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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDragon fruit is relatively easy to grow, providing you give it the right conditions. Being a cactus that climbs, it needs something to be trained up and trailed over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Climate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Also known as Pitayas<\/a>, they require a subtropical or tropical climate that is frost-free to grow outdoors. They can tolerate moderately cool climates so long as the temperature doesn\u2019t drop to below freezing. They don\u2019t like excessive heat either and will soon wilt if temperatures exceed 100\u00b0F.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite being known as a direct sunlight plant, powerful sunlight can damage the plants and produce sunburn problems. This tends to be more problematic if the plants are being grown in low humidity or at a high altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the plants are young, for the first three or four months cuttings should be provided with some light shade during peak sun hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal temperature for the plant is 65\u00b0F to 77\u00b0F with a humidity level of around 50%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Originating in southern Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Pacific Guatemala, Columbia, Venezuela, Curacao, Ecuador, Brazil, Panama, and Uruguay, they have also been successfully cultivated in tropical and subtropical America, southern Florida, Hawaii, Caribbean, Australia, Asia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Israel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wish to grow them outside in the U.S., then they thrive best in climate zones 10 and 11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As we don\u2019t all live in southern Florida, another option is to grow them indoors. If your home has large windows or a sunroom and gets plenty of sunlight (six to eight hours per day), then you should be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because pollination by insects for indoor plants may be difficult, you\u2019ll have to hand pollinate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping in mind that a fully mature dragon fruit cactus can reach heights of 20 feet, smaller varieties are needed for indoor growing. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As cacti naturally grow in areas with poor sandy soils, you need to provide them with free-draining soil, although making it rich and free-draining is best for fruit production. The roots are very tender, and, if they are kept too wet, will quickly rot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If growing your dragon fruit in pots, ensure they are at least 20 inches in diameter and 30 inches deep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When growing outdoors, enrich the soil with well-rotted organic matter or a soil improver before planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pitayas have been noted to be moderately to highly salt-tolerant, making them suitable for growing in coastal areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The support<\/a> necessary for a dragon fruit should be put in place when the plant is still young. It usually comprises a central post that is set vertical and is four or five inches in diameter and five to six feet in height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top of the vertical support, a strong square frame should be attached that sits on the horizontal for the branches to hang over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can plant two or three cuttings around the base of the frame. Gently secure them to the post, and as they grow taller, remove any side shoots until the stem reaches the required height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cut off the top of the stems to force the plant to develop side branches that will hang over the support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To grow well and develop flowers and fruits, a dragon fruit cactus requires six to eight hours (or more) of full sun per day. If you\u2019re growing your dragon fruit trees indoors, be careful that the sun provided through a south-facing window is not too intense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also advisable to rotate plants grown indoors regularly to ensure all branches receive sufficient light exposure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In some areas, providing enough light year-round can be a problem. Artificial grow lights can be used to make up any shortfall. Full-spectrum LEDs are the best for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the plant used to artificial light over a few days, starting them at around 30 inches distant before gradually moving them closer. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLocation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sunlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Artificial Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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