Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Hylocereus spp.
Climbing cactus with stunning flowers; excellent for hot Malaysian sun.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours)
Temperature: 24–35°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 50–75 L pot with a strong post/trellis.
Soil Mix: Very free-draining: 40% coarse sand, 30% perlite, 20% coco chips, 10% compost; pH 5.5–6.5
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: weekly; Rainy season: every 10–14 days if no rain
Amount: 3–5 L per watering
Allow most of the mix to dry between waterings; very drought-tolerant.
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Balanced fruiting fertilizer with extra potassium; occasional compost
Frequency: Every 4 weeks during growth
Dosage: 40–60 g/month for 50–75 L pot; reduce during cool/wet spells
🍓 Fruiting & Harvest
Start: 8–12 months from cuttings
Seasonality: Mainly May–Nov in Malaysia
Duration: 30–45 days from flower to ripe fruit
Harvest Indicators: Skin brightens; scales start to wither; color fully developed
Tips: Harvest at full color for best sweetness; avoid sunburn on exposed fruit.
🌱 Propagation
Stem cuttings; callus 3–7 days before planting.
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Scale & mealybugs: Brush off; apply white oil 1–2%; improve sun/airflow.
- Stem rot: Improve drainage; cut out rot and re-root healthy segments.
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Provide rain cover during extended wet periods to reduce rot.
📝 Planting Notes
Train 3–4 main arms; loop over post to encourage flowering.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Avoid waterlogging
- Pot feet to improve drainage
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.