Dragon Fruit, Ajagar Phal (Matured layered) – Plant

Planting and plant care

Plant flush with the soil line. Fertilize only occasionally. Water the dragon fruit plant in the same manner as a tropical cactus.

Caring for Dragon Fruit

• Dragon Fruit Cactus must be treated like a Tropical Cactus and water when nearly dry but try to keep the climbing pole moist. An automatic dripper at the top of the post works well.
• Well drained, sandy cactus mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky soils.
• For in ground planting, broadcast a balanced granular fertilizer once a month.
• Dragon Fruit Cactus are light feeders, however unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly and virtually remain dormant.

Harvesting

These plants start bearing fruits in the first year itself. Generally, these plants starts flowering in May to June month and bears fruits from Aug to Dec month.

Typical uses of Dragon Fruit

Special features:

• Dragon fruit helps in controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol.
• Dragon fruit is high in fats and proteins and are good sources of antioxidants.
• Dragon fruit helps in preventing arthritis and helps in improving heart health.
• Dragon fruit helps in weight management and also fighting against ageing.
• Dragon fruit helps in preventing asthma.
• Dragon fruit is high in vitamins & minerals.

Ornamental use: The plant is used for ornamental purpose as well.

References

• http://botanicalgrowersnetwork.net/znetsol/1-ProductPages/Dragon/default.p.htm

• http://www.agrifarming.in/dragon-fruit-cultivation/

• http://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-grow-dragon-fruit-growing-dragonfruit-pitaya/

• http://homeguides.sfgate.com/much-soil-need-dragon-fruit-plants-63045.html

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d243