Yellow dragon fruit plant

Plant Description:

Yellow Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus), is a lesser-known species of dragon fruit in New Zealand. It produces fruit with white flesh and black seeds, and is widely regarded as the sweetest among the dragon fruit varieties.

Flowering typically begins around mid-summer, with fruit maturing approximately four weeks after successful pollination. This species is considered self-pollinating, making it suitable for growers with limited space or fewer plants. Yellow Dragon Fruit grows well in containers and is best supported with a trellis or climbing structure. It thrives in warm, frost-free environments and prefers well-draining soil. Stems are thinner than red dragon fruit.

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.