How to plant dragon fruit cuttings. The dragon fruit can be found in almost all parts of the world. As a tropical plant, it grows best in warm and humid regions.
The dragon fruit is also known as pitaya and has been grown for over 2,000 years in Central and South America.
If you’re thinking about growing your own dragon fruits, start with seeds or save yourself some time by getting a cutting from an existing plant.
How to plant dragon fruit cuttings
The stem should be cut with a sharp knife, and the cut should be treated with a fungicide. Allow the stem segment to dry for 7-8 days in a shady location.
Next, plant the cutting in a well-draining container or garden after dipping it in a rooting hormone.
Preparation of the soil bed
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, prefers full sun to grow. In your garden or on a sunny windowsill, dragon fruit needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily in order for its buds and branches to bear fruit.
Aim for a sunny area with good drainage so the plant won’t “wet feet” and potentially die.
Cut a mature plant
A twelve-inch stem of the dragon fruit plant should be carefully cut with garden shears. Press the blunt side of the shears against the stem firmly until it separates, and you will get an even cut.
Ensure your cuts aren’t too deep or you will damage our plants, so please use sharp tools and apply gentle pressure.
Cut the dragon fruit into small pieces
Slice the dragon fruit into 3-5 pieces. Dragon fruit plants can be grown from each of these. Keep track of which direction is “up” for each cutting when planting since this will ensure proper growth.
You may apply fungicide to each piece in order to prevent disease, but it’s not necessary.
Cuts should be cured
Cut your stems at an angle that does not exceed a 45-degree cut from the top part of the plant where there’s more foliage.
If possible, leave one inch at the end of each cutting to hopefully regrow roots. Place these types of stems in super absorbent sphagnum moss root-side down with two or three inches between them.
Allow enough sunlight and put them in a warm, dry place protected from wind and frost. Check on your cuttings every day and add water to maintain high humidity levels like under a plastic tent with just a tiny hole on top for ventilation in the beginning.
You need to plant the cuttings
Planting dragon fruit cuttings is as simple as making sure that the base of the cutting you’re planting is an inch or two beneath the soil and that you then press the soil around it to keep it secure and upright.
If your cutting has a stem that’s shorter than the one you took a cutting from then make sure to plant the cuttings in their original direction.
This would mean planting end towards the base of its source should be planted facing downwards into the dirt, but opposite of this (i.e. creating an “upward-facing bud”) and burying that bit under the soil to create more stability so that the plant roots stay stronger.
Transplantation and water
As a seedling, you need consistent care: water your soil bed evenly and keep it watered consistently. This will create an environment for your plant to ensure stability and uniform growth if you too are growing your plant indoors try keeping it near a window that receives natural light so long as the time of year is right.
Resist the urge to transplant until your plant’s roots have begun to develop properly – this will happen in three or four weeks’ time.
Transplanting prematurely can instigate root shock, resulting in damaged or diseased roots and signaling a decrease in healthy growth and development during key growing periods.
Support will be necessary
Once your dragon fruit plant reaches a height of twelve inches, it can be supported. Protect your plant from the elements and make sure that the roots are well-stabilized. Your dragon fruit will benefit from trellising or stakes.
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