Dragon fruit cactus

Dragon fruit cactus Hylocereus undatus

What is the plant

Hylocereus undatus, the white-fleshed pitahaya, is a species of Cactaceae and is the most cultivated species in the genus. It is used both as an ornamental vine and as a fruit crop - the pitahaya or dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, belongs to the cactus family. It’s a climbing cactus and needs support for growing. The flowers are unique, and one among the largest in the world with a diameter of 25 cm and is about 30 cm long. One more feature of its bloom is: it only opens for one night and exudes an inviting fruity fragrance. Dragon fruit will need to provide a sturdy support in your container. Otherwise, the cactus will grow over the edges of your container and sprawl along the ground until it finds something to climb.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

15°C - 30°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

Water
In the growing season, the plants should be watered at least once a week. When watering, the soil should be given a good soaking, allowing excess water to drain away. Allow the compost to dry out slightly between each watering.
Sunlight
The East window is often considered the best window for houseplants as its cooler than the west window without the dangers of overheating. West windows received full sun for part of the day and bright light for the rest, great for flowering plants.
Fertilizer
An organic, balanced, liquid fertilizer once a month during growth period is recommended.

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Soil
Loose, light, humus soil is ideal for this plant.
Pruning
Never remove more than a third of the foliage in any one year and to cut just above a node on the stem.
Temperature
The ideal growing temperatures for dragon fruit are between 65 and 85F. Anything below 32F will kill the plant. Anything over 100F will damage the fruit and cause it to wilt.

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Container
Many seasoned gardeners recommend using a container that is about 10% larger in diameter than the cactus plant at its widest point.
Popularity
2,573 people already have this plant 649 people have added this plant to their wishlists