cut 1 to 2 inches from the tips of the stems with a pair of hand pruners after the dragon fruit has finished flowering in the early fall. Selectively remove any dead, damaged or crowded stems by snipping each stem 1/2 inch above the base. Pruning will control growth and encourage flowering next season.
Things You Will Need
- 70 to 100 percent isopropyl alcohol
- Hand pruners
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