HOW to GROW DRAGON FRUIT / 1 HOUR of the BASICS / Soil, Roots, Nutrients, Trellis Design & More

1 HOUR of the BASICS of Dragon Fruit / Soil, Rooting, Watering, Nutrients, Trellis Design, Fruit and More
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0:00 Dragon Fruit Soil Tutorial
5:29 Rooting Strategies For Dragon Fruit
12:13 Watering your Dragon Fruit
15:53 Nutrients and Care (earthworm castings and tea)
19:57 Different Types of Trellis Systems
28:13 Pest Control
38:01 How to train your Dragon Fruit
39:29 Balance Your Trellis
42:09 Collecting Pollen From a Dragon Fruit Flower
44:12 When is a Dragon Fruit Ripe
47:31 How to Pick a Dragon Fruit
52:44 Tasting a Dragon Fruit and BRIX Score
#DragonFruit #Fruit #ExoticFruit

[@brookethompson9423]

hi Mr.Erickson its me Brooke i LOVE your progress on your youtube channel! happy thanksgiving!

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for watching and the support.

[@dukehtran]

Still waiting for a walk through your entire garden, It looks big. Thanks for this video.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

I got it up thanks to your comment. Thanks for watching.

[@olivemalines8746]

​@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT n

[@esentialconference8888]

Thank you master. Regards from Bolivia

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate the support.

[@imeldasoledad9045]

Wow! Love it

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thank you! 😊

[@full-timemama4328]

Ok i thought I was over thinking it and being weird😆 i hold my breath too🤣

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

LOL! A shovel is helpful too :)

[@cuervomex1323]

Muy buen video y muy bonitas plantas.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for watching!

[@gregoriosmith6994]

I found pumice at city farmers on home ave.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Excellent. Thanks!

[@user-iy1uz3ws8r]

Клас!!!! Hello from Ukraine Krivyj Rih!!!!

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Hello, thank you for watching.

[@baljeetus811]

Waterwise Botanical at Escondido sales large bags of pumice. I got pumice there few months ago. For exact size and price. I was happy with the purchase.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for the tip! I love that nursery. I get mine an Granjetto's.

[@jsuria1966]

Great informations 👍👍

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for watching.

[@mr_xani1360]

Thanks a lot

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for watching.

[@mr_xani1360]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT Thank you for making very good and beautiful videos for us

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

@@mr_xani1360 Thanks for the support.

[@StefaniStevensBand]

You’re right about advising not to breathe the mix. I got pneumonia mixing worm castings, mushroom compost and soil. The doctors didn’t test my lungs and I have opacities on them. Of course, I knew it but pulmonologists don’t.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Bummer, I hope you are feeling ok and improving.

[@StefaniStevensBand]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT it took months and thankfully healed 🤞🏼…Thank you (: 🌿from O’side!

[@fernandezfarm]

Awesome videos I recently got into dragon fruits 👍

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

That's awesome, thanks for the kind words and support. Be careful, they get addicting!

[@ShmooyShmoo]

I grew them in pure mulch. Worked well.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Nice!

[@mauriciodiaz1310]

I like to use a heat mat on my cutting this works best. They sell them in amazon. I saw a video on grafting dragon fruit Richard did this and it really works.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

That is another method that works well, especially in the winter. Worm castings and a heating pad works well for me too in the cold season. For Summer, I like to use soil and Root Magic these days or worm castings. Happy growing.

[@ShaggyDogg0128]

So much to gather in. I have 3 different types of dragon fruit on one trellis. But I have them in ground. And spaced them about 6-8 inches off the pvc. Should be plenty of room? I'm not too worried about mixing them on the top. They are for family and personal use. I have so many plants in general so I make a 10 gallon batch of tea and use a Ortho Dial in sprayer. Try neem seed meal from down to earth. I use a pump sprayer from home depot and label it water only and to water my cuttings and new plants. Maybe that will help you with the dragon fruit.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks for the tips. How are they doing in the ground? Do you amend the soil or have to deal with any rot issues? Thanks for watching.

[@ShaggyDogg0128]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT not a problem. Just one had rot. But it didn't happen till months after it's been growing like crazy and started to rot out of nowhere. I just top dressed. Mounted them about 3 inches above grade. Nothing too much.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Bummer. The rot affects some varieties more than others.

