Selenicereus undatus

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus; also pitaya; white-fleshed pitaya; strawberry pear) is a Cactaceae fruit plant grown for its berry.

Selenicereus undatus fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus )
Scientific name	Selenicereus undatus
Genus	Selenicereus
Family	Cactaceae
Order	Caryophyllales
Fruit type	Berry
Growth form	Climbing cactus
Climate and hardiness	Tropical to warm subtropical; protect from hard frost
Mature height	3–6 m when supported
Mature width	2–4 m spread on trellis
Soil	Very well-drained mineral or sandy loam; intolerant of stagnant wetness
Water	Regular moisture during growth, reduced during cool or dormant periods
Sun	Full sun with airflow; light afternoon shade in extreme heat
Germination	10–30 days from fresh seed; seedlings are variable
Years to fruit	2–3 years from cuttings in good conditions
Pollination	Self-compatible in some forms; hand pollination improves set and some cultivars need a compatible pollen source
Harvest	Usually late summer through autumn; season varies with photoperiod and temperature

Identification and description

A fast-growing, night-blooming cactus with triangular, winged stems and large white flowers. The oval red or pink fruit has white flesh and many small black seeds. The name dragon fruit covers several cultivated Selenicereus species; the most widely grown is the white-fleshed species.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Selenicereus, Cactaceae, and Caryophyllales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Growing

Native populations occur in seasonally dry tropical areas of Central America, often rooted in porous soils or climbing on rocks and trees. Keep the crown dry, provide strong support, and use irrigation pulses during active growth rather than constant saturation.

In nature it climbs on trees or rocks rather than standing as a shrub. Give it a strong post or trellis, rapid drainage, and enough heat for repeated flushes. Mulch can protect roots, but keep the crown and stem bases dry. Young plants tolerate some shade; mature plants generally flower best in bright light.

Soil

Very well-drained mineral or sandy loam; intolerant of stagnant wetness.

Sun and humidity

Full sun with airflow; light afternoon shade in extreme heat. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Wild populations experience a marked wet season and a drier interval. Cultivated plants flower in warm, bright periods, often after rain or irrigation pulses; cool or short-day conditions can suppress flowering. Protect stems from prolonged cold and shift to restrained watering in cool weather.

Propagation

Cuttings are the normal commercial and garden method and preserve the parent type. Let a section callus briefly, plant it in a porous medium, and keep it only lightly moist until rooted. Seed is useful for breeding but does not come true.

Field view or fruit detail of Selenicereus undatus. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Usually late summer through autumn; season varies with photoperiod and temperature. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

Eat ripe fruit chilled or fresh. The mild, lightly sweet flesh is used in drinks, smoothies, salads, preserves, and frozen desserts. Flowers are also edible when young and are cooked in some regional cuisines.

Commentary

Growers are invited to share observations about Dragon fruit on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

Sources

• Useful Tropical Plants: Selenicereus undatus
• FAO Ecocrop search: dragon fruit

Image credits

• Pitaya cross section ed2.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Hylocereus undatus in bloom in Kona.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.