White Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) | plant

• Latin name: Hylocereus undatus (syn. Selenicereus undatus)
• Danish names: Dragefrugt, hvid dragefrugt, pitahaya
• English names: Dragon fruit, white-fleshed pitaya, strawberry pear

Hylocereus undatus, better known as dragon fruit or pitahaya, is a tropical, climbing cactus grown for its spectacular fruits and enormous night-blooming flowers. The fruits have a characteristic pink to red exterior with green scales and white, juicy flesh filled with small black seeds.

Dragon fruit is cultivated today in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. The plant is also an exciting and fast-growing cactus to grow in a greenhouse, conservatory, or a large pot, where the long stems can eventually develop into an impressive specimen.

Appearance and growth

Hylocereus undatus is not a classic desert cactus, but a climbing cactus that naturally grows in warmer areas, where its long stems can climb up trees and other vegetation.

The plant develops long, green, and typically triangular stems with small thorns along the edges. Aerial roots form from the stems, which the plant uses to attach itself to trunks, rocks, and other surfaces.

When growing in a pot, it is therefore a good idea to provide the plant with sturdy support or a trellis. Under warm conditions with plenty of light, water, and nutrients, growth can be quite vigorous.

A cactus with enormous night flowers

One of the most spectacular characteristics of Hylocereus undatus is the flowering. Large, mature plants can develop enormous white flowers, which open in the evening and at night. The flowers are fragrant and can reach about 25–30 cm in diameter.

The individual flower only lasts for a short time, but the blooming is an impressive sight. In nature, the large, bright night-blooming flowers attract nocturnal pollinators, among others.

The dragon fruit

After successful pollination, the flowers can develop the characteristic dragon fruits. The fruit has a vibrant pink to red skin with green, leaf-like scales, which gives it its exotic and almost dragon-like appearance.

Inside, the flesh of Hylocereus undatus is white with numerous small, black, and edible seeds. The taste is mild, fresh, and slightly sweet, and the fruit can be eaten directly with a spoon or used in fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts, among other things.

White or red dragon fruit?

We also have Hylocereus costaricensis, which produces red dragon fruit with intensely red flesh. The two species resemble each other in growth habit and cultivation, but the fruits are clearly distinct when sliced open.

Hylocereus undatus has the classic white flesh with black seeds, while Hylocereus costaricensis has dark red to purple-red flesh. This makes it extra exciting to grow the two dragon fruits side by side and experience the differences between the plants and their fruits.

Cultivation and care

• Light: Thrives best in a very bright location with sun. Young plants should be gradually acclimated to strong direct sun.
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions, and good growth is achieved at around 20–30 °C. The plant cannot tolerate frost.
• Soil: Use airy, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soil. Although dragon fruit is a cactus, it prefers more organic material and moisture than many classic desert cacti. We therefore recommend our cactus soil.
• Watering: Water regularly through the growing season, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the roots stand in constant water.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize regularly during the growing season. Dragon fruit is fast-growing and responds well to available nutrients. Use a good organic cactus fertilizer.
• Support: The long stems should have a trellis, a sturdy stake, or other support to grow up. This also mimics the plant's natural climbing growth habit.
• Pollination: When growing in a greenhouse or conservatory, hand pollination can be an advantage if the plant blooms and you want fruit.
• Overwintering: Overwinters best in a bright, frost-free location. At lower temperatures, watering is significantly reduced.

Grow your own dragon fruit

Hylocereus undatus is a fascinating combination of an exotic fruit plant and an unusual cactus. The long, climbing stems alone make the plant decorative, while an older plant under the right conditions can reward you with enormous white night flowers and later the characteristic pink dragon fruits with white flesh.

Together with the red-fleshed Hylocereus costaricensis, it is perfect for a collection of exotic and edible plants, where you can follow the entire development from a climbing tropical cactus to flowering and – with a little patience and the right conditions – home-grown dragon fruits.

- Also available as seeds here.

Note: The images are meant as examples of the plant and do not necessarily represent the exact plant being purchased.