Dragon Fruit Cactus Plant - USDA Organic

1. Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day).

Dig a hole large enough to accommodate your plant's rootball, place your plant and backfill the soil. Then, mulch the surrounding soil and water to settle the roots.

If you're planting in a container, select a pot that's twice the shipped container's size and ensure it has drainage holes. Use organic planting mix and place your Dragon Fruit Cactus in front of a sunny window or in a sunny spot on your porch.

Keep in mind that your Dragon Fruit will need a bit of support as it grows, so use a stake to help it reach its full potential (both in-ground or in a container).

Trees.com Tip: When it's planted outside, your plant may go dormant while acclimating to its new environment.

2. Watering: Only water your Dragon Fruit Cactus when it's nearly dry - check for dryness by sticking your finger into the soil about 3 or 4 inches down. If the soil is dry here, water with your garden hose for about 1 minute, or water your container plant until you see water escaping the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer according to the label instructions. For in-ground plants, use a balanced granular fertilizer every other month. Container plants can be fertilized four times per year with the same blend.

4. Pruning: Prune off branches of the cactus that may be touching, growing over one another or touching the ground. You'll want clear areas around remaining branches so the large flowers that bloom at night have plenty of room to expand. This will also make the fruit much easier to pick.