{"product_id":"gul-dragefrugt-selenicereus-megalanthus-sjaelden-fro-5-stk","title":"Yellow Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus megalanthus) (RARE) | seeds, 10 pcs.","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRARE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e (accepted name: \u003cem\u003eSelenicereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDanish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gul pitahaya, gul dragefrugt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow dragon fruit, yellow pitaya, yellow pitahaya\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e is a rare and particularly exciting dragon fruit cactus that produces the characteristic yellow pitahaya. While most people associate dragon fruit with a vibrant pink or red skin, this species instead develops beautiful yellow fruits with light, almost white flesh and numerous small black seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species originates from northwestern South America and is found naturally in areas around, among others, Colombia and Ecuador. Here, it grows as a climbing or epiphytic cactus that uses trees and other vegetation for support. Its long stems can form aerial roots and climb toward the light, giving the plant a growth form that differs significantly from classic desert cacti.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e is seen far less frequently in cultivation than the classic white-fleshed dragon fruit and is therefore particularly interesting for collectors of exotic fruit plants and unusual cacti. The yellow pitahaya is grown commercially in parts of South America, but as a plant – and not least as seeds – it remains a much more uncommon sight than the red and pink types of dragon fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with other dragon fruit cacti, the flowering is spectacular. The plant develops large, bright flowers that typically open in the evening and at night. After successful pollination, the flowers can develop into the very characteristic yellow fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe rare yellow dragon fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the fruit in particular that makes \u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e quite special. The ripe fruit acquires a bright yellow skin, which is typically provided with small spines or spiny protrusions. Inside, there is light-colored flesh filled with small black seeds. The flavor is often described as sweet and aromatic, and yellow pitahaya is known for potentially being sweeter than many of the more common types of dragon fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe yellow dragon fruit differs clearly from \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/hvid-dragefrugt-selenicereus-undatus-fro-20-stk?\" title=\"Hvid Dragefrugt (Hylocereus undatus) | frø\"\u003eHylocereus undatus\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which produces the classic pink to red dragon fruit with white flesh. We also have seeds of \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/rod-dragefrugt-selenicereus-undatus-fro-20-stk?\" title=\"Rød Dragefrugt (Hylocereus costaricensis) | frø\"\u003eHylocereus costaricensis\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, which develops dragon fruits with deep red to purple flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith these three species, it is therefore possible to grow an unusual collection of different pitahaya: the classic white-fleshed dragon fruit from \u003cem\u003eH. undatus\u003c\/em\u003e, the red-fleshed dragon fruit from \u003cem\u003eH. costaricensis\u003c\/em\u003e, and the rare yellow pitahaya from \u003cem\u003eH. megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eH. megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e stands out in particular in this trio. Not only is the fruit's yellow skin very different, but the species also has its natural origin in South America and is generally less common in private plant collections. For the collector who already grows the better-known dragon fruits, yellow pitahaya is therefore an obvious species to add to the collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation and requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e thrives best in bright and warm conditions but, compared to some tropical dragon fruits, may prefer slightly less extreme heat. When cultivating, the plant should be provided with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eA bright location, preferably with several hours of sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eAn airy and well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eRegular, but moderate watering during active growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eWarm and frost-free conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eA stable support that the plant can climb on\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough \u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to the cactus family, it should not be treated as a classic desert cactus. Its natural climbing and partially epiphytic growth means that the plant wants well-drained and airy soil but also appreciates more regular watering during the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/kaktus-og-sukkulent-mix-5-l\" title=\"kaktusjord\"\u003ecactus and succulent soil\u003c\/a\u003e is suitable. Throughout the growing season, the plant can also benefit from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/langtidsvirkende-okologisk-godning-kaktus\" title=\"Økologisk langtidsvirkende kaktusgødning\"\u003eorganic slow-release cactus fertilizer\u003c\/a\u003e to support healthy and vigorous growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the plant grows, it should have something to climb on. A sturdy pole or trellis works well, and the longer shoots can later be allowed to hang down. In this way, the plant can develop the characteristic growth form also seen in commercial dragon fruit cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Denmark, \u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e is best grown in a pot, greenhouse, or conservatory. It can be kept outdoors in a warm and sheltered place during the summer, but the plant does not tolerate the Danish winter and must be overwintered frost-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation from seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rare yellow dragon fruit can be grown entirely from seeds, and although it takes time before a seed-grown plant becomes large enough to flower and set fruit, it is an exciting way to get this unusual species into the collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSow the seeds superficially in fine and well-drained seed compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCover the seeds only very lightly or leave them on the soil surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain a temperature of around 22–28 °C during germination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the soil evenly slightly moist, but not wet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the sowing in a bright spot without strong direct sunlight on the very young sprouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder good, warm conditions, the seeds can begin to germinate relatively quickly. The first seedlings are quite small and delicate, and it is therefore important that the seed compost does not dry out completely. At the same time, it should be airy so that the small roots are not constantly standing in water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the seedlings grow larger and begin to develop more distinct cactus growth, they can gradually be accustomed to more light. Later, the plants can be repotted into a coarser and better-drained cactus soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed propagation requires patience if the goal is home-grown yellow dragon fruits, but it also provides the opportunity to follow the entire development from tiny seedlings to large, climbing plants. For a rare species like \u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e, this is a major part of the experience of growing the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUtility and collector's value\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e combines several features that make it particularly interesting: an unusual climbing growth form, large night-blooming flowers, and not least the possibility of developing one of the most characteristic dragon fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe yellow pitahaya is also significantly less common in cultivation than the classic pink and red dragon fruits. This gives the species a special collector's value, and it is ideal for those who seek rare seeds and want to grow exotic fruit plants that you won't find in every plant collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether with \u003cem\u003eHylocereus undatus\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHylocereus costaricensis\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHylocereus megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e provides the opportunity to collect three very different types of dragon fruit. But with its bright yellow fruit, South American origin, and more rare occurrence, \u003cem\u003eH. megalanthus\u003c\/em\u003e is undoubtedly the species that stands out the most in the collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"a Piece of Nature","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44310927048972,"sku":"EF-EF-007","price":6.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/6728\/8588\/products\/Selenicereusmegalanthus_1.jpg?v=1679254972","url":"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.eu\/en\/products\/gul-dragefrugt-selenicereus-megalanthus-sjaelden-fro-5-stk","provider":"a Piece of Nature","version":"1.0","type":"link"}