Selenicereus undatus aka Dragon Fruit

Taxonomy

Common names

Dragon Fruit, Pitaya, Buah Naga, Night Blooming Cerus, Red Skin

How to care for Dragon Fruit

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Dragon Fruit due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Dragon Fruit does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Dragon Fruit, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Dragon Fruit thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Buah Naga.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Dragon Fruit is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

Dragon Fruit prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Dragon Fruit is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Dragon Fruit’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Dragon Fruit blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia