Have you ever heard of the exotic Red Pitaya yield ? It ’s a luscious , sarcoid flying dragon fruit that develop on the Hylocereus polyrhizus cactus . This unique plant , native to Panama and Colombia , is a smasher with its curving green stems cover in ridges and spines . And when it blooms , the flowers are a gorgeous mix of red , whitened , and xanthous !
If you ’re dreaming of growing your own Red Pitaya , you ’re in luck ! With the right care , this tropical beauty can boom in your backyard or greenhouse . allow ’s plunge into everything you require to know .
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Contents
How to Care for Hylocereus polyrhizus
Light it Up
Red Pitaya cacti are sun - worshippers ! They need at least 6 hour of unmediated sun day by day , especially when blooming . If temperature soar above 80 ° F , provide some good afternoon wraith ( about 50 - 60 % ) . In cool climates , you may usegrow lightsto supplement instinctive sunlight .
Water Wisely
Like their cactus cousin , Red Pitaya plants are drought - tolerant . irrigate them only when the soil is dry to the touch , allowing it to gazump up wet without getting waterlogged . During the fruiting and flowering time of year ( bound to hang ) , water every 3 - 7 day . In winter , once a calendar month is enough .
Soil Matters
These cacti prefer well - draining , slightly acidic soil(pH 6.1 - 7.5 ) with a sandy , organic al-Qa’ida . If you do n’t have sandy territory , mix in some perlite or barque to meliorate drainage . Avoid alkaline soils , as they can induce nutrient want .
Feed for Growth
During the growing season ( spring and summertime ) , feed your Red Pitaya with an organic fertilizerhigh in nitrogen , about once a calendar month . Skip fertilizing when it ’s blooming or dormant in winter . append a layer of constitutional mulch around the al-Qa’ida to retain moisture and isolate the etymon .
Temperature Tactics
Red Pitaya cacti are well-chosen when temperatures range from 65 - 80 ° F . Anything below 40 ° F can damage the industrial plant , so bring potted plants at heart when it gets too parky .
Pest Patrol
Keep an centre out for sap - suck pests like aphids , mealybug , pinch , and thrip . Antsmay also be appeal if aphids are present . fungous infections can cause brown spots , while bacterial job take to gentle rot . Overwatering can trip root buncombe , and vivid sun can sunburn the stems .
Pruning Power
Since Red Pitaya is a climbing cactus , it call for support as it grows . Remove side branches until the main stem is grandiloquent enough to reach a treillage or rophy support ( able to hold up to 250 lbs ! ) . Once it ’s high enough , cut the bow to encourage ramify . Prune off any dead , pathologic , or crowding base , and those touching the soil .
Potting Pointers
Plant your Red Pitaya in a gravid ( at least 15 - gallon ) , well - draining passel or directly in enriched garden soil . Space seedlings 8 inches apart and employ a stout post - and - top frame for support as they climb . you could also let the base hang up by planting in marvellous container .
Repot only if the plant life outgrow its current menage or you suspect root rot .
Let’s Propagate!
One of the best things about Red Pitaya is that a undivided plant can produce fruit for 20 - 30 years ! But you may multiply your bounty by disseminate raw plants .
From Seed
From Cuttings (the easiest way!)
With just a little patience , you ’ll have multiply your Red Pitaya plants from those easy stem turn cuttings . Imagine all the smart dragon yield you ’ll be harvesting in a couple years !
