Dragon Fruit

vine-crawling

Hylocereus undatus

Also known as: Pitaya, Pitahaya, Strawberry Pear

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Planting strategy

Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus best started from stem cuttings (20-30 cm long) rather than seed, as cuttings fruit much faster and true-to-type. Let cuttings callus for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Provide a sturdy trellis, post, or pillar with a support ring since the plant is a vining cactus that needs to climb and eventually cascade. Protect from frost and intense midday sun when young. Fertilize lightly during the growing season with a balanced or fruit-focused fertilizer, and prune after fruiting to encourage new productive growth. Plants typically take 1-2 years to begin fruiting and flowers open only at night, often needing hand pollination for best fruit set, especially with self-incompatible varieties.