Dragon Fruit

Watering

Dragon fruit requires very little water and thrives in arid and semi-arid areas with annual rainfall of 40-60mm. Irrigation: Drip irrigation is recommended as it delivers consistent moisture to roots, reduces water waste and leaf wetness, lowering disease risk. For manual watering, water directly at the plant's base. Avoid wetting stems and fruits to prevent fungal infections. Establishment Stage (first 2-3 months): Water 2-3 times a week or when the top inch is dry. Vegetative Growth Stage: Cut back to once or twice a week. Flowering and Fruiting Stage: Keep soil moist, water deeply once or twice a week, more in heat. Water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Use mulch to keep moisture and block weeds.

Sunlight

Ensure it gets 6-8 hours of sun daily. Full sun exposure is essential for optimal fruit production.

Soil Requirements

Dragon fruit thrives in well-drained, rich soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Best in sandy loam or loamy soils. Boost fertility with compost or manure. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Can grow on any type of soil as long as the soil is well-drained. Site Selection: Pick a spot with 6-8 hours of sun daily. Limit wind exposure to avoid plant damage. Use windbreaks or choose sheltered spots. A slight slope aids drainage and prevents frost. Preparing Holes: Dig holes 60cm on each side. Mix topsoil with manure or compost. Planting: Select healthy stems (cuttings) 30-40 cm long, ensure they are pest and disease-free, cut at a 45-degree angle. Let the cut end dry for 5-7 days in a shaded area to avoid rot. Plant in the field or in bags with good potting mix. Bury 5-10 cm of the cutting, keeping it upright. Water lightly until roots form, usually in 2-3 weeks. Varieties: Three main types - Hylocereus undatus (Pink skin, white flesh), Hylocereus costaricensis (Pink skin, red flesh), Hylocereus megalanthus (Yellow skin, white flesh). Popular varieties for Kenyan cultivation include: Vietnamese Jaina, Physical Graffiti, American Beauty, Dark Star, Zamorano. Support Structures: Dragon fruit plants are climbing cacti and need support. Options: 1) Individual pole system - Install a 2-2.5m tall concrete or wooden pole next to each plant. 2) T-bar system - Install posts with a horizontal bar at the top, run wires along horizontal bars. 3) Pergola system - Suitable for larger plantations, construct a pergola-like structure over the entire planting area. Pruning: Regular pruning is essential. Formative pruning: Allow 3-4 main branches to grow from the base, remove excess shoots. Maintenance pruning: Trim overcrowded branches to improve air circulation, remove damaged, diseased, or unproductive branches. Prune after harvest or during dormant season. Tip pruning: Pinch off the tips of branches to encourage lateral growth and more fruiting points.

Temperature

Temperature that ranges between 20°C-30°C. Grows well in arid and semi-arid areas. A slight slope aids drainage and prevents frost.

Fertilizer

Requires both macronutrients and micronutrients. Nitrogen (N) for growth and leaves. Phosphorus (P) for roots, flowers, and fruit. Potassium (K) for fruit quality and plant health. Secondary: Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur. Micronutrients: Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Boron, and other trace nutrients in lower proportions. Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.

Spacing

Space plants and rows 3m apart. This ensures good air flow and easy care.

Pest & Disease Management