Red Dragon fruit Plant

Plant Description:

Red Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus costaricensis) is a tropical cactus species native to South America. It is known for producing red-fleshed fruit with a sweet, berry-like flavor and a fragrant aroma. Among the various species within the genus, it is considered to have one of the most complex and desirable taste profiles, especially when grown at home under optimal conditions.

This variety is self-fertile and well suited for container growing in New Zealand. It performs best when supported with a trellis or climbing structure. Flowering typically begins in mid-November, and fruit matures approximately four weeks after successful pollination.

Unlike many commercially imported dragon fruits, which may taste bland due to early harvesting and storage, homegrown Red Dragon Fruit offers a more flavorful and aromatic experience.

Cutting-grown, photos shown are from fruit produced from the mother-plant

Cultivation requirements:

Temperature: Like many tropical plants, dragon fruit is not tolerant of hard frosts. It is best grown in large containers (greater than 60 liters) so it can be moved indoors or to a sheltered location during winter. However, it can be planted directly in the ground in frost-free areas such as the Upper North Island. Winter protection is strongly recommended in cooler regions.

Watering: Dragon fruit is highly sensitive to waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix when transplanting. Avoid heavy or compacted soils. Top dress with compost.

Trellising: Dragon fruit requires a trellis or support structure to climb. Plants should be trained to grow as a single vertical stem until they reach the top of the trellis and extend approximately 40 cm beyond it. At that point, the growing tip can be pruned ("tipped") to encourage the development of side branches, which will hang downward. Flowers are produced on mature, free-hanging branches.

Foliar feed: Dragon fruit produces aerial roots that respond well to foliar feeding. During periods of active growth, regularly mist the plant with a suitable foliar fertilizer to promote healthy growth and improve flowering.

Flowering: To encourage flower development, perform a light tipping (pruning) of mature branch tips in early summer. This stimulates the plant to set flower buds.