Pitaya Dragon Fruit Amarilla Kirin (Selenicereus megalanthus)
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Grown in
6"/1 gal or larger pot, large plant
5 plants in stock
$39.95
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Pitaya Dragon Fruit Colombiana, Yellow Dragon (Selenicereus megalanthus)
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Grown in
6"/1 gal or larger pot, large plant
7 plants in stock
$39.95
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Pitaya Dragon Fruit Golden Dragon (Selenicereus megalanthus)
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Grown in
6"/1 gal or larger pot, large plant
8 plants in stock
$39.95
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Pitaya Dragon Fruit Palora - cutting (Selenicereus megalanthus)
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
6-8" cutting
In stock
$9.95
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Pitaya Dragon Fruit Palora, Yellow (Selenicereus megalanthus)
price
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Grown in
6"/1 gal or larger pot, large plant
In stock
$39.95
Happy Value:  $27.97
Item rating



Date:

Dragon Fruit Plant Care – Tips from the Garden Expert

Stages of dragon fruit pitaya plant growth and trellis support 
system

Dragon fruit is one of those plants that look exotic but are surprisingly easy once you know the basics. Here is what works best in the garden:

  • Soil: They hate wet feet. A sandy, fast-draining soilless-mix is your friend. If water sits around the roots, rot comes fast.
  • Watering: Deep watering is better than frequent sips. Let the soil dry between waterings. In rainy season they cope well, but in pots you need to be careful.
  • Sunlight: Full sun is great, but in very hot places a touch of afternoon shade keeps them happy.
  • Support: They are natural climbers. A wooden post, concrete pole, or trellis will give them something to grab and makes harvest easier.
  • Fertilizer: Feed lightly but often. A gentle liquid like Sunshine C-Cibus liquid booster with every watering, or Green Magic controlled release fertilizer every 5-6 months. It encourages strong roots, lush growth, and lots of flowers.
  • Pruning: Trim off tangled or weak stems. This guides energy into strong branches that will flower and fruit.

Think of it as training a cactus vine into a small tree. Once it settles in, it almost takes care of itself — and pays back with fruit you can’t buy in stores.

🌱 Dragon Fruit Plant Care – Outdoors and Indoors

Outdoors: Dragon fruit thrives in USDA Zones 10–11 year-round. In warm regions like Florida, Texas, California, and Hawaii, you can grow it outside in the ground. Give it fast-draining soil, full sun with a little afternoon shade in the hottest months, and a sturdy trellis or post to climb. Deep watering with drying periods in between keeps roots healthy. A yearly pruning shapes the plant and boosts flowering.

Indoors or Patio Pots: Gardeners in cooler zones can still enjoy dragon fruit in containers. Use a large pot with sandy, well-draining mix or soilless-mix and a pole for support. Place the pot in the brightest spot — a greenhouse, sunroom, or patio that gets 6+ hours of light daily. Move pots inside when temperatures drop below 40F. Even indoors, a healthy plant can bloom and fruit if it has enough light and warmth.

❓ Dragon Fruit FAQ


How soon will a dragon fruit start producing?

Cuttings can flower and fruit in as little as 2–3 years. Seed-grown plants take longer, often 4–6 years. Large developed specimens can start flowering and fruiting within a year or even the same season.

Do I need more than one plant for pollination?

Some varieties are self-fertile, others need a second plant for cross-pollination. Even self-fertile types usually set more fruit with a partner nearby.

How big do they get?

In the ground, dragon fruit can climb 15–20 ft if you let it. With pruning and a trellis, you can keep it shaped like a small tree, 6–8 ft tall.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. A large container with sandy mix or soilless-mix and a pole for climbing works well. Indoors it will need bright light or a grow lamp.

What does a dragon fruit taste like?

Sweet and juicy, like a blend of blackberry and raspberry. Varieties differ: flesh can be white, pink, deep red, or purple, wrapped in skins of red, pink, or yellow. White flesh is mild and refreshing, red flesh is sweeter, and yellow flesh is the sweetest with a honey-pineapple flavor.

