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Red Dragon Fruit plants produce spectacular night-blooming flowers and vibrant red-pulped fruit. This fast-growing, climbing epiphytic cactus (Selenicereus undatus, formerly Hylocereus undatus) is native to Mesoamerica (Mexico to Honduras) and now widely cultivated across the tropics. It features large, fragrant white flowers up to 14 inches wide that bloom for only one night, attracting moths and bats for pollination. The oval fruits have pink/red skin with green-tipped scales and white or magenta-red flesh speckled with tiny edible black seeds. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Requires sturdy trellis support for its vining habit.

# Care Instructions - **Watering**: Water moderately during dry periods (once a week). - **Lighting**: Place in Full Sun or Partial Shade. - **Pruning**: Prune to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.

### Potting & Planting Instructions for Red Dragon Fruit 1. **Container Selection**: Choose a terracotta, ceramic, or nursery pot with generous drainage holes at the base. 2. **Soil Mix Recipe**: Use Deep, fertile, well-draining sandy loam enriched with organic compost and well-rotted manure (pH 6.0–7.5). Adding a layer of coarse gravel or leca at the bottom enhances oxygenation. 3. **Planting Depth**: Position the plant at the exact same root collar depth as in its nursery container. Avoid burying stems too deep. 4. **Initial Settling**: After potting, water thoroughly until water drains freely, then place in bright indirect light for 3–5 days to acclimatize before moving to full sun.

Harvest mature stems/leaves as needed using clean sterilized pruning shears.

Pairs wonderfully with drought-tolerant companion plants and complementary fruit plants varieties.

Origin Country

Mexico to Honduras (Mesoamerica)

Climate Zone

USDA 10-11 (zone 9 with protection)

Alternative Names

Pitahaya, Pitaya, Night-blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Queen of the Night, Belle of the Night, Honolulu Queen, Moonlight Cactus, Red Pitaya

Plant Age

1-3 years to fruit from cuttings, 5-7 years from seed

Pot Size

Large container 15+ gallons with sturdy trellis support

Mature Height

Climbing 10-15 ft

Mature Width

3-10 meters (9.8-32.8 feet)

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Mix

Well-drained sandy

Germination

11-14 days

Blooming Season

Late spring to early summer (multiple flushes per year in tropics, up to 4-6 cycles)

Fruiting Season

June to October (summer); can be induced for off-season November to April

Flower Color

White with green outer tepals and yellow stamens

Fruit Color

Pink/red skin with green-tipped scales, white or magenta-red flesh

Yield / Year

Up to 220 lb (100 kg) per mature plant per year

Lifespan

~20 years

Rootstock

Usually grown on own roots from stem cuttings

Toxicity Info

Non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. High fiber may cause mild digestive upset if over-consumed.