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Dragonfruit

​​​​​​​​Dragonfruit

  • Common name: Dragonfruit
  • Scientific name: Selenicereus spp.
  • Family name: Cactaceae
  • Origin: Central America and the Caribbean
  • Height: Plants of this genus tend to be hanging rather than upright, with stem length ranging from 8-20 ft on most species.
  • Width: Depends on where its cultivated, usually between 3 and 10 ft.
  • Growth: Moderate
  • Zone: USDA Zones 10a-11
  • Light needs: Full sun or part shade
  • Salt tolerance: Low
  • Soil/pH/Texture: Some species are epiphytic, but all do well in rich, well-drained soil. Soil pH needs vary between species, but generally range between 5.0 and 7.0.
  • Moisture: Although it is a cactus, it benefits from regular watering, especially during the summer. It is tolerant of humidity.
  • Drought tolerance: High
  • Pests/Diseases: Stem and root rot may occur from overwatering and fruit drop. Mealybugs and scale are an occasional issue.
  • Growing conditions: Selenicereus species generally have similar growing conditions, preferring organically rich, well-drained soil, and full or partial sun. Despite being cacti, they benefit from regular watering, especially during the summer; during the winter, they should be watered less. Many species of this genus are epiphytic and have aerial roots and are known to climb up and hang down from trees and other surfaces. As such, they do very well in large hanging baskets.
  • Characteristics: Selenicereus species have a multitude of long stems. Stems range in shape between species: some have cylindrical stems, others have flat stems, and some have stems with alternate projections, somewhat resembling a thick fern frond. Stem usually have sharp spines that emerge grow in clusters. The shape of the flowers vary between species, but they are usually large, white or pink, and very fragrant. The flowers only bloom at night (hence the name “moonflower”), and in fact typically only last a single night in most species. Some species are primarily grown for their flowers, while others are primarily cultivated for fruit. The fruit varies in appearance between species, but generally has leathery skin and scale-like projections. The three most common species grown for their fruit are:
  1. Selenicereus undatus (Pitaya blanca)– This species has very long, thick stems that are wavy or scalloped along the edges. The flowers are very large and fragrant and are white with a yellow center. This species produces red fruit with white flesh and black seeds. It is by far the most recognizable and iconic dragon fruit variety.
  2. Selenicereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja)– Like S. undatus, this species also has very long, thick stems with scalloped edges. The flowers are also very similar to S. undatus, being large, white and yellow, and very fragrant. The most noticeable difference between the two is the fruit. S. costaricensis has red-skinned fruit with pinkish-red flesh and black seeds.
  3. Selenicereus megalanthus (Pitaya amarilla)- The stems of this species are somewhat thinner than the other two, with sharper edges. The flowers are white and yellow with petals that are slightly rounder than the other varieties, and of course, they are very fragrant. The fruit is yellow skinned with white flesh and black seeds. The skin of this fruit is also coarser and knobbier in texture than the other two varieties.
  • Propagation: Mainly done by division and cuttings. Seed propagation can be done, but it takes a long time and is unreliable in certain species. Propagation by stem cuttings is the most widely used method and tends to be the most successful.
  • Wildlife: The flowers are pollinated at night by moths and bats. Birds and mammals commonly eat the fruit.
  • Facts: The fruit has a mild, sweet taste, often compared to pear and kiwi. The flowers are also edible, and are commonly made into teas and added to salads. Selenicereus megalanthus produces some of the largest flowers in the cactus family.
  • Designer considerations: It is very commonly grown in hanging baskets in porches or backyards. Keep in mind that the stems have spines, and therefore should be kept away from children and pets. As an epiphytic plant, it can also be planted on or near trees and fences, where it will grow along the surface in a somewhat vine-like manner. Although the flowers are not visible during the day, planting one of the fruit species will add red and yellow pops of color to your garden. The broad, smooth foliage of this plant should be balanced out with coarsely foliated plants.​