“Several varieties trellising onto trees. Cultivars unspecified — still sorting winners.”
Background
Dragon fruit are climbing cacti of the genus Hylocereus (syn. Selenicereus), native to Central and South America. The three main types are H. undatus (pink skin, white flesh), H. costaricensis/H. polyrhizus (pink skin, red/magenta flesh), and H. megalanthus (yellow skin, white flesh). Dozens of named hybrids exist (Halley's Comet, Physical Graffiti, American Beauty, Delight, Purple Haze); cultivar unconfirmed for Matt's plants.
Distinguishing traits
Triangular climbing cactus stems that root onto supports and trees; huge fragrant nocturnal white flowers (25-30 cm) pollinated by moths and bats, opening for one night. Scaly pink or yellow fruit with white or magenta flesh speckled with tiny black seeds.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None.
- Cold hardiness
- Tolerates brief dips to about 32°F; extended cold damages stems. In zone 9b, cover or protect during hard freezes; established plants on trees are somewhat sheltered.
- Heat tolerance
- Handles heat well but not 120°F full sun: ideal 70-85°F, tolerates up to about 100-105°F with shade; in Phoenix give afternoon shade (shade cloth) to prevent stem sunburn.
- Water
- Cactus-like but not desert-dry: regular watering in the growing season, letting soil dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter dormancy.
- Soil
- Very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil, pH 6.0-7.5; hates waterlogged roots.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade; in the desert, part shade or 30-50% shade cloth in summer.