Hylocereus undatus (F)
dragon fruit
A vigorous, branching, epiphytic cactus with a scrambling habit and thick, jointed, three-angled stems with scalloped edges and fine grey-brown spines. Large, fragrant white flowers to 30cm across, with narrow, yellow-green outer segments, open at night in summer. If pollinated, these are followed by reddish pink edible fruits
Other common names
night-blooming cereusnight-blooming cereus
see morepitahaya
pitaya
prickly withe
queen of the night
strawberry pear
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow Green | Green | Pink Red | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New World Tropics
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a warm greenhouse in peat-free, epiphytic cactus compost, in bright indirect light with high humidity. Needs plenty of space to reach its full size. Water freely when in growth and apply a half-strength liquid feed monthly, keep just moist in winter. Flowers need to be hand-pollinated if fruit is desired; they are normally pollinated by moths or bats. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 19-24°C in spring, or by stem cuttings in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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