How To Grow Dragon Fruit Tree In Pot ?

Most probably you have also witnessed the strange looking fruit in the local fruit or juice shop or grocery store. The bright pink skin with alien green spines is hard to miss. But have you tried it ever? Moreover, ever thought of growing this in your own home? Don’t worry Growing dragon fruit is fairly easy, both outdoors or in the pot. Dragon fruit tree in pot is easier than you think. Dragon fruit plants – also known by the names pitaya, strawberry pear, Kaktus Madu, Night-blooming cereus and Belle of the night – are a kind of cactus indigenous to South America. It’s a climbing cactus and needs support for growing.

The flowers are unique, and one among the largest in the world with a diameter of 25 cm and is about 30 cm long. One more feature of its bloom is: it only opens for one night and exudes an inviting fruity fragrance. This exotic fruit is unique and yummy.

It is super hydrating and especially satisfying when chilled, and the tiny black seeds add a nice crunch to the sweet and soft flesh. It’s full of antioxidants, easy to digest carbohydrates, and omega fatty acids in the seeds.

So excited enough to grow this amazing fruit in your backyard. Stay with us and know the tips and tricks for enjoying delicious dragon fruit tree in pot.

Climate For Growing Dragon Fruit In Pot

If you live in a warmer area then you don’t need to think much about it. However, if you live in a colder area you will need a greenhouse or sun porch. You can grow a dragon fruit plant in pot on your patio if you’re careful to protect it from cold weather.

The ideal growing temperatures for dragon fruit are between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 32F will kill your plant. Anything over 100 F will damage the fruit and cause it to wilt.

Selecting A Pot And Area -Dragon Fruit Tree In Pot

Choose a container that is at least 10 inches deep and 24 inches wide. This equates to about a 10-gallon pot. Use sandy,  well-draining soil made for cactus plants.

If your container does not have several drain holes, then you will need to add them so the roots of the plant never become soggy. Pick a sunny location for your dragon fruit plant. At least 6-8 hours of sun. Selecting appropriate area for dragon fruit tree in pot is important.

Caring For Dragon Fruit Tree In Pot

Pests

In general, dragon fruit tree in pot are not prone to insects, but when their fruit starts to appear, you will need to protect the plant from hungry bats and birds. You can use bird netting to keep your fruit safe. 

Dragon Spots

If you notice spots on the stems and leaves of the plant this could be a sign of infection. There is a risk of bacterial infection in dragon fruit which causes the stem to rot. If you notice few spots don’t worry in most cases the dragon fruit plant will fight it off themselves. 

Pruning

If your dragon fruit plant is getting a bit out of control, cut it back in the summer months. Watch for signs of rot on your dragon fruit tree in pot caused by extreme weather conditions. Rotting parts of the plant can be clipped away safely using sharp clippers.

Watering

One of the easiest ways to kill dragon fruit plants is by over-watering them. If you water the plant too often, you could cause the roots to rot.

Fertilizing

Cacti are low maintenance plants. They are not heavy feeders and do not require a lot of fertilizer. Over-fertilization will harm your plant. Choose an organic, low nitrogen fertilizer and apply it at planting and then every other month or less.

Fertilize dragon fruit tree in pot with a balanced fertilizer every month when the plant is actively growing in its growing season. Stop fertilizing in winter if you’re growing it in a cool climate. Side dressing with aged manure or compost can also be done occasionally.

Supporting Dragon Fruit Plants

As a climbing plant, you’ll also need to provide dragon fruit tree in pot with some kind of support. A trellis is ideal, but you can also use a wall or a wooden post if you’re short on time or resources. Just make sure the wood you’re using isn’t treated timber.

Harvesting Of Dragon Fruit Tree In Pot

• In usual climates, dragon fruit bears fruit multiple times from summer to late spring and probably winter. It depends on the climate of the place.
• If you’re growing it in a temperate region, it’ll fruit between summer to early and mid-fall.
• Your dragon fruit tree will start to produce flowers and fruits once in the first or second year after planting.
• Harvest dragon fruit when its skin colour changes from bright green to red or pink. Its fruit is oval to ovate and 10 to 15 cm long and forms 30 to 50 days after flowering.
• The pericarp of dragon fruit is rough and scaly and is usually pink in colour. However, there are also red or yellow dragon fruits depending on the variety. 

You’ll know that fruit is on its way when the plant begins to flower. Once the fruit starts to appear, it will take around four weeks to ripen. You’ll know the fruit is ripe when the skin turns a vibrant shade of pink. Use a pair of sharp secateurs to cut the fruit off and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

(Also Read-  Benefits of dragon Fruits for Skin)

Conclusion

Dragon fruit is the vibrant coloured, nutritious and sweet-tasting fruit that you can easily grow in pots. You don’t need to take soil moisture and few things. It needs protection from the cold climate. Providing firm support is essential for ensuring proper growth and development in the dragon. Dragon fruit tree in pot don’t need a much higher dose of fertilizers. You can easily identify harvesting time with visual observation. So if you are fond of gardening or growing fruits then dragon fruit is going to be a rewarding one.