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Plant Profiles / Dragon fruit
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Dragon fruit
Selenicereus undatus (formerly Hylocereus undatus) · Pitaya, night-blooming cereus
A climbing cactus with three-sided stems, huge night-blooming flowers and vivid pink fruit. Grows on a sturdy post in a large pot.
Full sun to part shadeLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun to part shade
ShadeFull sun
Sun for fruit; afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
More water than desert cacti while growing; drier in winter.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Tolerates humidity.
Temperature
10–38°C (50–100°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Fast, climbing
SlowFast
Stems to 6 m; trained on a 1.5–2 m post.
Soil
Rich, free-draining
LeanRich
Cactus mix with compost.
Fertiliser
Monthly in summer
RarelyOften
Balanced or fruit fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic; fruit edible.
About this plant
Dragon fruit is native to Central America and grown commercially in warm climates. It climbs with aerial roots and needs support. Some varieties need hand pollination to fruit.
Best spots
Warm, sunny balconies and courtyards with a post or trellis.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Selenicereus undatus (formerly Hylocereus undatus) |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Central America |
| Plant type | Climbing cactus |
| Mature size | Stems to 6 m |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Spines | Small, on stem edges |
| Flowers | Huge white, night-blooming |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Harvest
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringHarvestPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No fruit | Needs pollination or more sun. |
| Yellow stems | Overwatering or sunburn. |
| Rotting | Cold, wet soil. |
| Brown spots | Fungal; improve airflow. |
| Floppy growth | Needs support. |
Common questions
Do I need two plants?
Some varieties need cross-pollination; self-fertile varieties don't.
How do I hand pollinate?
At night, brush pollen onto the central stigma.
How long until fruit?
1–3 years from cuttings.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, a large one with a post.
