• Red Dragon Fruit Plant: A Tropical Delicacy - Bonte Farm
  • Red Dragon Fruit Plant: A Tropical Delicacy - Bonte Farm
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Bonte Farm

Dragon Fruit Plant: A Tropical Delicacy, White Flower, Red Fruit

Dragon Fruit Plant: A Tropical Delicacy, White Flower, Red Fruit

$39.00 USD
$39.00 USD
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Dragon Fruit Plant: White Flower, Red Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) - Tropical Night Bloom & Superfood Harvest

The Dragon Fruit Plant, specifically the common White Flesh/Red Skin variety (Hylocereus undatus), is a spectacular, fast-growing climbing cactus prized equally for its exotic, nocturnal white flowers and its delicious, vibrant red superfood fruit. This variety is a highly popular, self-pollinating choice for home growers, making it a reliable addition to any tropical or sub-tropical garden. The plant features striking, three-sided, succulent green stems that require a sturdy support structure (trellis or post) to climb. Growing your own Dragon Fruit provides a unique ornamental display and a rewarding harvest of vitamin-rich, low-calorie fruit, essential for the edible landscape and urban farming enthusiast.

Botanical Characteristics

Characteristic

Detail

Scientific Name

Hylocereus undatus (The classic white flesh, red skin variety)

Common Names

Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear.

Growth Habit

A climbing, epiphytic cactus characterized by thick, three-ribbed, segmented, succulent green stems that grow vertically up supports and then hang down.

Foliage

The plant is leafless; the thick, green stems perform photosynthesis. Small spines are present along the rib edges, but they are generally soft and less aggressive than desert cacti.

Flowers

Massive, dinner-plate sized white flowers that are highly fragrant. They are nocturnal, blooming only once at night, making them a stunning garden event.

Fruit

Iconic, oval fruit with bright red or pink leathery skin covered in prominent green scales (fins). The flesh inside is white and flecked with tiny black, edible seeds.

Pollination

This Hylocereus undatus variety is generally considered self-pollinating, ensuring a reliable fruit set.

Mature Size

The Dragon Fruit Plant is a vine and its growth is dependent on the support structure provided.1

  • Length: Stems can reach 15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters) in length if allowed to trail.
  • Trellis Size: Typically trained onto a 5–6 foot (1.5–1.8 meter) vertical post with a circular frame (hat) at the top to encourage stems to droop, which facilitates flowering and fruiting.
  • Growth Rate: Extremely fast-growing in ideal warm, humid conditions.

USDA Hardiness Zone

The Dragon Fruit Plant is a tropical/sub-tropical cactus best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11.2 It tolerates high heat but must be protected from freezing temperatures. In Zone 9, protection from frost is mandatory; in cooler zones, it must be grown in a greenhouse or container.

Cultivation and Care

Aspect

Care Instructions

Sunlight

Requires full sun for maximum fruit production and healthy stem growth. Can tolerate very light shade in the hottest climates.

Support

Crucial: Must be grown on a sturdy trellis, fence, or post (often wood or concrete) for support.

Soil

Requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A rich, organic cactus mix amended with compost works well. As an epiphyte, it dislikes heavy clay soil.

Water

While a cactus, it needs more water than desert cacti, especially during the active growing and fruiting season (summer). Water regularly, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizer

Benefits from a regular, balanced fertilizer regimen, especially during spring and summer. Use a slow-release formula or liquid feed high in potassium and magnesium to promote flowering.

Landscape Use

  • Edible Landscaping: Provides a reliable source of fresh, exotic fruit for the home garden.3
  • Vertical Accent: Used as a unique, architectural element when trained onto a striking post or arbor.
  • Hobby Farming: Ideal for small-scale commercial or urban farming due to its relatively compact footprint.
  • Patio Containers: Excellent choice for large patio pots in cooler climates, allowing easy movement indoors during winter.

Wildlife Attraction

The large, fragrant nocturnal flowers are naturally pollinated by moths and bats in their native habitat, creating a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. In North America, growers often need to hand-pollinate to ensure a high fruit set. The fruit is highly appealing to birds and rodents, requiring possible netting as it ripens.

Pest and Disease Resistance

The Dragon Fruit Plant is quite disease-resistant. The most common issues are stem rot or root rot caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Occasional pests include scale, ants, and mealybugs, which are usually easily treated with cultural practices or neem oil.

Propagation

Propagation is extremely easy and reliable using stem cuttings. Simply cut a segment of a healthy, mature stem, allow it to callus (dry and heal) for several days, and plant it directly into a well-draining soil mix near the intended support post. Cuttings generally root and establish quickly.

 

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