I've just bought a dragon fruit. I've always been intruiged by them, but never bought one before as they're generally quite expensive. However, this one was reduced to 10p as it's a bit overripe, so I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to try both eating it and growing a few seeds.
I know it's a cactus fruit, but that's about all. Has anyone any hints or tips about growing one and is it worth the effort? I imagine they need a pretty hot environment.
It is a cactus, but a jungle cactus rather than a desert one. It has spectacular flowers but needs a lot of space as it grows long sprawling or trailing stems. It doesn't need such intense sun as most cacti but it is tropical and needs to stay warm in winter. Temperatures in winter shouldn't drop below about 10C and the plant should be kept dry. It is succulent but will do best with regular water except in the middle of winter. It is often classed with the epiphytic cactus but is happy to grow in a pot with some support.
The seeds should germinate easily but it might be best to wait until spring when the light is a little better. Water them regularly and keep out of direct sun for the first year or so.
Planted lots of seeds autumn 2009 in peat in little pots on sunny kitchen widowsill. Germinated easily.Now about 3 to 6 inches long. V. skinny stem topped with a "cactus". I guess they need potting on. What medium ? Bury bottom bit of cactus in soil ? How should they be fed ? How quickly / big would they grow ? I guess a "fun" plant not a fruitng one.