What zones can I grow dragon fruit outside?

USDA Zones 10–11 are best for year-round outdoor planting. In cooler areas, grow it in containers and bring inside for winter.

How often should I water?

Deep water, then let the soil dry. Too much water causes root rot. Think “desert cactus with a taste for rain.”

Is dragon fruit easy to grow?

Yes. Pitayas grow like cactus trees on strong supports, but they are easy to care for — little water, sun or semi-shade, and they thrive.

How long do they live?

A healthy dragon fruit cactus can produce for 10 years or more with proper care.

What are the health benefits?

Dragon fruit is high in fiber, supports digestion, and is low in calories. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it good for immunity and overall wellness. Many gardeners enjoy it as a healthy snack or in smoothies.

Explore Dragon Fruit varieties

Date:

🐲 The taste you will never forget

Dragon fruit collage - yellow, red, purple, white varieties

If you only know dragon fruit from the grocery store, you probably think it looks pretty but tastes bland. That is because most commercial fruit is picked early, shipped far, and loses its sweetness. The truth? Homegrown dragon fruit is juicy, sweet, and full of flavor. The best of all is the yellow variety, Palora (Selenicereus megalanthus), a cactus fruit from Ecuador that bursts with tropical taste.

🌵 Pitaya or Dragon fruit – what is the difference?

Both names describe the same climbing cactus. In Latin America it is called Pitaya, while Asia and English speakers say Dragon fruit. There are three main kinds:

Some hybrids give purple or magenta flesh. All are beautiful, all are easy to grow at home.

⚡️ Do red, white, and yellow taste different?

Yes. White types are mild and refreshing. Reds are sweeter and juicier. Yellows are the sweetest of all.

⚡️ Flowers from a fairy tale

Close-up of a blooming dragon fruit pitaya flower with white petals and
 yellow 
center

Dragon fruit flowers are among the most spectacular in the plant world. They open at night, glowing under moonlight, with pale petals and a sweet fragrance. Each flower can be a foot wide. Seeing one bloom feels like stepping into another world.

⚡️ Top Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

  • High in fiber for digestion and gut health
  • Low in calories but full of vitamins
  • Great for weight management
  • Adds color and freshness to smoothies and salads

🍹 Dragon Fruit Smoothie recipe

Glass of dragon fruit pitaya smoothie with fresh dragon fruit, banana, 
mango, lime, sugar, and ice 
cubes

Blend together:

  • 2 dragon fruits, peeled
  • 1/2 cup mango pulp
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup milk of your choice
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp lime juice
  • Ice cubes to taste

Top with mint for a refreshing tropical treat.

Watch Dragon Fruit short videos:

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💲 Special Offer – 25% off Dragon Fruit Pitaya Plants!

Get 25% OFF Pitaya plants with code

DRAGON2025

Min order $100. Excluding S/H, valid online only, cannot be combined with other offers.

Hurry, offer expires September 29, 2025!

Explore Dragon Fruit varieties

Date:

When do I get the fruit from my Dragon Fruit? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

When do I get the fruit from my Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit varieties

🍉 When do I get the fruit from my Dragon Fruit?
  • 🌵Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) is one of the most rewarding exotic fruits to grow. Sweet pulp, striking looks, and plenty of health benefits make it a favorite. You'll see it in three main types: white-fleshed (Hylocereus undatus), red-fleshed (Hylocereus costaricensis), and yellow-skinned (Hylocereus, or Selenicereus megalanthus).
  • 🌵Don't want to wait years for fruit? Here’s the good news: unlike many tropical trees that test your patience, dragon fruit is a fast-fruiting, easy-going cactus. With the right care, you can harvest in just 1-2 years from a cutting - or even the same season if you plant a well-established specimen.
  • 🌵 How to get Dragon Fruit faster

  • ▫️Give it strong support - trellis, fence, or post. This cactus loves to climb.
  • ▫️Full sun and good drainage - sandy or well-draining soil works best.
  • ▫️Smart watering - water deeply in hot weather, then let the soil dry. Dragon fruit loves water during active summer growth, but remember it's still a cactus - don’t keep soil soggy.
  • ▫️Pollination matters - flowers open at night. Some varieties are self-fertile, but planting a few different types boosts fruit set. This is why it helps to keep several varieties close together.
  • ▫️Feed well - use organic liquid fertilizers like Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus with every watering, or Green Magic controlled-release fertilizer every 6 months.


