Dragon fruit update 2024.3: What to do with declining dragon fruit plant: replace Sugar Dragon.

[@TexasDragonFruit]

Yes on planting new ones. But I have growing plants for over 18 years and it has to do with your soil decomposing and soil conditioning to certain variety. Every plant is different, you just need to remove soil in intervals to let new roots develop when replacing the improved soils. Also the yellowing is chlorosis try grafting on a healthier plant and the mother plant sends some of its genetics into the new cutting helping you prevent chlorosis. Also if using cow manure from cattle that are feed sweet feeds or feed lots you will kill of your plants because sweet feed and feed lots use way to much salt in cattle feeds. Hope this helps. your other plants are looking great.

[@xiaoli2142]

Thank you very much for your suggestions. Yes, soil is definitely a major factor for the condition of the plants. I planted the new cuttings in the same soil in the same pot just to test how the new plants doing in the old soil. The composted cow manure I have been using is from a trusted source and I have been using them for several years without any problems.

[@polecatrma]

It's going to be a good experiment.

[@xiaoli2142]

Thank you for your comment.

[@SiskiyouForest]

I think the problem might be your soil mix. I’d try adding more permanent soil components like sand, pumice, peat moss and perlite, and less compost.

[@xiaoli2142]

It may not just the soil, because there are some other dragon fruit plants that using the same soil are very healthy without root problem. It seems that only the very productive ones that have the declining problem. My original soil mix had some native soil in it, which are very sandy, so this time I just added the composted manure. I think dragon fruit likes rich soil, that is why the new cuttings are growing very well in this soil. Only when they are aged the problem shows.

[@D8V1Dx]

Not sure how hot it gets where you are, but black pots can get really hot in direct sun and basically cook the roots.

[@xiaoli2142]

You are right. That is one of the factors that cause the plant declining over age.

[@D8V1Dx]

@@xiaoli2142 It get really bad if temps are over 90F outside. The black pots basically turns into oven, continuously heating the soil. I felt the soil was so hot, and immediately went and bought glossy white pots. Much better now. Also buy larger pots, they take longer to heat up.

[@xiaoli2142]

@@D8V1Dx My pots are very large and the pots are under the umbrella shaped plants. In the most hot noon time, most of them are under shade, and the days with temperature above 90 are relatively few, so I think for now, I am not going to change the pots, also clay pots that size are very expensive.

[@hizzlemobizzle]

That's why I like to grow them on a small raised bed making ground contact. Won't have the problem with root rot or becoming root bound.

[@xiaoli2142]

@@hizzlemobizzle Yeah, growing in the ground will be ideal, but we have a few days of below freezing winter so they need winter protection, but the place where I can build a green house do not get enough sunlight in the growing season, so I used to move them in and out of the greenhouse so they have to be in a pot.

[@gersoncaballero4031]

Nice...

[@leovidal6591]

Are you selling some stem. I’m from (Fresno California )?

[@xiaoli2142]

Which one do you want to have? I already get rid of some of the ones I don't like much. email me if you are interested in a particular one [e-mail].

[@Homegarden791]

One question my 6month old potted plants are growing good but for last 1month i am seeing the lower part of the plant is getting dried up , i checked the roots they ok no rot or nematodes , the new upper growth is growing well , what can be done for the lower part thats drying up !? And yes its 40 degree C here for last 15-20days

[@xiaoli2142]

40 degree C is quite hot. Can you somehow give the pot and the lower part of the plant some shade?

[@Homegarden791]

@@xiaoli2142 green net shade given still 👍

[@jadejade5234]

I think it’s the soil that’s why it wasn’t thriving that much

[@xiaoli2142]

This is only happening to the aged plant, so I am not sure if it is the soil. I am putting the new cuttings in the same soil just to test if the new plant can still grow there well. The sandy soil theory has not been tested in aged dragon fruit yet.

[@hizzlemobizzle]

It's 2 things. The black pots are a problem and they are getting too much water causing root rot.