Hylocereus spp.

Cactaceae Tropical Central and South America

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Hylocereus spp. is a genus of climbing and sprawling cacti in the family Cactaceae, native to tropical Central and South America and the Caribbean, and grown widely for the fruit known as dragon fruit or pitaya. The stems are fleshy, deep green, and triangular in cross-section with three winged ribs and short spines along the margins; they climb and scramble over rocks, trees, and supports by clinging aerial roots and can reach 20-30 feet (6-9 m) long. Large funnel-shaped flowers 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) across open for a single night, white to cream and fragrant, drawing moths and bats as pollinators. Successful pollination is followed by oval fruit 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long with bright pink or red skin, fleshy scales, and sweet white or red pulp dotted with small black seeds. Several species and hybrids are cultivated, with H. undatus the species most often planted for fruit. The genus needs frost-free, warm conditions and sturdy support, and the heavy stems can break their hold if left unsupported. It is sometimes merged into the genus Selenicereus spp..

Native Range

Native to tropical Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, in seasonally dry forest where the stems climb trees and rock.

Suggested Uses

Grown on trellises, walls, and frames in tropical and subtropical gardens and orchards for the edible fruit and night flowers. In cooler areas it is kept as a container or greenhouse plant brought under cover in winter. The fragrant nocturnal flowers suit gardens planted for evening interest.

How to Identify

Recognised by long, fleshy, deep green stems that are triangular with three winged ribs and short marginal spines, climbing by aerial roots. Very large white funnel-shaped flowers 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide open at night and are fragrant. Bright pink or red scaly fruit with white or red pulp follows.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 30'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~1 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering occurs in flushes through the warm months, mainly late spring to autumn in the tropics and subtropics. Each flower opens after dark and closes by the following morning, lasting a single night. Fruit ripens about a month after pollination.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to cream

Foliage Description

Deep green stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years to fruit

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Hylocereus spp. grows in full sun to part shade in warm, frost-free climates on free-draining soils rich in organic matter, and as an epiphyte it does not need deep ground. It climbs by aerial roots and needs a strong trellis, post, or tree to carry the heavy stems. Watering is regular in the growing season and reduced in cool weather, with sharp drainage to prevent stem rot. Plants are damaged below about 40F (4C) and need protection from frost. A light feed through the growing season supports flowering and fruiting, and many forms set more fruit with hand pollination or a second clone nearby. Stem cuttings root quickly and are the usual means of propagation.

Pruning

Pruning thins crowded or damaged stems and shapes the plant onto its support and is done after fruiting. Cut stems callus before rooting and can be used as cuttings. Removing the tips encourages the side branching on which flowers form.