How to Grow a Dragon Fruit Plant: Types, Care Tips, and Botanical Properties

Dragon fruit plants are one-of-a-kind, being one of the best options for plant lovers looking for something low-maintenance. There has been a lot of misunderstanding regarding this fruit, though. For example, some people believe it is unfit for consumption, while others are unsure about its varieties and the scientific name. 

This article will answer all of your questions and provide you with a thorough understanding of the Dragon fruit tree.

Quick Botanical Overview

We know that this section may not be everyone’s favorite, but we need to delve into the science behind things. To truly understand something, we must first grasp its underlying principles, and the Dragon Fruit Cactus Plant is no exception. 

So, let’s look into this brief botanical overview of Selenicereus undatus (Scientific Name of the Dragon Fruit).

Scientific Name	Selenicereus undatus
Plant Type	Perennial, fruit
Plant Feature	Climbing Cactus (Hylocereus and Selenicereus species)
Native Area	South & Central America
Flowers	Large, showy, white, cream, or pink, night-blooming and sweet-smelling.
Stems and Leaves	Broad, triangular, succulent stems with ridges
Fruits	Large, oval, pink, with scaly skinInner flesh is white, pink, or redSeeds are black
Growing Conditions	Tropical and subtropical areas; warm temperatures
Soil Type	Mix of sandy and loamy soil
Soil Condition	Well drained, pH of 6 to 7
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Propagation	Seeds or cuttings (preferable due to slow seed germination)
Nutritional Value	Minerals, dietary fiber, vitamins (particularly C), and antioxidants.
Culinary Uses	Used in fruit salads, smoothies, sweets, and juice.

So that is enough of the botanical stuff; now it is time to move on and learn more about this plant.

How to Grow the Dragon Fruit Plant?

Now, it is time to learn how to grow these plants on your own. You will be surprised to learn that the steps are extremely simple and mostly the same for all varieties. Let’s take a look at the general steps to cultivate a Dragon plant,

By Planting Seeds

You can extract the seeds directly from matured fruits or purchase a pack from any nursery or online website. The steps to grow a dragon fruit plant by seeds are as follows:

1. Prepare a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 6-7.
2. Take a seed starting tray and fill two-thirds of every block with soil.
3. Place 3-4 seeds in each block and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Spray water until the soil is moist.
5. After 1-2 weeks, the seedlings will develop.
6. Take a pot with proper drainage holes and fill it with the potting mix.
7. Make a hole in the center and place the seedling in it.
8. Cover it with some more soil and water thoroughly.
9. Place the plant in a bright spot.
10. In a few weeks, your plant will eventually develop roots to bind the soil.
11. Once grown about 5 inches (ca. 13 cm), set up a support structure.

By Propagation

1. Choose a healthy stem that is free from pests.
2. Make a clean cut right below the node.
3. Keep the cutting in an open spot away from sunlight to dry and callus for a few days.
4. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and make a 2-3 inches deep hole.
5. Place the cutting and fill the gaps with soil.
6. Water the cutting thoroughly until the soil is wet.
7. Place the pot in a sun-lit location.

Water the plant regularly until it becomes an adult, then water deeply but infrequently. You should fertilize your plant, mainly in the spring and summer. Prune as needed to maintain shape and keep an eye out for pests. 

You can harvest the plant when the fruit turns pink or red and becomes slightly soft. However, the harvesting state of your plant may differ depending on the variety. Aside from that, all steps are almost identical.

How to Take Care of Dragon Fruit Plant?

Being a cactus, dragon fruit plants require little attention and care. However, you should still get to know its requirements before growing one yourself.

• Sunlight Requirements: Dragon fruit plants usually prefer bright but indirect sunlight. If you’re growing them outdoors, keep them in a place that receives 6 hours of sunlight with a little shade. If you are planting them indoors, keep the plant near the window that receives the most sunlight throughout the day. 