With these steps, dragon fruit quickly rewards you with flowers, followed by colorful, delicious fruit. Few exotics are this easy - or this fast!

🛒 Start your fast-growing Dragon Fruit production


📚 Learn more:

#Food_Forest #How_to #Dragon_Fruit

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Pitaya vs Dragon fruit - what is the difference and how to grow it? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Pitaya vs Dragon fruit - what is the difference and how to grow it?

Pitaya vs Dragon fruit - what is the difference and how to grow it?
🌵 Pitaya vs Dragon fruit - what is the difference and how to grow it?

  • 🍉 Pitaya and Dragon Fruit are the same plant!

  • Both names refer to climbing cacti in the genus Hylocereus. The word pitaya is more common in Latin America, while dragon fruit is the name used in Asia and English-speaking countries. They come in different types: white-fleshed (Hylocereus undatus), red-fleshed (Hylocereus costaricensis), and yellow-skinned (Hylocereus, or Selenicereus megalanthus). All share the same growth habit and care needs. Pitaya or dragon fruit - whichever name you use, it's one of the easiest exotic fruits to grow at home.

  • 🍉 How to grow Dragon Fruit

  • ▫️Get a desired variety or start from a cutting - let the cut end dry for a few days before planting to prevent rot.
  • ▫️Plant in well-draining soil with lots of sun.
  • ▫️Give it a strong support to climb on - it's a vining cactus.
  • ▫️Water deeply but let the soil dry between waterings.
  • ▫️Flowers open at night and need pollination - some types are self-fertile, others need cross-pollination.
  • ▫️With care, you can enjoy fruit in 1-2 years. Remember to ferilize!


🍉 Dragon fruit varieties

  • 🔴 ⚪️ Red skin, white flesh (Hylocereus undatus) - The most popular type, and the biggest fruit. Mildly sweet, refreshing, and often compared to a kiwi crossed with a pear.

  • Varieties: David Bowie, Delight, Hana, Lake Atitlan, Seoul Kitchen, Vietnamese Jaina, Hana

  • 🔴🔴 Red skin, red flesh (Hylocereus costaricensis) - Sweeter, juicier, and more intense in flavor. The deep red juice can stain, but it’s loaded with antioxidants.

  • Varieties: American Beauty, Bloody Mary, Eureka Red, Costa Rican Sunset, Mac Edwin, Halleys Comet, Mac Edwin, Makisupa, Mega Red, Physical Graffiti, Sweet Red

  • 🔴🟣 Red flesh, purple/magenta flesh (Hylocereus x costaricensis) - Hybrids, usually between red and white varieties.

Varieties: Cosmic Charlie, Edgar's Baby, Halleys Comet, Natural Mystic, Physical Graffiti, Purple Haze, Tricia, Voodoo Child, Zamorano

🟡⚪️ Yellow skin, white flesh (Hylocereus, or Selenicereus megalanthus) - Smaller fruit, but the sweetest of all. Crisp, juicy, and tropical with notes of pineapple or honey.
Varieties: Amarilla (Kirin), Colimbiana, Godlen Dragon, Palora, Thai Gold (Hawaiian)

Each type looks stunning and tastes slightly different, but all are easy to grow once you give them sun, support, and patience.

