Propagating a dragon fruit plant has become popular because it’s simple and cost-effective.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Follow the right techniques to make sure that your time and effort won’t go to waste!
In this article, we’ll show you a beginner-friendly step-by-step guide on how to propagate dragon fruit from cuttings.
We’ll also explore the best practices and what to avoid to start growing your fruit at home.
8 Easy Ways to Propagate Dragon Fruit From Cuttings
Follow these easy steps to propagate dragon fruit from cuttings:
Step #1: Select a Healthy Stem
Look for a mature, healthy stem on the parent plant. It should be at least 1 year old and have a diameter of 1 inch or more.
Step #2: Cut the Stem
Use a sharp knife to cut the dragon fruit stem. Make sure the cutting is six inches or more. The longer the stem, the better.
Step #3: Let the Cuttings Dry
Allow your dragon fruit cuttings to dry for a few days in a cool, dry place. This will prevent the cutting from rotting when you plant it.
Step #4: Plant the Cuttings
After the cuttings have dried, plant them in a pot filled with well-draining soil. This allows excess water to drain away from the roots and prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged. Here are some steps to make well-draining soil:
- Get a potting mix that’s light and fluffy and contains a mixture of organic matter
- Add 1 part perlite to 2 parts potting mix
- Mix thoroughly
- Check the consistency—it should hold together but crumble easily
- Test how quickly the water drains away
- Adjust the pH between 6.0 to 7.0
Step #5: Water the Cuttings
Water the cutting lightly, but don’t soak the soil. Keep the soil moist until the cutting has established roots.
Step #6: Provide Support
Dragon fruit is a climbing plant. It’ll need support as it grows. To support the cuttings, place a stake in the pot.
Step #7: Wait for Growth
The cuttings should start to develop roots within 2 to 3 weeks. You can also use a rooting hormone to stimulate growth. To check, gently tug on the dragon fruit cutting to see if it has rooted. If the cuttings resist, they have likely rooted.
Step #8: Provide Care
Water the plant regularly, and provide it with a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 months. Prune the plant as needed to encourage branching and fruit production.
When to Transplant the Cuttings to a Larger Container?
You can transplant your dragon fruit cuttings to a larger container or outside once they have developed a strong root system and are actively growing. This can take several months.
How Long Does It Take for My Dragon Fruit Cuttings to Fruit
It can take 5 years or more for dragon fruit cuttings to mature and produce fruit. The exact time frame can vary depending on several factors, such as the growing conditions, the variety of dragon fruit, and how the plant is cared for.
Why Are My Dragon Fruit Cuttings Not Rooting?
Here are five possible reasons why your dragon fruit cuttings aren’t rooting:
1. Improper Cutting
The cuttings may not have been taken properly or may be damaged during the process. Make sure to use a sharp, clean tool to take cuttings.
2. Improper Soil Conditions
If the soil is too compacted, too wet, or too dry, the cuttings may not root. The soil should be moist enough, but not waterlogged.
3. Lack of Rooting Hormone
Using a rooting hormone can help stimulate root growth in cuttings. Make sure that you’re using a high-quality rooting hormone that’s appropriate for dragon fruit cuttings.
4. Temperature
If the temperature is too low, the cuttings may not root. The ideal temperature for rooting dragon fruit cuttings is between 75°F and 85°F.
5. Humidity
If the air is too dry, the cuttings may not root. You can increase humidity levels by misting the cuttings regularly or covering them with a plastic bag or dome.
To Sum It Up
Learning how to propagate dragon fruit from cuttings is a rewarding process. It helps you grow your plants and harvest your fruits.
With the right techniques, you can successfully propagate dragon fruit cuttings and enjoy the delicious fruit they produce.
