Propagating a Belle of the Night plant is the same as propagating most branching cacti, through seeds and cuttings. These insects are more beneficial than harmful and have been used as biocontrol agents in agriculture (4). An environmental approach to managing these by most farmers is through the use of the pest’s natural enemies like ladybugs and lacewing larvae. Plants grown for food, especially on a large scale, are prone to thrips. They should be treated with mild soap solutions or diluted alcohol as soon as the pests are observed. Sucking insects like mealybugs, aphids, and scales are often seen on the stems and fruits of those grown indoors. Pests and Diseasesĭragon Fruit cacti are susceptible to pests common to all fleshy plants. Pitayas will not bear fruit under temperatures lower than this (2). It is not tolerant of frost, requiring an optimum temperature of 68 to 86 ☏ (20 to 30 ☌). It is also tolerant of salt in gardens by the seashore (1).ĭragon Fruit cactus’ growing conditions should be kept on the dry side during winter as too much moisture leads to rotting. When grown in the soil, the plant will benefit from free-draining compost with about 10 to 30% sandy soils. Because it harnesses moisture mostly from the air, a good regular misting or spraying of water is enough. They even form colonies and because of the weight of their fleshy stems, they can even bring trees down.Īs an epiphytic cactus, this plant does not need lots of water. Like a tropical vine under a canopy, they would climb up trees for good sun exposure. Pitayas mature well with bright sunlight, but they can grow in semi-shade too. How to Grow and Care for Dragon Fruit Plant Growth Requirements #CACTUS FRUIT FULL#The massive flower is night-blooming and lasts only from dusk until dawn but once pollinated, it turns into a 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) exotic scaly fruit with thick white pulp inside full of tiny black seeds (3). Hylocereus undatus is considered the showiest cactus because, in summer, it produces 12 in (30 cm) fragrant flowers with white petals, large yellow stigma, and many stamens. This cactus has 3-sided succulent jointed stems with small spikes running down the edges and fibrous aerial roots that allow the plant to cling to surfaces (2).ĭespite the sprawling habit, each plant can reach an impressive height of 30 feet (9.1 m) with the support of trees, shrubs, and rocks in the wild. The edible fruit makes this cactus popular around the world, and it goes by other names such as pitaya, night-blooming cereus, belle of the night, selenicereus undatus, the white-fleshed pitahaya, etc… The plant got its common name from the scaly appearance of the pink, red, peach, sometimes yellow fruit that can weigh up to 2 pounds (0.9 kg). It is scientifically called Hylocereus undatus and is one of the few cacti that are both epiphytic and terrestrial (1). The Dragon Fruit cactus may sound mythical, but it actually exists and originated from Central America and northern South America. If you are looking for a plant to add to your edible landscape or your cacti collection at home, this special cactus is for you. This cactus not only provides food but ornamental and functional purposes in the landscape too. Several cacti species actually offer edible parts which are used in many delectable dishes today, the most popular one being the Dragon Fruit cactus. #CACTUS FRUIT HOW TO#How to Grow and Care for Dragon Fruit Plantīut because people are adventurous, and we have a need to survive, the cacti group is explored for their digestible properties.
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