Hylocereus undatus Guide

Names

Family

Cactaceae

Botanical Name

Hylocereus undatus

Synonym(s)

Cereus undatus, Cereus tricostatus, Hylocereus tricostatus

English Name(s)

Dragon Fruit

Chinese Name(s)

¤õ?ªG

Description

Size & Growth Habit

This is a climbing tropical cactus that sends out aerial roots to attach itself to walls, trees, poles etc. This cactus usually has 3 ribs and may have 4 or 5 in some plants. Their small spines are not very menacing but will pierce the skin if grabbed. This cactus may grow many meters and send out roots along the way, so within reason there is nto really a maximum size. They do not grow very thick, however. Most plants have an outer diameter of about 5-10cm, but there are some that grow thricker.

In cultivation they are often pruned at the tips to promote both branching and increased fruit yeild. As with all cacti, they will branch from the areoles.

Leaves

Not visible except when flowering you can see very well developed leaf primordia on the flowering stem. Otherwise this cactus has smooth stems.

Flowers

A night blooming cactus with HUGE white flowers, often over 30cm (1 foot) in diameter! They are not really scented but are quite attractive to the eye. They will begin to open after the sun goes down and remain open until the next morning where they will wilt awaya and "die".

Cultivars & Hybrids

There are 2 main types; White flesh and purple flesh. These 2 types are the actual fruit colour, and there is every colour inbetween (from white through pink to dark purple). There are also certian "breeds" that are cultivated for their incredible growth speed with grafting other cacti. This is one of the most commonly used grafting stocks for cacti.

Cultivation

By Seed

Standard cacti sowing procedures. Sow in a humidity tent in diffuse light. See here for more info on sowing cacti seed: Growing Cacti from Seed

By Cutting

Taking dragon fruit cuttings are very easy; even easier if they already have aerial roots. Simply cut a section of stem and place in a dry, well lit, area to allow the cut to dry. Leave the cutting like this for a few days to a few weeks. When completely dried, plant it in a well drained mix and do not water for a while until roots start to appear. Some people don't plant them until the roots start developing out of the soil.

Soil

Not very sensitive to much. These plants are well suited to tropical environments, so can tolerate overwatering. In fact it is probably better to slightly overwater them (in comparison to other cacti) than to under water them. Sandy mixes, potting soil, outdoor soil all work well.

Water

These thrive in moist humid countries (tropical), so lots of water is a good thing! That said, they can also take some periods of no water as well. A good schedule is to water when the soil starts to dry.

Feeding

Fertilizing after the growing season has begun and again in late summer is a good idea. We use slow release organic style fertilizers year round with great results.

Light

Full sun is best, but will grow ok in lower light as well. If fruit production and/or grafting is the goal, full sun is the best bet. When grown in low light they will grow very tall and skinny as they try to search for a better spot that has more light where they can "spread their wings/ribs".

Pruning

Prune as needed. Just cutting the very tip will stop that branch from continuing growth and will branch shortly after. When flowering season is about to begin, pruning the tips will greatly increase fruit yeild.

Climate

Best suited for warm, humid tropical countries. These plants grow excellent in Central and South America, South-east Asia and other tropical areas. They do not tolerate cold temperatures well, and will die if they meet frost or freezing temps. Keep them above 5C at all times, and above 10C if possible. Good water source, bright sun and warm temps are what these plants really love!

Other

Generally a problem free plant, just dont let them get too cold. Their fruits may also attract animals to them (ants, birds and rodents are the culprits here).

Other

Distribution

Native to: Neotropics.

Cultivated in: Worldwide for their fruit and for grafting other cacti.

Related Species

Hylocereus bronxensis, Hylocereus calcaratus, Hylocereus calcaratus, Hylocereus costaricensis, Hylocereus escuintlensis, Hylocereus estebanensis, Hylocereus estebanensis, Hylocereus guatemalensis, Hylocereus lemairei, Hylocereus microcladus, Hylocereus minutiflorus, Hylocereus monacanthus, Hylocereus ocamponis, Hylocereus peruvianus, Hylocereus polyrhizus, Hylocereus purpusii, Hylocereus scandens, Hylocereus stenopterus, Hylocereus triangularis, Hylocereus trigonus.

Human Uses

These are a commercial fruit crop worldwide and are grown in very large numbers for human consumption.

Dragon fruit cacti are also grown extensively among cacti collectors as grafting stocks for other, slower growing, cacti! See here for more on grafting cacti: Grafting Cacti

Chemicals/Activities

Please note: Some chemicals may not be listed and some may or may not be toxic. Do not consume plants based on this table, it only gives a general idea of *some* of the chemicals this plant contains.

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