| Common Name | Dragon fruit, pitahaya, strawberry pear, Honolulu queen, moonlight cactus |
| Botanical Name | Hylocereus undatus |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial, fruit |
| Mature Size | 8–20 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial sun |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral, acidic |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer, fall, winter |
| Hardiness Zones | 10–12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | North America, Central America, South America |
When to Plant
Dragon fruit cactus is best planted in the early spring to take full advantage of its growing season from March to August.
Selecting a Planting Site
To successfully grow your own dragon fruit plant, you need a location with well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and ample space. This is a large, heavy cactus with a spreading habit and long stems. Make sure to plant it 15 to 25 feet away from your home and other structures, trees, and electrical lines.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Dig a hole that is 3 to 4 times in diameter and 3 times as deep as the nursery container (this loosens up the soil and aids in root development). Refill the hole with enough soil so that when you place the plant in the hole, it is at the same level as it was in the container.
