Dragon Fruit Growing at Home: The trend of growing fruits on home rooftops or balconies is becoming increasingly popular, and dragon fruit has emerged as a particularly favorite fruit in this list. It is a plant of cactus family which can be easily grown with very little water and less care. By following the right methods, you can enjoy fresh and healthy dragon fruit at home.

Choose the right plant and pot

To grow dragon fruit, you can buy a cutting or a small plant from a nursery. Choose a big and strong pot to plant it and ensure that it has good drainage system. A pot of at least 15-20 inches is best for it, because this plant spreads rapidly.

preparing the soil properly

For this plant, such soil is necessary from which water can drain easily. To prepare the soil mixture, mix 50% garden soil, 30% sand and 20% cow dung manure. This mixture ensures that the plant gets adequate nutrients and also that the soil does not become waterlogged – thereby protecting its roots from rotting.

correct way to plant a tree

Plant the cutting by pressing it about 2-3 inches deep into the soil and water it lightly. Keep the pot at a place where it can get direct sunlight for 5-6 hours daily. But the dragon fruit plant grows like a vine, so it is very important to install a wooden or metal pole to support it.

watering and care

Dragon fruit plants do not require a lot of water; watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient. In the summer months, you can increase the amount of watering slightly, but be careful not to let water stagnate in the soil. Applying organic fertilizer once a month helps in faster growth of the plant.

process of flowering and fruiting

The dragon fruit plant starts growing in 8-10 months and usually starts bearing fruits within 1-2 years. It bears large white flowers which bloom at night, and later these flowers turn into fruits. Applying light fertilizer and right amount of water at the time of flowering ensures good yield of fruits.

harvest time

After 30 to 50 days of fruiting, dragon fruit becomes ripe and ready for harvesting. When the color of the fruit turns dark pink or red, pluck it. Once the plant is well established, it may produce fruit several times a year.