Dragon Fruit (Pink Flesh)

The dragon fruit plant is a climbing, vine-like cactus (genus Selenicereus, formerly Hylocereus) native to Central and South America. It produces striking, vibrant tropical fruits known as pitaya or strawberry pear, along with massive, fragrant night-blooming flowers.

TYPE: Vining epiphytic cactus (Selenicereus or Hylocereus species)

STEMS: Fleshy, segmented, triangular with 3 ribs, and equipped with small spines or aerial roots to climb structures.

FLOWERS: Large, white or pinkish, highly fragrant, and bloom only at night (pollinated by moths or bats).

FRUIT: Red skin with red/pink flesh (Selenicereus costaricensis).

GROWING REQUIREMENTS

SUNLIGHT: Requires full sun (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to grow and produce fruit.

SOIL: Needs loose, highly organic, and extremely well-draining soil (such as a mix of sandy loam, compost, and sand).

WATERING: Drought-tolerant; allow the topsoil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

SUPPORT: Requires a sturdy trellis, pole, or post because of its climbing, cascading vine growth habit.

CLIMATE: Thrives in warm, tropical, or subtropical temperatures (18°C to 35°C); sensitive to heavy frost.