[@yaqeen4940]

You can also try builder's sand too, its much more cheaper, then coconut coir and cow manure or poultry manure.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

I've seen a few growers with success using sand. Thanks for the tip.

[@hasanoralisood304]

Wow

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

:)

[@jollytan4615]

How do u check if they have rooted? Do u take them out of the soil n peep? Then put back again?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

I give them the pull test to check for resistance. Pull lightly.

[@thuanvu-xj3ev]

The wrapper around the pole of trellis. What does it call & where can I get it. Thanks.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Burlap. I buy it by the role at Home Depot or Amazon.

[@germicanlifestyle9069]

Here in South Florida everything roots very easy...I only insert the cutting 1/2 to 3/4 inch in the soil & nice roots in 3-4 weeks... maybe it has something to do with humidity...my cuttings start springing roots all over the cutting within 2-3 weeks

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yes, temperature and humidity! I have to root mine with heating pads and/or grow lights in the garage during the winter in my climate!

[@germicanlifestyle9069]

I heard you mention Alice Snow Dragon Fruit... I've never heard of that...can you tell me more?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

@@germicanlifestyle9069 White flesh from Paul Thomson’s friend and fellow rare fruit grower, Alice Snow. Mine has not fruited yet.

[@khydo]

im in south florida struggling to root mine

[@germicanlifestyle9069]

@@khydo all my cuttings from 4 weeks ago just got moved out to full sun except Sugar dragon & Frankie's Red-they just started rooting...what coast/county are you?

[@germicanlifestyle9069]

If I use chicken manure I also add crab meal or crab/lobster meal...crab meal helps prevent nematodes

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Nice, I've been researching and playing with a of different soil mixtures this season. I use a fertilizer with crab meal too.

[@vinnyhempman6484]

Use Dr bronner's Castile or sal suds soap instead for the neem oil soap mixture

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

I'm a fan of cold pressed neem oil, but I'll give it a try.

[@vinnyhempman6484]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT sorry I meant to clarify use it with the neem oil 50/50. I actually took a second look at the soap you used and I'm not going to lie I don't know anything about it so I can't say whether or not it's better. At least it's not some traditional dish soap like Dawn. But I do know Dr bronner makes some really good soap that is safe to use on plants dishes pets clothes as a body wash to clean the floor etc all in one soap. All organic hemp oil and other oils. The Sal suds soap I believe is made from pine oil and other oils. The Sal suds soap should not be used as a regular body wash though. Also don't know how they react with dragon fruit I just know they're good all-around to use on plants in general and are generally safe to use up to harvest

[@gregoriosmith6994]

How about fertilizing with bat guano?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yes! I used some organic bat guano on a few plants this winter to see how they respond. I like Fox Farms soil because they use bat guano.

[@hanamauidaze]

I have been trying to think of the best material to use for the top frame. Bamboo would rot here (Maui Hawaii) in a couple or so years and wouldn't handle the weight. Maybe use treated lumber? I saw in Asia they use old bicycle wheels

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

There are many options. There is 1/2 steel rebar and welded wire mesh under the bamboo. I use the bamboo as a buffer between the steel. Concrete works well too, but you'd need to make a form.

[@biomechanicalclone]

I'm using schedule 40 1" PVC pipe to fabricate the trellis on top of the post. I brace it by teeing off at 45 degrees into a 1-3/8" chain link rail end cup, which is braced to the post. No rot, no rust, a good curve to not injure the vines, holds the weight with the bracing in place.

[@19sherwin]

I have 16 varieties here in Texas and sugar dragon is my second fastest rooting variety next to isis yellow. Worst foe me is Columbian yellow that’s difficult to Root. I also have tried heating pad, or water in shade in growing season. We have hard water here and dry heat so I guess all plays the role with response of different varieties

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Awesome! S. Megalanthus can take much longer to root. It's all about the temperature. I've been rooting cuttings in worm castings this season and will probably do a video on it someday.

[@tristanamacker733]

Is it ok to add compost to dragon fruits growing in pots

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yes, just keep from burying the cutting more. That can cause rot.

[@paulle7859]

Dip into bucket of water it rooting faster

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yup, there are many ways to root dragon fruit. Temperature is the most important factor in my opinion.

[@a_t_m_T_V]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks!

