Dragon fruit can also be grown on the balcony, with fruits hanging all over the branches

Dragon fruit planting method

Step 1: Buy the branches

Dragon fruit is more suitable for propagation by cuttings. To do so, you need to prepare cuttings. In fact, there are branches for sale online. You can buy them directly from the Internet and try planting them. You can also find someone who grows dragon fruit at home and cut a branch for them.

Step 2: Processing the branches

It is best for the branches used for dragon fruit cuttings to be longer so that they can grow faster and bear fruit earlier. You can use a knife to cut the lower end of the branch diagonally a few times to expose the woody part.

Step 3: Dry the branches

The processed cuttings can be placed in a cool place to dry. The wound will heal in about 4-5 days.

Step 4: Prepare the Soil

When choosing soil, basically it will be fine as long as it is permeable and breathable. If you are planting in a flowerpot, it is best to use some permeable sand, or add some sand to the garden soil for planting.

Step 5: Planting the cuttings

Insert the dried branches into the soil, making sure that the branches do not fall over.

Step 6: Stabilize the sticks

If you find that the branches are too long and easy to fall over when you are cutting them, you can insert a wooden stick into the soil and then use tape to fix the branches to the stick.

Step 7: Don’t water right after planting

After planting, you can place the flower pot in a well-lit and ventilated place, but be careful not to water it within a month, otherwise it will rot.

Step 8: Daily maintenance

After the dragon fruit has taken root, you can water it. Make sure it gets more sunlight, keep the temperature above 8°C, and apply some organic fertilizer, and the dragon fruit will grow quickly.

Step 9: How to Pollinate

After the dragon fruit blooms, artificial pollination is needed to produce more fruits. Generally, pitayas from different plants are pollinated, resulting in larger fruits.

When artificial pollination, use a cotton swab to gently sweep around the stamens to collect the pollen, and then sweep the pollen onto the pistils in the middle of other flowers.

Step 10: Harvest the Fruit

After the dragon fruit bears fruit, you can cover it with a net bag to prevent mosquitoes. When the fruit turns red, you can pick it!