Pitaya – Dragon Fruit Tree

Used both as an ornamental vine and as a fruit crop, Hylocereus undatus (Dragon Fruit) is a fast-growing, sprawling or vining, terrestrial or epiphytic cactus. Its green stems are usually 3-sided, fleshy, jointed, and may reach up to 20 ft. long (6 m). They climb by use of aerial roots that adhere to the surface upon which they grow or climb. Large and beautiful white flowers, 14 in. long (35 cm), appear in late spring to early summer in temperate climates. In tropical climates, the plant can have up to 4-6 flowering/fruiting cycles per year. Very fragrant, they open only at night, and usually last just one night. When pollinated, they give way to edible, fleshy red fruits with prominent scales. Their sweetly flavored white or red pulp is dotted with small black seeds. Dragon Fruit is estimated to live about 20 years and may produce up to 220 lb (100 kg) of fruit per year 3-4 years after planting.

Can stay in full sun to part shade.
Prefers well draining soil.
Water regularly from first flowers to harvest.
Should be planted away from trees, structures and pipes/wires as it can grow quite large.
Prune to contain size, induce flowering and stem branching.