[@full-timemama4328]

I have a question I have my dragon fruit in texas in my green house but they are getting alittle soft what can I do. I does get hot in there do you think it would just be better to put them outside? Thanks

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

I keep mine in my greenhouse to root and start growing. Once they root, I put them under some fruit trees. I've only had problems with heat when temperatures hit in the mid 100's. If you are concerned, put them under a shade tree until they are well rooted. Good luck!

[@full-timemama4328]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT okay thank you for responding😊 I will try moving them under shade

[@blongsiab]

Chicken manure is a hit and miss. My banana is happy but the guava is taking a hit.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

It really depends on what the chicken were fed in my opinion. Soy can affect the soil. I prefer bat guano.

[@blongsiab]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT so once my dragon fruit reaches the top of the trellis and I tip the top how many new branches do I keep? And when they them selves grow more branches of this how many do I keep or do I just keep one of each from the originals as they canopy down sorry I am new to this plant

[@ThinkEddiee]

Where do you get the container

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Some are 20 gallon pots and others are 55 gallon food grade barrels cut in half. I prefer the black 20 gallon pots, although both work well.

[@lesliekiehl4289]

Thanks for asking. I wanted to know tat as well!

[@khydo]

Do you think root magic powder would the same or similar effect of hormex?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Similar. I like dried worm castings or distilled water to root castings this time of year. I'm about to set up my grow light and heating mat :)

[@Savior-un1it]

Are you growing pitayos

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Not yet... I have not come across any cuttings in my area... Yet~

[@Savior-un1it]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT ooo if I ever bring back some cuttings from Zacatecas for myself I will send you one

[@gregoriosmith6994]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT What is your area?

[@StephiePpn]

Ok so I got both my cuttings. They are two COMPLETELY different sizes. One is 10-12 inches and bright and young, the other is double the length, and from a MUCH more mature plant. BUT they both have a similar amount of roots. The bigger one maybe slightly more. Would it hurt them if I put them together in the same pot?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Same or different variety? I try to plant my pots with 3 cuttings in 15 gallon pots and 4 cuttings in 20 gallon pots. I mix varieties when I have to and they have been doing fine together for the past few years.

[@caesarogsos5347]

Which kind of cuttings will grow or germinate fast when used as planting materials, the young ones or the matured ones?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Temperature is the biggest factor to root and grow

[@caesarogsos5347]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT Sir, what is the ideal temperature for the dragon fruit to grow best?

[@caesarogsos5347]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT Sir, what is the ideal temperature for the dragon fruit to grow best?

[@estebanvasquez6097]

How could I make a deal with you to get a cutting of your Laverne pink? 🤔🙏

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Lol. I will have some soon

[@elyserva7903]

My sister's dragon fruit was planted in a rocky and hard soil but it's doing great! In fact, it's has grown big and bear plenty of fruits. She just let grow, not even taking care of it, no fertilizer whatsoever.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Nice! What climate?

[@elyserva7903]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT It's in Batangas in the Philippines. Hot and humid in summer and cool in the -ber months.

[@tonyhogg9839]

In the wild these will often grow on trees. They sprout on a branches up to 15 feet high up and send roots down the tree trunk to the ground. They are more of a plant that likes room to hang down from above. Why they don't grow upright like most other plants.

[@leegraaf5312]

Wat is the best site to buy dragon fruit cuttings good quality at the best price in South Africa

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

That's a good question. There are a lot of scammers out there. I don't deal with international sellers. Good luck!

[@cesarcatli8068]

What is the best remedy against dragon fruit rust disease? My orchard is being attacked heavely, I tried copper fungicides 10-15 days interval , it seems is not effective, pls advise , thank you!

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

When there is a.lot of moisture sitting on the branches, it's hard to prevent. Have you tried neem oil?

[@cesarcatli8068]

You mean pure neem oil? How do you apply it, & the rate used per liter of water if spray? Thanks so much for repllying !

[@helenabria1747]

Hello Paul,, I live in Northern California, bay area.. Where do you get your cuttings? Or where can I buy some? Your video is informative,,, your plants are awesome.. Best to You.. thanks 💓 😊

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks so much! I've spent 3 years hunting down California rare fruit growers in my area. Spicy Exotics is a reputable seller and be careful of people online. Here is another one: calpolypomonanursery.com/succulents/dragon-fruit/ I plan to sell cuttings in the future after I verify more of my plants and grow them out.

