How to Grow Dragon Fruit for Delicious Harvests and Beautiful Flowers

Dragon fruit can be a fun addition to your garden; this tropical cactus has numerous health benefits, too. Its quirky shoots climb quickly and offer fragrant night blooms—the fruit itself is not only a delicious treat, but it's rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other nutrients.

Fortunately, it's also an easy plant to grow, so long as you meet its care requirements. Here's how experts say to look after a dragon fruit tree.

Best Time to Plant

Cazoshay Marie, a garden consultant, says early spring is the best time to plant dragon fruit. “This succulent requires temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit,” Marie says. “The full growing season is typically between March and August.”

Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery, recommends waiting until the ground is warm in spring. “The plant is very sensitive to cold moisture and dislikes having its roots in cold, soggy soil,” she says.

How to Plant

Ready to get started? Our experts offer guidance for planting your own dragon fruit:

Choose the Spot

Choose a well-draining spot in full sun that’s at least 15 feet away from your home, other structures, and any electrical lines. “This is important because the tree has a spreading habit and long stems,” says Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf. “If planted too close, it can cause some damage.”

If planting more than one dragon fruit, space them at least 6 feet apart. Dig a hole that’s four times the diameter and three times as deep as the nursery container to loosen up the soil. “Fill it again—enough so that when you place the plant in the hole, it's at the same level as it was in the container," she says.

You can also grow dragon fruit in heavy, sturdy pots.

Provide Support

Whether you plant in a container or in the ground, support your plant with a trellis. A single pole that allows the dragon fruit to umbrella at the top works well.

Water the Plant

Once planted, water it consistently from the beginning of the bloom to harvest. “You want to provide just enough for the soil to be moist but not soggy,” says Marie.

Add Fertilizer

During the first year, fertilize dragon fruit every couple of months. “Once they are established, fertilize once in the spring and once in the summer,” Marie says. “Additionally, amend the soil with compost or organic matter a couple times a year, as dragon fruit are heavy feeders.”

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Care Requirements

Follow these best care requirements from Marie to ensure your dragon fruit tree thrives: 

• Heat and humidity: Dragon fruit is a tropical cactus that requires warm temperatures and high humidity.
• Sunlight: At least six to eight hours of sunlight is preferred, although too much intense, scorching sun in dry, hot planting zones can damage the plant. If temperatures are frequently near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to plant in a spot with partial shade.
• Soil: They thrive in a well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic soil mix. Although often grown in warmer climates, they prefer soil that mimics a jungle rather than a desert, so keeping the soil slightly moist is ideal.
• Water: Dragon fruit has some drought-tolerance, but consistent watering will ensure the health of the plant as well as successful fruiting. Overwatering can cause root rot, which kills the plant, so be sure to maintain consistent moisture without completely soaking it. 

Pollination

For some types of dragon fruit, you may need two or three different varieties to ensure fruit production.

“The flowers of most dragon fruit varieties open at night and are often pollinated by bats and moths,” Marie says. “However, the flowers of some remain open in the early morning hours, so they may be pollinated by your local bees or other pollinators."

If you are growing a variety that is not self-pollinating, pollinate the flowers by hand for a better chance of fruiting.

Pests and Diseases

Dragon fruit are susceptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, leaf-footed bugs, and fruit flies. “Ants and birds are also fans of the fruit and honeydew produced by certain bugs that enjoy dragon fruit plants,” Marie says.

Diseases to look out for in dragon fruit include stem canker, stem soft rot, Bipolaris cactivora (which causes rapid black-brown spotting on fruit and stems), and Anthracnose (which causes reddish-brown, sunken-in spots on stems and fruit). 

Prevention methods for pests and disease can include: 

• Treating with neem oil
• Bagging the fruit so bugs and animals can’t access it
• Treating with a homemade garlic or chili spray
• Removing and disposing of infected branches on the plant

Winter Care

Dragon fruit is not tolerant of extreme cold or frost. “When temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, protect them by covering them with blankets,” Marie says. “Or move potted plants indoors.” 

If moved indoors, choose a sunny spot away from any direct drafts. “In cooler months, reduce watering to once every one or two weeks,” she says, “allowing the soil to dry out almost completely to prevent root rot and ensure it still has good drainage.”