Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Hylocereus undatus • Cactaceae Family
Dragon Fruit is a spectacular climbing cactus that produces exotic, delicious fruits! This fast-growing vine with aerial roots creates stunning night-blooming flowers and colorful, sweet fruits with kiwi-like flesh and tiny black seeds.
Best Propagation Method
Stem Cuttings - Fast, reliable, and fruits much sooner!
Night Bloomer
Flowers open only at night and are called 'Queen of the Night'
Fast Results
Cuttings can fruit in 1-3 years vs 5-7 years from seeds
Climbing Cactus
Can spread 10-20 feet and needs strong support structures
Exotic Fruit
Sweet, kiwi-like flesh with tiny black seeds - absolutely delicious!
Stem Cuttings
Fastest and most reliable method for home growers
Seeds
Takes 5-7 years to fruit, but fun for breeding new varieties
Propagating by Stem Cuttings
Select a healthy, mature stem segment about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long from a plant that's at least 6 months old. Thick, green stems with a woody base tend to root best.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the stem at a 45° angle, preferably at a node (joint between segments).
Allow the cutting to heal (callus) by placing it in a dry, shaded spot for 3-7 days. This is critical to prevent rot.
Fill a pot with well-draining cactus/succulent mix and insert the callused end about 2 inches (5 cm) deep into slightly moist soil.
Ensure proper orientation: the end closer to the roots goes down, with tiny scale-like spines pointing upward.
Water sparingly at first. Give one light watering after planting, then do not water again until the soil is nearly dry.
Place in bright, indirect light initially, then gradually move to fuller sun as roots develop.
Provide support with a stake or small trellis for the new growth to climb as it lengthens.
Once rooted (2-4 weeks), gradually move to fuller sun. Plants from cuttings can flower and fruit in 1-3 years.
Propagating from Seeds
Extract Seeds: Cut a ripe dragon fruit, scoop out pulp, rinse tiny black seeds in a fine sieve, and let them dry on a paper towel for a day.
Sow Seeds: Fill a shallow tray with well-draining seed-starting mix (cactus soil + sand/perlite). Moisten soil. Sprinkle seeds on surface; do not bury deep, as they need light exposure.
Humidity & Temperature: Cover with a clear plastic lid or wrap to hold humidity. Keep in a warm location (70-85°F / 21-29°C) with indirect light.
Watering (Keep Moist): Use a mister to keep the topsoil consistently moist (not waterlogged). Check often to prevent drying out. Ensure good airflow to prevent mold.
Germination and Seedling Care: Seeds typically sprout within 1-4 weeks. Once most have germinated, remove cover. Provide bright light (sunny window/grow light) to prevent leggy growth.
Transplanting Seedlings: Allow seedlings to grow until sturdy (a few months, 2-3 inches tall). Transplant into individual pots with well-draining cactus soil.
Patience is Key: Dragon fruit seedlings grow slowly; it may take a year or more to reach 6-12 inches. Plants from seed can take 5-7 years to fruit.
Light Requirements
Full sun is ideal (6-8 hours daily). In extremely hot climates (100°F+), provide partial afternoon shade to prevent stem sunburn.
Watering
Moderate watering - water when top inch of soil dries (about weekly). Keep evenly moist during growing season, but reduce watering in winter.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil rich in organic matter. Use cactus/succulent mix with extra perlite. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-7).
Temperature
Warm temperatures required: 65-80°F (18-27°C) ideal. Cannot survive freezing - protect below 32°F (0°C). Hardy to USDA zones 10-11.
Spring
- Start fertilizing
- Begin regular watering
- Prune if needed
Summer
- Peak growing season
- Watch for flowering
- Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
Fall
- Harvest fruits
- Second flowering period
- Reduce fertilizing
Winter
- Protect from cold
- Reduce watering
- Move containers indoors
Produces spectacular night-blooming flowers called 'Queen of the Night' - each opens for just one night!
Fruits can be ready in 1-3 years from cuttings (vs 5-7 years from seeds) - much faster than growing from seed
Absolutely requires strong support - this climbing cactus can spread 10-20 feet and becomes quite heavy
Hand-pollinate flowers at night with a cotton swab for better fruit set, especially for indoor plants
Move container plants indoors before frost - this tropical cactus cannot tolerate freezing temperatures
Heavy feeder - apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during growing season for best fruit production
Prune 1-3 times yearly to control size and encourage fruiting wood - always use clean, sharp tools
Wear gloves when handling - stems have small spines that can scratch skin