[@adriangutierrez1415]

Hello I am also in norcal I bought a potted cutting in home depot but grand century shopping mall has plants already bearing fruits

[@hieuletrong1839]

Chất hột trắng là thứ gì vây...?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

It's perlite. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlite

[@violetdreams2489]

I'm into Bonsai but you could use oil dry but the natural kind

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[@StephiePpn]

How many gallons container do I need for two cuttings??

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

IF you drill extra holes and let the roots go into your soil. you can use a smaller pot. Otherwise, I'd recommend 10-15 gallons for 2 cuttings in my humble opinion. I plant 4 in each 20 gallon pot and drill many holes in the pot.

[@ll0lllo493]

you should be cutting off all those lower side shoots on all your plants. you'll get faster growth and fruiting. and cut an inch off your starts on the bottom and let it dry then you'll get faster rooting and a healthier start.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yes, but not if I like to take cuttings from the lower part. They tend to be the healthiest and most vigorous.

[@seyoth1867]

Hello, i am a new dragon fruit fqrmer

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Hi! Awesome, it's a fun plant to grow!

[@seyoth1867]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT Yeah it is! I really like it they grow really fast once you cut a part it grows very big

[@phuongvuong9735]

Can I buy cutting from you? I am in UK.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Sorry, I am. not selling at this time... I hope to get the proper permits to ship internationally in the future. Try Three Lucky Mountains on Facebook.

[@Petejones69]

Why are telling people to not buy rooted cuttings because their small? I’ve seen full fruiting plants come from a two inch cutting

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

I think it's crazy people spend so much money for young and small cuttings... I think people are charging too much for cuttings in my humble opinion. Sorry I upset you.

[@ll0lllo493]

he doesn't really know what he's talking about for the most part. he's an amateur acting like an expert.

[@khydo]

Wow no way I’m gonna start being more careful and wear a mask and gloves when dealing with mycho and potting soil

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Smart

[@pn3940]

if you don't want to breathe that in, spray it with water first?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Good idea, or I use a shovel too :)

[@TheELLENLEYVA]

i have a dragon fruit plant it is thin stalks with little needles on it also has root like things coming off the plant stalks. why is there no roots on your plants?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Some plants have many roots, especially the older ones. It could be because yours are not getting enough sunlight, I've seen that happen where too much shade grows etiolated branches and lots of roots.

[@TheELLENLEYVA]

@@RAREDRAGONFRUIT my plant is 1 yr old and has set in the window since potted gets day sun all day

[@cristinapaa3819]

Hi, do you sell cuttings?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Yes I do, ones that have fruited.

[@jojinapigkit4680]

Do you ship to the Philippines? I intend to buy cuttings from you. Thank you.

[@khydo]

Now I see why my shirt cuttings are so incredibly hard to root, there like 6 inches. they might have to become vietnam white grafts 😭

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Bummer.

[@whatmust8146]

Anyone can pop down the bucks to buy anything. In this case I see nothing home sell made everything is bought in store. Well if you just use the right product it does not take a genius to know that anything will grow. I am more impressed with people that uses organic home made fertilizer. I make my own compost and never use any of these purchased stuffs shown here. Grow just fine! Carbon source come from oak leaves. Nitrogen source comes from kitchen waste. I use home made electric lawn mower that modifies into a leaves shredder to shred up leaves. I use garbage disposal to shred up kitchen waste into sludge. Mixing these two along with water in a home made composter i can make compost in one month flat consistently. That sounds like a lot of work to lot of people so they simply go buy instead. Well i have all the fertiilizer i never need and reduce my garbage. Actually i have no garbage as most are composted. Compost your own daily kitchen waste with leaves around your yard and never buy fertilizer again. Good for your health with exercise and your pocket book along with helping out the environment with less garbage. Methane is more damaging to earth than co2. Methane is released from garbage decompression from organic matter.

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

You are special.

[@ll0lllo493]

you only need a couple teaspoons of neem. too much

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

It works for me. We have Argentine ants and they don't mess around. I prefer using this nowadays... shop.drbronner.com/collections/all/products/peppermint-pure-castile-liquid-soap

[@hieuletrong1839]

Chất hột trắng là thứ gì vậy ?

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Perlite, check this out.. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlite