Get ready to be wow by the Hylocereus guatemalensis , AKA the American Beauty dragon fruit ! This quirky cactus produces some of the most vibrant and delightful fruit you ’ll ever try out . And just wait until you hear about its magical night - blooming flowers . Keep reading to reveal all the risque details !
content
About Hylocereus guatemalensis
in the beginning from tropical and subtropical part like South America and Mexico , this climbing cactus is now turn around the creation for its unique edible fruit . The deep pink soma covered in reddish - green scaly cutis goes by the exotic name “ pitahaya ” or “ pitaya ” in Spanish . One insect bite into the soft , sweet flesh and you ’ll see why dragon fruit has become a worldwide furor !
The plant itself is somewhat wild too . It ’s a extremity of the dark - flower Hylocereus cactus genus , intend the stunning white flowers only open up up after sundown . check that to catch a glimpse of these beauties if you decide to grow one at home !
Related Post:13 Types Of Hylocereus Cacti [ With Pictures ]
How to Care for Hylocereus guatemalensis
Light
Like most cacti , the Hylocereus guatemalensis thrives in full sunshine . Aim for at least 6 minute of direct sunlight each twenty-four hour period , especially during the spring and summer blooming / fruiting calendar month . If temps go up above 90 ° degree Fahrenheit , provide some good afternoon spectre .
You canuse a grow lightif keeping your dragon fruit cactus indoors or in a shaded spot outdoors . Place the light about 12 inches from the plant and keep it on for 12 - 16 60 minutes per twenty-four hours .
Water
A cactus that needs veritable watering ? You bet ! This tropical looker likes its soil to stay lightly moist while actively growing and blooming / fruiting . Generally irrigate every 5 - 10 day , earmark the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings .
geld back to once a month in winter when the flora is dormant . And always use a well - draining soil mix to prevent rot .
Soil
Choosing the correct soil premix is key for happy flying lizard fruit cacti . They choose a slightly acidulent pH between 6.1 - 7.5 . bet for a well - drain cactus potting intermixture , orcreate your ownby combination :
The extra drain and aeration is of the essence for preventing decomposition in this moisture - have a go at it cactus .
Fertilizer
Feed your Acanthocereus tetragonus pal every 4 - 6 weeks during the warm growing season with abalanced fertilizer(like a 10 - 10 - 10 ) . An constituent option like fish emulsion or compost tea kit and boodle great too . No need to fertilise in wintertime .
Temperature and Humidity
The idealistic temperatures for Hylocereus guatemalensis are between 65 - 90 ° farad . They can tolerate slightly cooler temps around 50 ° farad for short periods . Any colder and you risk cold price .
As for humidness , these tropicals like it on the higher side around 50 - 60 % . melt a humidifier nearby can help indoors . Misting the soil and “ tenting ” charge plate over the plant life also boost humidity .
Pests and Problems
The crowing pest problems tend to be sap - suck bugs like mealybugs , mites , thrip , andaphids . An constituent insecticidal soap or neem fossil oil spray can manage infestations .
see for signaling of fungous or bacterial stem rot from overwatering too . rationalise out any hokey , discolored sections and get the land dry out more between watering .
Sunburn can also occur if the flora gets too much lineal sun photo during peak passion . Provide afternoon shade as take .
Pruning
Since it ’s a mounting , vining cactus , the Hylocereus guatemalensis needsregular pruningto control its sizing and encourage more generative sidelong branching .
murder any side stem until the independent flora is tall enough to achieve its trellis or bread and butter system . Then prune back the growing baksheesh to pressure sidelong fork . Thin out any overcrowded or crossing base , and take any damage , dead , or pest - ride canes .
Potting and Repotting
Dragon yield cacti can be grow in big containers ( at least 15 gallons ) or forthwith in the priming coat . ensure to practice a sizeable documentation organisation like a sturdy trellis or post - and - wire frame that can manage the 250 + lb potential weight .
place multiple plants 12 - 16 inches apart . you’re able to trail the heavy fruiting stems over the sides of enhance beds or hang basket too .
Onlyrepot plantsin other spring if their current container is cracked or showing signs of being rootbound . Size up one jackpot diam at a meter .
Propagating Hylocereus guatemalensis
Want to multiply your Acanthocereus tetragonus patch up ? It ’s easy to propagate new dragon fruit cacti from seeds or base cuttings :
From Seed :
From cutting :
With a little love and forethought , you ’ll have eatable “ dragons ” pop up all over in no fourth dimension ! Let me know if you have any other questions .
