Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) profile

Hylocereus undatus, normally called  Dragon fruit, is an epiphytic climbing polypulp plant native to Mexico and the West Indies. Hylocereus undatus is widely cultivated in other tropical and subtropical areas, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and other places in China.

Hylocereus undatus picture

Morphological characteristics of Hylocereus undatus

Immortals palmataceae, Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) is an epiphytic climbing multi-pulp plants. Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) is much branched, tri-prismatic, broad and thinner edges, margin undulate; Stems have aerial roots, often attached to trees or walls by aerial roots; Sections, each 30-60cm long, dark green; Spines spacing 3-4cm, there are 1-2 spines. Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) is large, white, funnel-shaped, up to 30cm long, yellow-green outer, white inner, oblanceolate, aromatic, evening. The berry is oblong, 10 -- 12cm long, red, fragrant and edible.

Ecological habits of Hylocereus undatus

Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) is vigorous and prefers a warm, humid, semi-shady environment. The plants turn yellow indirect light and require sufficient light in winter. Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) is suitable for humus-rich, loose and fertile micro-acid loam.

How Hylocereus undatus propagates

Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) cutting propagation is easy to take root, cutting substrate can be plain sand or decomposing leaf soil and plant ash, the latter effect is better than the former. In the growing season, take the full growth of the stem node, to be cut dry, cutting, about 1 month after the root. Strong and full stem joint placed in the warm and humid half shade, without cutting will also take root, can be directly on the pot planting. Summer shade shed or half shade, fully watering and spraying, keep the basin soil and the environment moist, suitable temperature for growth 25-30 ℃, every half a month topdressing rare liquid fertilizer 1 time. At the end of autumn, move into the room with sufficient light and maintain the room temperature above 10℃; In the case of dry basin soil, can withstand the low temperature of 5℃, below 5℃, stem node easy to rot. The basin soil can be used to rot leaf soil, coarse sand and decomposed chicken or cow dung in equal amount.

The distribution region of Hylocereus undatus

Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) is native to Mexico and the West Indies. Hylocereus undatus is widely cultivated in other tropical and subtropical areas, and also in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and other regions of China. The climate of the origin is warm all year-round, with abundant rainfall, high air humidity, and sometimes short dry periods. The soil is rich in humus and slightly acidic.

Landscape use of Hylocereus Undatus

Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) has large, fragrant and beautiful flowers that can be enjoyed in pots, but are not easy to flower under potted conditions. Since Hylocereus undatus (Dragon fruit) has a strong affinity with other cactus plants, it is mostly used as rootstock for grafting. Hylocereus undatus is a hedgerow plant in South China; The flowers can be boiled in soup, and the fruit is eaten as a fruit in its origin.