Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), is so fascinating! It is a cactus species known for its spectacular nocturnal flowering process and exotic fruit. Its beautiful large flower blooms at night and attracts night pollinators.
To cultivate Dragon fruit, you should understand the flowering stages of dragon fruit. Since the proper flowering leads to optimal fruit production, let’s learn about the flowering cycle of your precious Dragon fruit plant.
The Flowering Cycle of Dragon Fruit
Stage 1: Bud Formation (Days 1-15)
- Small, green buds emerge from the areoles along the dragon fruit plant’s stems.
- They are initially 1-2 cm in length.
- Buds are tear-shaped and covered in overlapping scales.
- Growth of buds is relatively slow during the first week.
- The optimal temperature range ideal for bud formation of Dragon fruit plants is 65-85°F (18-29°C).
Stage 2: Bud Elongation (Days 16-20)
- Rapid elongation begins and buds grow to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length.
- The color changes from green to slightly yellowish.
- Scales begin to separate slightly and the bud points downward or outward from the stem.
Stage 3: Pre-bloom Phase (Days 21-25)
- Bud reaches full length of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm).
- Outer scales begin to loosen and separate and the tip of the bud may show white coloration.
- Bud becomes slightly softer to the touch.
Stage 4: Bloom Day Preparation (Day 26-27)
- Dramatic changes occur in the final 24-48 hours before the blooming of the flower.
- Bud scales fully separate and the color changes rapidly from yellowish to white.
- Bud swells noticeably and a strong fragrance begins to develop to attract pollinators.
Stage 5: Flowering
- The blooming of dragon fruit flowers typically begins at sunset.
- The flower opens over 2-4 hours and becomes fully bloomed by midnight.
What Happens After Flowering Of Dragon Fruit?
- The flower remains open until sunrise and petals begin to close and wilt by mid-morning.
- If successful pollination happens, it will result in fertilization. Fertilized flowers begin fruit development.
- Unfertilized flowers will be dropped off!
Characteristics of The Bloomed Dragon Fruit Flower
- Diameter: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
- Numerous white petals in multiple layers
- Long, cream-colored stamens
- Sweet, intense fragrance
- Blooming is synchronized among multiple buds
What Factors Affect the Flowering of Dragon Fruit?
Photoperiod (Day Length): Dragon fruit flowering typically requires long days followed by shorter days with a day length of 12-13 hours.
Temperature: For dragon fruit flowering optimal night temperature should be 65-68°F (18-20°C). While the suitable day temperature is suggested to be 77-84°F (25-29°C). Extreme temperatures can inhibit flowering.
Humidity: Dragon fruit plant prefers moderate to high humidity (60-80%) in flowering stages. Low humidity can cause bud drop.
Thing To Remember!
💡 You should Reduce watering slightly before the expected flowering. However, maintaining consistent moisture during bud development is crucial.
💡Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during the flowering stage of dragon fruit. Instead, increase the use containing potassium and phosphorus.
💡Proper pruning encourages flowering!
What are the Common Flowering Issues of Dragon Fruit Plant?
1. Bud Drop
Caused by:
- Temperature extremes
- Water stress
- Nutrient imbalances
Prevention:
- Maintain stable growing conditions
- Ensure proper watering schedule.
2. Failure to Bloom
Caused by:
- Insufficient light
- Young plant age
- Improper pruning
Prevention:
- Ensure adequate sunlight exposure or use supplemental light source.
- Wait for plant maturity (typically 2-3 years)
- Implement correct pruning techniques
3. Poor Pollination
Caused by:
- Limited nocturnal pollinators
- Single-night blooming window
Prevention:
- Hand pollination of Dragon fruit
- Attract nocturnal pollinators
- Multiple plants for cross-pollination
How Can I Induce Flowering Success in Dragon Fruit?
1. Provide proper sunlight and nutrition to plants.
2. Provide a proper trellis or support system to dragon fruit plants.
3. Regularly monitor the environmental conditions.
4. In commercial settings, use of plant growth regulators is a good option.
Bottom Line
Understanding the flowering stages of dragon fruit is essential for both hobbyist gardeners and commercial growers. By recognizing each stage and providing optimal conditions, you can maximize the flowering success and thus fruit production of your dragon fruit plants. Remember that patience and careful observation are key. Because each plant may have slightly different timing and requirements.
FAQs
How many times does a dragon fruit flower bloom?
Dragon fruit flower blooms once in only one night. It blooms for 4-6 hours. So keep an eye out if you are aiming for Hand pollination or cross-pollination of dragon fruit.
How much time a bud takes to grow into a flower?
It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks for a dragon fruit bud to grow into a flower.
What are common dragon fruit pollinators?
Moths and bats are nocturnal. Thus considered potential pollinators of nigh-blooming dragon fruit flowers.
How to make my dragon fruit plant have more flowering buds?
Give your plant proper trellis or support. So it will grow upright and positively affect your flower and fruit yield.
What is the usual time of blooming of dragon fruit flowers?
It usually blooms on the dates of the full moon.
Why my dragon fruit is flowering but not giving fruits?
It may be because of improper or no pollination. Try manual pollination and you will get successful fruition of your dragon fruit plant.
How do I know my dragon fruit flower is about to become fruit?
Within a week you will notice a green-colored healthy growing baby dragon fruit in the base of your flower bud after pollination. If it turns yellow it is bad news.
How many times does a dragon fruit plant flowers in a year?
Dragon fruit grows flowering buds in Summer till early fall. A usual number is 7-8 cycles of dragon fruit bud flushes in one flowering season.
