Can a potted dragon fruit survive and bear fruit, and how many years until it fruits

Because dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and protein, it is quite popular, and eating it regularly can have the effects of beautifying and slimming, promoting gastrointestinal absorption, and preventing senile dementia, so many areas grow it in their own yards. So can dragon fruit be grown in pots? How long can it survive? Can potted plants bear fruit? How many years until it fruits?

Potted dragon fruit is the same as dragon fruit grown outdoors; it will bloom and bear fruit. Generally, 12-14 months after planting it begins to bloom and bear fruit, and it can bloom 12-15 times each year, with the fruiting period from April to November. About 30-40 days after the flowers fade, the fruit begins to ripen, and a single fruit weighs 500-1000 g. In the 2nd year after planting, each column produces 20, and in the 3rd year it enters the full fruiting period. During this period, we must take good care of the potted dragon fruit. Only by ensuring its survival can we see it bear fruit.

Methods for potting dragon fruit:

1. Choosing the pot

Dragon fruit is a shallow-rooted plant, so prepare a clay pot, and a drainage hole should be made in the bottom of the pot. If there is no clay pot, a wooden box will also do; as long as it has good air permeability, it is fine. It is best not to use plastic, an overly airtight container. Before planting dragon fruit, soak the pot in clean water for several hours so that the foul air in the pores on the pot walls is released; otherwise it will affect the plant's root growth.

2. Choosing the soil

To plant dragon fruit, first find some neutral or slightly acidic soil; it must be loose and breathable, and alkaline soil is not suitable for cultivation. We can also make our own growing medium by mixing leaf mold, manure soil, and coarse river sand in a ratio of 6:1:1.

3. Potting method

Cuttings are the easiest way to successfully grow potted dragon fruit. As long as the seedling has grown roots and sent out new branches, it can be moved into a pot. A drainage hole should be made in the bottom of the pot. Around the hole, a piece of tile can be used to cover the opening to prevent sand from leaking out, or a layer of large small stones can be laid first. Then pour in the growing medium, place the two seedlings on the soil mound, and spread the seedling roots in the soil. Then press the soil around the edge of the pot lightly with your hands, water thoroughly, and after a week move it to the balcony.

4. Cultivation management

Dragon fruit has good drought tolerance, so there is no need to water too frequently, but the soil should be kept moist. Water once a week with an organic fertilizer liquid mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer, which can be diluted. If side buds grow on the stems and branches, remove them and keep the terminal bud, so that it can grow taller. When the plant height reaches about 1 m, cut off about 3 cm of the stem tip at the top; this can encourage side branches to emerge at the top, and it will no longer grow upward. When the top side branches grow to about 50 cm, then place bamboo poles around the edge of the pot at the same height as the plant, tie a crossbar to the top of the bamboo poles, and tie the side branches to the crossbar so that they extend flat or hang naturally. When the side branches exceed 80 cm, cut off about 3 cm of the stem tip to reduce nutrient consumption, promote flower bud differentiation, and make it bloom and bear fruit earlier. With good management, it will bloom after 7-8 months.

5. Management during the flowering period

Dragon fruit has a long flowering period. Because there are many flowers and they are large, the nutrient demand is also high. In addition to adding fertilizer and water, in the half month before flowering, apply an organic liquid fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once every 5-7 days. If dragon fruit is potted on a balcony or rooftop, because the amount of soil in the pot is small and the nutrient supply is limited, the side branches should not be left too long; it is recommended to leave only 1 fruit per branch. Dragon fruit can set fruit by self-pollination, and if conditions permit, artificial pollination can be done. In the evening when the flowers are in full bloom, use a new writing brush to dip a little pollen from the stamens and anthers of one flower and dab it onto the stigma of another flower.