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Sugar Dragon Fruit
Sugar Dragon Fruit The Sugar Dragon Fruit, also known as Hylocereus guatemalensis, is a tropical cactus plant that is native to Central America. This striking plant is known for its vibrant, deep red skin, and sweet, juicy red flesh. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Sugar Dragon Fruit offers a wide array of benefits that make it an excellent addition to any garden. It is also one of the sweetest tasting varieties out there. The fruit is smaller then many other varieties; however, the taste more than makes up for the size. Sugar Dragon Fruit Health Benefits One of the most notable benefits of the Sugar Dragon Fruit is its high nutrient content. The fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent incorporation to a balanced, wholesome diet. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and digestion. Another benefit of the Sugar Dragon Fruit is its ability to support cardiovascular health. The fruit is known to be high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Sugar Dragon Fruit is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is high in antioxidants and other compounds assist in the reduction of inflammation in the body. Hence, remaining especially beneficial for those with conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Growing Sugar Dragon Fruit Growing Sugar Dragon Fruit is relatively simple, as the plant is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates. The plant requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive, and it is important to ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist. The plant will also need support, such as a trellis or fence, as it can grow up to 20 feet long. While the fruit itself is able to grow up to 3 inches wide and weigh up to 1 pound. Typically, the dragon fruit is best harvested between July and September; the months most likely to provide a maximally ripe fruit. In conclusion, the Sugar Dragon Fruit plant is a versatile and highly beneficial plant that is perfect for both culinary and ornamental purposes. The edible cactus is known for its high nutritional content and medicinal properties, making it a great addition to any diet. If you're looking to add a unique and delicious fruit to your garden, Sugar Dragon Fruit is definitely worth considering.
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How to Propagate Dragonfruit by Cuttings
How to Propagate Dragonfruit by Cuttings Start with a long segment of cactus that can easily be cut into 3-5 sections. Try to look for segments that are relatively new but not still growing. I just use scissors to cut the segments into sections that are 3-6 inches long. Apply a fungicide to the cut ends of each section and place them somewhere relatively dry. This helps deter infections and mold. Note that this step doesn't have to be done but helps with the odds of survival. This is an optional step and not always necessary. The next step is to "cure" the cuttings. This allows the cut parts of the cactus to dry out and seal the wound. This is most important in preventing disease and mold from killing the cuttings. I know from experience that cuttings can survive without being cured but it is still a good idea. Cure time should be anywhere from 1-5 days (just wait until the cut ends heal over and turn a little white). Place each cut section in a light soil mix. I suggest mixing some vermiculite and perlite with an average potting soil. Be weary of orientation, each section should be placed in the same direction it was on the plant (don't place them upside down). Each section needs to be planted about 1-2 inches into the soil. Water daily unless the soil is still moist, allow for it to dry out a little. The first thing you might see are roots growing out of the section, this is a good sign of success. These aerial roots will gather nutrients and water from the air, as well as anchor the plant to the soil. If the propagation was successful a new shoot will emerge. This usually takes between a week to a few months depending on the time of year. Use fertilizer sparingly until they are a year old. Also remember to shield these plants from freezing temperatures. Within a year the dragonfruit should have numerous shoots coming from the original cutting. These can be heavy and they often go astray so using a trellis or a stake is a good idea to keep the plant upright. In as early as two years you can expect beautiful flowers and delicious dragonfruits.In favorable conditions, a dragonfruit plant grown from a cutting will flower and bear fruit within a couple of years. These night blooming flowers can be elusive to spot during full bloom, but if successfully pollinated the flower will wilt and fall off leaving a developing fruit on the vine. The fruit will become ripe in about a month after pollination.
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Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit
Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit is known for being one of the sweetest tasting cultivars of dragon fruit. It has yellow skin and white interior flesh. The fruit is oval shaped and heavily thorned; however, the thorns typically fall off as the fruit ripens. Palora is self fertile and is a slow grower compared to some of the other varieties of dragon fruit. Palora also known as Ecuadorian dragon fruit is much larger than the other variety known as Colombiana. It gets its name from the city known as Palorain Ecuador where it is brown commercially. Growing Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit Dragon fruit grows best in warm climates. Temperatures should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Palora should always be protected form freezing weather. They can be brown in containers and do best in well draining soil, such as cactus mix. Also avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
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