DRAGON FRUIT

How to Grow Dragon Fruit

Unlike most succulent plants, this one may be a rise plant that wants a small amount of support to grow properly. It is a sub tropical plant that needs a lot of heat and humidity, so here is a breakdown of the information that you will need to nurture and grow dragon fruit.

Soil Requirements – This plant is able to grow in any soil that is well draining, but it prefers to grow in soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level that is between six and seven. Sandy soil is the best option for this plant; if it is not available, just ensure that it is well draining soil.

Fertilizerto confirm that the dragon fruit is growing properly, provides it some plant food monthly throughout the active season. During the cold winter months, you'll wish to prevent feeding your plant for a number of months

Water – as a result of this plant may be a succulent plant, it is important to make sure that you are watering it properly. Only water the plant when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, and do not allow the plant to sit in water. The soil needs to be moist, not soaked.

Light Requirements – The base of the plant can see a little shade, but the tips of the plant require full sun to ensure that the plant blooms properly. If an excessive amount of shade is given to the plant, the fruit will not do well.

Temperature necessities – Dragon fruit won't grow in cold climates, so make sure that the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage from occurring to the plant. For optimum growth, the temperature needs to be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Grow Dragon Fruit in Pots

Since dragon fruit doesn't prefer to grow in colder climates, having it planted in a pot can be a great idea. It allows you to easily move the plant indoors when the weather starts getting cold. Large pots are best; typically they should be at least 15 gallons. The pots also need to be well-draining so that the water does not sit in the base of the pot and cause root rot to occur.

Dragon Fruit Growing Season

The growing season of this plant takes place during the hot months of the summer. It will not grow the remainder of the year, but when it does grow, it grows rapidly. Blooms will occur from July to October, but they will only bloom for one night each year. After the flowering occurs, fruit will begin to form. One plant will manufacture fruit for twenty to thirty years, thus if you plant one, be prepared for heaps of dragon fruit.

Growing Regions

As we discussed previously, the plant is often grown in Asia, Mexico, and parts of South America. You can find them grown most often in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Taiwan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Growing Dragon Fruit from Seeds

Dragon fruit is propagated directly from the seeds within the fruit. You will got to cut the fruit in 0.5, and then scoop out the seeds. The seeds need to be separated from the flesh, so wash the seeds and dry them overnight. Using a germinating tray, plant the seeds in soil, but make sure that they are close to the top. Make sure that the soil is moist, and then cover it with plastic wrap until it germinates, which will take ten to 15 days. Once germination occurs, the young plants can be transplanted into a larger pot.

Growing Dragon Fruit from Cuttings

If you opt to grow a dragon fruit from a cutting, make sure not to take too much from the parent plant because it can stunt its growth and put its well being in danger. Also, confirm to start out growing the cutting throughout the summer months for the simplest results. Start with a succulent section that's or so a foot long. This section will build 3 to four new plants.

Once you narrow the cutting into 3 to 6 in. cuttings, apply antifungal to the ends and permit the cuttings to dry. This is not a necessary step, however it helps promote growth, so it is useful. Next, you dry or cure the cutting, which generally takes 2 to 5 days. You will know that it is ready when the tips of the cutting turn white.

Health Benefits

Not many folks square measure aware that ingestion the fruit from a dragon fruit plant is truly terribly helpful to your health. Here square measure a number of the advantages that you simply will expertise after you have your own fruit bearing plant:There are high levels of Vitamin C in this fruit, so it will boost your immune system.These fruits contain no cholesterol, which means eating them is good for your heart and cardiovascular system.The victuals level in dragon fruit is superb, which can help you get the vitamins you need to maintain a healthy system.Carotene is gift in dragon fruit, which means that it has anti-carcinogenic properties.In addition to any or all of those health advantages, eating dragon fruit can improve your metabolism and your digestive system. With all of those health advantages, why not take the initiative and have your own dragon fruit plant in your garden. They do take a bit little bit of care as a result of they're fruit bearing plants, however they're truly straightforward to take care of. Not to mention that they look exotic in your back yard; making them a point of conversation for your guests.