1. Seed Germination
Germination starts when the seeds of Hylocereus undatus are planted in well-draining soil, typically in a warm, humid environment.
The seeds need a temperature of around 20-30°C (68-86°F) to germinate, and they typically take 7 to 14 days to sprout.
Dragon fruit seeds are small and require light for germination, so they are often lightly pressed into the soil or spread on top and covered with a thin layer of soil or sand.
2. Seedling Stage
After germination, the young plants, or seedlings, begin to develop their first true leaves and grow in size.
At this stage, the plant is quite delicate and needs adequate light and moisture. It grows slowly but steadily.
Roots start to develop during this stage, which is crucial for the plant’s survival as it begins to anchor itself in the soil and absorb nutrients.
3. Vegetative Growth
As the plant matures, it enters a period of vegetative growth, during which it develops its characteristic vining stems. These stems are long, fleshy, and typically green with sharp ridges.
The plant needs full sun exposure for optimal growth, as it is a cactus and thrives in bright, direct sunlight.
This phase can take several months, and the plant may grow rapidly under the right conditions.
Regular watering and occasional fertilization are important for healthy growth during this phase.
4. Flowering
After the vegetative growth phase, the plant enters the flowering stage. This typically happens after 1-3 years, depending on the growing conditions.
The plant will produce large, beautiful, white or pink flowers that bloom at night (nocturnal).
The flowers only last for a single night, but they are crucial for the next stage of the life cycle.
Cross-pollination is often necessary for the production of fruit, which can be done by insects or hand-pollination.
5. Fruiting
Once the flowers are pollinated, they begin to wither, and fruit starts to develop. The fruit is typically green at first, turning pink or red as it ripens.
The dragon fruit typically takes 30-50 days to mature after pollination.
During this stage, the plant needs sufficient nutrients and water to support the development of the fruit, and regular maintenance (like pruning) may be needed to ensure good fruit production.
6. Maturation and Harvesting
Once the fruit is fully matured, it will have a vibrant red or pink skin with green scales.
The fruit is ready to harvest when the color has fully developed, and the skin is slightly soft to the touch.