The other name of the Dragon Fruit is “Pitaya”, which is a tropical fruit for its unique looking, delicious taste, texture and uncountable health benefits. This Dragon Fruit plants are very easy to grow and maintain due to which it is very favorite among every gardeners. In this article we will cover every single thing you should know about the dragon fruit plant, including its price, care, growing time, maintenance and many more.
– What is a Dragon Fruit Plant?
The dragon fruit plant which is also known as “pitaya” plant is related to climbing cactus family from Central America and now it is grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant produces a bright pink or yellow fruit with white or red flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. It is very nutritious, healthy, rich with antioxidants, and has a mildly sweet in taste.
– How to Care for a Dragon Fruit Plant
Although dragon fruits needs less maintenance, but ensuring a proper care helps a healthy growth and a good yield of the plant. For a healthy dragon fruit plant follow this important care tips:
1. Sunlight
- 6 to 8 hours direct sunlight is very important for a dragon fruit plant.
- If you are thinking of growing them inside then make sure that you are keeping them near a sunny window or use a grown lights.
2. Soil Requirements
- Sandy soil, well draining or loamy soil is best for its growth.
- The Soil PH level range should be around 6.0 to 7.0.
- Use mixture of organic compost for a better fertility results.
3. Watering
- You can water the plant once or twice a week according the weather conditions.
- Avoid excess watering because it can cause root rot.
4. Fertilization
- For a good and healthy growth of plant use organic compost or balanced fertilizer which has (NPK 10-10-10) in every two months.
- You can use phosphorus-rich fertilizers when the plant starts flowering.
5. Support & Pruning
- Build a strong support for the plant because it needs a strong structure to climb while growing.
- Trim the excessive stems part to encourage a good growth and fruits production.
– Dragon Fruit Plant Growing Time
There is no particular growing time for a dragon fruit plant. It usually depends on the method of growing, caring and propagation:
- From seeds: Mostly 2 to 3 years to start fruiting.
- From cuttings: Mostly 6 to 12 months to start fruiting.
- Best planting time: Plan in spring or in early summer.
A mature dragon fruit plant can produce fruit up to 4 to 6 times a year.
– Dragon Fruit Plant Price
Price of a dragon fruit plant can differ depending on some of the factors like size, variety and location. Below this there is a general price range:
- Small plant (6-12 inches): ₹50 – ₹200
- Medium-sized dragon fruit plant (1-2 feet): ₹200 – ₹500
- Mature or grafted dragon fruit plants: ₹500 – ₹1500
- Dragon fruit seeds: ₹30 – ₹100 per packet
Note: Prices can differ based on its availability, location of buying, and depends on whether you are buying online or offline.
– Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
- Rich in antioxidants – Dragon fruits safeguard against free radicals.
- Boosts immunity – Dragon fruits are high in Vitamin C and fiber.
- Aids digestion – Dragon fruits are a good source of dietary fiber.
- Promotes heart health – Dragon fruits have beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids inside it.
– Common Problems and Solutions While Growing
1. Pests & Diseases
- Aphids and mealybugs: Use neem oil or organic insecticides to avoid bugs from the plant.
- Root rot: Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to the plant.
- Stem rot: Use fungicides and cut off affected parts or the excessive stems part.
2. No Flowers or Fruit
- Take care of the proper sunlight to the plant.
- Focus on using phosphorus-rich fertilizers for good growth of the plant.
- Hand-pollination can help in increasing fruit yield from the plant.
– Final Thought
Dragon fruit is very easy in growing, whether you are growing it in a home garden or commercially. If you are giving right care to the plant then you can enjoy this rare and exotic fruit and its health benefits for years. If you are thinking to start your dragon fruit farm, begin it with a small plant and then gradually increase the area and number of plants in it for good yields.
If you think this article is helpful for you or for your any of the friends or the family members, share it with them so that they can start growing their dragon fruit plant today!
1. How long does a dragon fruit plant take to grow?
A dragon fruit usually takes about 6 to 12 months to start fruiting if you plant a grown from cuttings. If you will grow plant from seed then it may take around 2 to 3 years to bear fruit.
2. Can I grow a dragon fruit plant at home?
Yes, you can grow the dragon fruit plant at home but there are few things that you need to keep in mind are adequate sunlight, proper soil drainage, and support for climbing.
3. How do I protect my dragon fruit plant from pests?
For protecting dragon fruit plant from the pests you can use neem oil or organic insecticides to prevent aphids and mealybugs.
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