• Soil Conditions: This plant requires a slightly acidic, well-draining potting mixture of sandy soil, compost, and perlite. In the wild, dragon fruit plants grow on trees as an epiphyte. To replicate their natural habitat, you can plant them in a well-draining orchid mix.

• Water Routine: Despite being a cactus, a dragon fruit plant does require proper moisture. In the growing season, water the plants once or twice a week. However, in winter, reduce the frequency to only once a month.

• Fertilization: During the growing season, provide them with a balanced fertilizer, mixed in water, in every 2 to 4 weeks. You can also use different pesticides to prevent it from becoming infested with various pests. 

• Temperature and Humidity: Being a plant of tropical climates, it prefers temperatures between 65°F and 90°F (18°C to 32°C). These plants are not frost-tolerant, thus, it is advised to keep them sheltered in winter.

Overall, you do not need to do much to care for a dragon fruit plant; simply follow the basics, and you will be good to go.

Types of Dragon Fruit Cactus Plant

We are going to embark on an exploration journey to discover various varieties of dragon fruit. Let’s get started.

The flesh of this dragon fruit is white and sweet, with a pink or red exterior. It is low in acidity but high in fiber, vitamin C, and other health benefits. This dragon fruit variety is unique and extremely easy to grow. As a result, it is one of the most popular Dragon fruits available on the market.

Scientific Name:	Hylocereus undatus
Appearance:	Pink or red skin with white flesh
Taste:	Subtly sweet and reminiscent of kiwis or pears
Nutrition:	Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C
Native to:	Central America and Asia

The exterior of this dragon fruit can have hues of pink or red, while the flesh is a vibrant red color. It is higher in sugar content than the white variety and packed with more nutrients.

Scientific Name:	Hylocereus costaricensis
Appearance:	Bright pink or red skin with vibrant red flesh
Taste:	More sweet and juicy than white-fleshed varieties, with hints of berry flavor
Nutrition:	Vitamin C, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds
Native to:	Central America

This dragon fruit has tiny black seeds, white flesh, and a yellow exterior. It has a tangy and sweet flavor, as well as vitamins and other health benefits, similar to citrus fruits.

Scientific Name:	Hylocereus megalanthus
Appearance:	Yellow or golden skin with white flesh and small black seeds
Taste:	A little sweet and tangy, with a hint of citrus
Nutrition:	Antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
Native to:	South America, especially Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia

Originating in Vietnam, this plant is prized for its mouthwatering flavor and eye-catching look. The skin ranges from dark pink to red, with white flesh. It has a sweet and refreshing flavor, similar to a cross between watermelon and pears. 

Scientific Name:	Selenicereus undatus
Appearance:	White flesh, tiny edible seeds, and skin that ranges from dark pink to red
Taste:	Refreshing and sweet, with a flavor profile that combines watermelon and pears
Nutrition:	Antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C
Native to:	Vietnam

Now that you know a little bit about these varieties, you are likely to apply what you have learned to your dragon fruit gardening, resulting in better results.

Is Dragon Fruit a Sign of Fortune?

Dragon fruit is highly valued in Asian cultures as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, especially during significant events such as the Lunar New Year. Dragon fruit is mentioned several times in Asian films, demonstrating the plant’s importance in various cultures across the continent. 

However, in decorative contexts, its distinctive appearance and vivid colors frequently make it a symbol of abundance, beauty, and prosperity.

Did you know?

• Dragon fruit is completely safe to consume; in fact, it is a nutritious addition to your diet, high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Dragon fruit flowers only open at night and are pollinated by moths and bats.

In a Nutshell

Without a doubt, Dragon fruit is a strange plant because, first and foremost, its physical appearance resembles that of a magical egg, which is also strange. 

Aside from that, this plant is pollinated by bats and moths, so you might want to reconsider eating it. However, there are several health benefits to this plant. It can also be used as a decoration and a gift at different times. 

So that is all we need to know about Dragon Fruit. I hope you enjoyed this article and wish you success in your gardening endeavors.