Care Guide | Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit is a climbing 🌵cactus that looks exotic, grows incredibly fast, and produces some of the most visually stunning fruit you’ll ever harvest. You'll need a trellis, or fence once your dragon fruit starts taking off. Prior to fruiting, these plants burst with massive night-blooming flowers. Get your tastebuds and your neighborhood's tastebuds ready because a mature Dragon Fruit plant can produce 20–60 pounds of fruit per year! Dragon Fruit loves full sun and warm, tropical conditions, but you can even grow it indoors with enough light and a sturdy trellis. The mildly sweet, refreshing flesh is delicious on its own—or try it chilled with a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Characteristics

Dragon fruit plants are fast-growing, long-lived tropical cacti that thrive in USDA zones 10–11. They can grow down to zone 9 if protected from frost. They prefer warm temperatures, full sun, well-drained soil, and soil that dries partially between waterings. Dragon fruit grows as a climbing cactus with thick, jointed stems that need support. Most varieties reach 10–20 feet long when mature but can be easily managed with pruning and trellising. Plants typically begin producing fruit within 1–3 years. 

You may have heard it called Pitahaya, which usually refers to the variously-colored fruit of the Hylocerus genus that are often sweeter than Pitaya, which usually refers to the yellow, more tart fruit of the Stenocerus genus. Both plants are tropical cacti. 

Popular Varieties

Overview

🏷️ Scientific Name: Hylocereus spp. / Selenicereus spp.
📊 Classification: Tropical climbing cactus perennial
📍 Origin: Central & South America
🗺️ USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–11
📏 Height Potential: 10–20 feet (with support)
🏡 Planting: Outdoors or indoors
☀️ Light: Full sun 
💧 Soil/Watering: Well-drained, moderate watering
🍴 Fertilizer: 20-20-20
✂️ Pruning: Regular shaping encouraged
❄️ Cold Weather Care: Protect from frost
🍎 Fruiting and Harvesting: 1–3 years after planting
🕷️ Common Pests: Mealybugs, scale, ants
🐈 Toxic to Pets? No

Scientific Name

Dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family (Cactaceae) and is most commonly classified under the genera Hylocereus or Selenicereus. These epiphytic cacti naturally grow by climbing trees or rocky surfaces in tropical environments.

Classification

Dragon fruit plants are tropical perennial cacti that grow as climbing or sprawling vines. They produce large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night and are often pollinated by moths or bats in nature. Some dragon fruit varieties are self-fertile, while others require cross-pollination for fruit set. For best results, planting multiple varieties can increase yield and fruit size.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Dragon fruit grows best in USDA Zones 10–11. While more cold-tolerant than many tropical fruits, prolonged exposure below 32°F can damage or kill the plant. If you live outside these zones, grow in a container so it can be moved indoors during cold weather. Warm, dry climates with mild winters are ideal.

On each product page, we list each plant’s USDA hardiness zone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture created the hardiness map to help gardeners identify the areas in which plants tend to grow well based on past average temperatures. On the USDA's site, you can enter your zip code to identify your hardiness zone. If you live outside the zone, you can still grow this plant by providing winter protection.

Height Potential

Dragon fruit can grow 10–20 feet long when supported by a trellis, post, or fence. Without support, stems will sprawl along the ground. Regular pruning helps manage size, encourages branching, and improves fruit production.

Planting

Dragon fruit prefers to be planted in a spot with full sun in well-drained soil with good airflow. Use a sturdy support system at planting time, such as a trellis or central post. Space plants 6–10 feet apart. If growing in a container, choose a heavy pot to prevent tipping as the plant matures. 

Light

Dragon fruit thrives in full sun Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoor plants require bright light or supplemental grow lights to flower and fruit. If growing indoors, place in the sunniest spot available such as a South-facing window. 

Soil/Watering

Well-draining soil is essential. Dragon fruit does not tolerate soggy roots. Water regularly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during cooler months. Dragon fruit is drought-tolerant once established but produces best with regular watering and fertilization. Overwatering or excessive rainfall can cause the flowers to drop and fruit to rot. If overwatering occurs over an extended period, it can cause maturing fruit to split on the branch. 

Fertilizer

For Dragon fruit, we recommend fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. This will give your plant a growing boost and give it the nutrients it needs to be happy and healthy. Once the cooler temperatures of fall and winter hit, you can take a break from fertilizing as your plant goes dormant. 

All fertilizers contain three primary nutrients: (Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Dragon fruit thrives with a ratio of 20 Nitrogen (N), 20 phosphate (P2O5), and 20 potash (K2O) along with other micronutrients. We've got you covered with our 20-20-20 fertilizer fuel.

Pruning

Pruning is important for dragon fruit. Remove damaged, overcrowded, or weak stems to improve airflow and direct energy toward fruiting branches. Shaping the plant also helps keep it manageable and productive.

Cold Weather Care

Protect dragon fruit from frost and freezing temperatures. Cover outdoor plants during cold snaps or move container plants indoors. Cold damage 🥶can slow growth, reduce flowering the following season, and even kill your Dragon fruit. If you live outside the zone your plant is listed for, you’ll want to help it keep warm. The best way is to grow it indoors.

Learn more in our Overwintering Guide.

Fruiting and Harvesting

Dragon fruit typically begins fruiting 1–3 years after planting. Fruits are ready to harvest when the skin color is bright and evenly colored, and the “scales” begin to wither slightly. Twist gently to remove the fruit.

Common Pests

Common pests include mealybugs, scale insects, and ants. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective treatments. Keeping the plant healthy and well-pruned helps prevent infestations.

Toxic to Pets?

Dragon fruit plants are non-toxic to pets. 

Troubleshooting

What is that white, crusty stuff on my plant? 

After Arrival Care

Please give your plant a little TLC after its journey through the mail 📬. Here are a few steps we recommend:

• Unwrap immediately to provide fresh air to the plant and soil.
• Wait a few days before exposing to full sunlight so your plant can adjust after being in a dark box for several days.
• Always protect from heat and cold because temperature extremes can be stressful or deadly for plants.
• Water. Your baby plant may be parched and even a little wilted but thorough hydration will help it recover.
• Grow out in a larger pot to increase your chances of success—i.e., a quarter gallon—Then transplant to the ground or the next pot size up once the roots fill to the bottom. This will help the plant get sufficient water and nutrients directly to the roots.

Learn more in our After Arrival Care Guide.