The dragon fruit should have a slightly soft texture when gently pressed, indicating that it is ripe and ready to be harvested. The spread of a dragon fruit plant is typically as wide as the support structure it’s grown on. The branches can extend horizontally to create a bushy appearance. And the spread can be in the range of 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) or more. Once the cuttings have established a strong root system and grown several inches in height, you can transplant them into larger pots or into the ground in a mounded hill to help with soil drainage. Propagating dragon fruit through cuttings involves taking cuttings from healthy, mature leaves from the parent plant and planting them in well-draining soil. This method is faster and easier than growing from seeds since cuttings already have a head start and will begin producing fruit sooner than seedlings. However, cuttings are clones of the parent plant, so there is a risk of propagating any diseases or genetic abnormalities present in the original plant. Place the potteddragon fruitcuttings in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the cuttings.

I prefer to use organic mulches such as straw, shredded leaves, wood chips and compost. Organic mulch will also help feed the soil and provide nutrients as it breaks down.

Once you cut the cutting into three to six inch cuttings, apply fungicide to the ends and allow the cuttings to dry. This is not a necessary step, but it helps promote growth, so it is useful. Next, you dry or cure the cutting, which typically takes two to five days. You will know that it is ready when the tips of the cutting turn white. It’s important to note that dragon fruit plants are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so they require protection or should be planted in areas where temperatures don’t drop significantly during the winter months. Place the post, stake or trellis near the base of the dragon fruit plant. If using a stake, insert it about 1 to 2 feet deep into the ground, ensuring it is securely anchored. If using a trellis, attach it to a solid structure or place it firmly into the ground.

Grab-and-Shake: If on the ground, the dragon seizes its target with its jaws before shaking them to death.While dragon fruit flowers are capable of self-pollination, they generally require cross-pollination to produce fruit. This is because dragon fruit plants have flowers that contain both male and female reproductive organs, but the flowers are typically not self-fertile.

Select the mature pitaya stems, which appear dark green and rigid. Cut about 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) long segments, but if you happen to have a longer stem, it would be better. Allow the Wound to Heal Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for cacti and succulents like this one. You can also create a mix of sand and potting soil for better drainage. When growing dragon fruit in a container, it’s important to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth. A container with a diameter of at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) is recommended, with a depth of at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The container should also have good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A rolling plant caddy would also be a good investment, allowing for flexibility and ease of movement. As pitaya is a cactus species, it grows like one but has different growing requirements and techniques, such as the following: Planting Type From SeedsThere are two primary methods to grow dragon fruit, they arefrom cuttings or from seeds. A third, less common, method is through grafting which I won’t cover here this time. Learn how to tell if yourfertilizeris low in nitrogen with these fertilizertips. Growing dragon fruit in a container

After collecting the seeds from the flesh, place them in a moist paper towel for twelve hours. Plant in fresh soil, barely covering it with dirt, cover it with perforated plastic, and keep it moist by daily misting. Does Dragon Fruit Grow on Trees? After a few weeks(sometimes longer), you should start to see signs of new growth, such as the emergence of small pinkish or green shoots. This indicates successful rooting. Since dragon fruit does not like 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 best time to collect pollen is around mid-morning or early afternoon. At this time, the pollen is mature and ready for transfer. Dragon fruit trees can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) or even more if provided with adequate support.Pay attention to the balance of branches throughout the plant. Ideally, you want an open and balanced structure, which allows for good airflow and uniform light distribution. Trim branches that may be growing too vigorously or overtaking others to create a more even canopy. Weedingand Mulching Many varieties of dragon fruit are self-pollinating but there are some varieties that require you to have another plant nearby for successful pollination. In any case, dragon fruit trees mostly rely on pollinators, such bats, moths, bees and other insects, for fruit set. So, the heavier the container the easier it will be for it to handle all that weight. Also, you might want to add a trellis. Pitaya is a climber, and without proper support, it won’t be able to hold its own fruit. To make the plant grow faster, add some slow-release fertilizer to the pot before planting the seeds. Covering the container with food storage plastic that’s got holes in it will also stimulate growth. Image Credit: theartofdoingstuff 2. What About the Soil and the Fertilizer?