🛒 Explore and collect Dragon Fruit varieties

📚 Learn more:

#Food_Forest #How_to #Dragon_Fruit

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals



Detailed plant profiles: 2 plants found

Selenicereus megalanthus, Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear
Selenicereus megalanthus
Family:Cactaceae
Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear
Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Selenicereus megalanthus (Yellow Dragon Fruit), sometimes referred to as Hylocereus megalanthus, is a vigorous climbing cactus from the dry regions of South America, prized for its giant night-blooming flowers and sweet yellow fruit. Its long, three-ribbed stems need sturdy support and produce fragrant white blooms that open only for a single night, attracting nocturnal pollinators. The oval yellow-skinned fruit, easily cleaned of soft spines, holds juicy white pulp with a delicate floral sweetness. Although drought-tolerant at rest, the plant benefits from regular watering in hot weather to improve fruit size and flavor. Grow in full sun, in well-drained soil, and protect from frost. Lean more:

Pitaya page

What to do with a Dragon fruit?



See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/selenicereus_megalanthus.htm
Hylocereus sp., Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear
Hylocereus sp.
Family:Cactaceae
Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallVine or creeper plantSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterWhite, off-white flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant

There are three species of dragon fruit in the genus Hylocereus and one species in the genus Selenicereus. Varieties of Hylocereus guatemalensis, Hylocereus polyrhizus, and Hylocereus undatus as well as hybrids of these three species are grown commercially worldwide. Selenicereus megalanthus is grown commercially on smaller scales in South America and is especially popular in Columbia.

Related genera: Cereus, Acanthocereus, Echinocereus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus, Escontria, Myrthillocactus.

This climbing cactus is one of the most beautiful and wide spread members of the Cactaceae family. It is a highly prized, vining, fruit bearing cactus is terrestrial/epiphytic plant which is extremely unusual. It's fleshy stems reach up to 30ft. long, climbing onto walls or over trees using aerial roots. Magnificent flowers, stunningly beautiful fruit with an intense color, curious shape, and a delicious taste.

The night blooming white flowers can be up to 14 inches in length. Flowers are vibrant and beautiful and many related species are propagated as ornamentals. They generally bloom only at night, and usually last just one night where pollination is necessary to set fruit.

The fruit is most often eaten chilled and cut in half so the flesh may be spooned out. The juice is used in frozen drinks and it is in a new Tropicana Twister flavor. It is a must have for any collector or gardener with the flair for the unusual. The plants aren't usually too picky as to soil type, but because of their epiphytic nature, it is recommended to grow them in soil that is supplemented with high amounts of organic material. It can be grown successfully in sandy soils, providing shade is sometimes recommended in hot climates. In full production, these plants can have up to 4-6 fruiting cycles per year. Season: May-September.

The dragon fruit flesh can be white, red, or magenta. The red fleshed varieties contain lycopene which is a natural antioxidant known to fight cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Despite the health benefits and its spectacular appearance, the fruit has gone virtually unnoticed for centuries.

According to the legend the fruit was created thousands of years ago by fire breathing dragons. During a battle when the dragon would breathe fire the last thing to come out would be the fruit. After the dragon is slain the fruit is collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and indication of victory. The soldiers would then butcher the dragon and eat the flesh. It was believed that those who feasted on the flesh would be endowed with the strength and ferocity of the dragon and that they too would be coveted by the Emperor. It is written that the dragons flame originates deep within its body near the base of its tail. The meat from this part of the dragon was the most desirable and most sought after portion. Only the officers of each division would be privy to this cut of meat. The ancient Chinese called this cut the jaina, which translates literally to the sweetest and best tasting. The jaina was treasured by all who were privileged enough to taste it, and it is believed that man's thirst for the jaina is what led to the destruction and eventual extinction of all of the dragons.

The mild and juicy fruit is easily cut in half and eaten with a spoon.

Today it is the leading fruit export of Vietnam. It has even caught the attention of Snapple, Tropicana, and Sobe which are just a few of the major labels that have incorporated dragon fruit into their bottled fruit drinks.

Lean more:

Pitaya page

What to do with a Dragon fruit?



See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/hylocereus.htm
Detailed plant profiles: 2 plants found