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Yellow Dragon Fruit Benefits
What is Yellow Dragon Fruit? Yellow dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. It belongs to the cactus family and is known for its vibrant yellow skin and sweet, juicy flesh. This exotic fruit is not only visually appealing but also packed with numerous health benefits. Rich in Antioxidants One of the key reasons to incorporate yellow dragon fruit into your diet is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect the body against harmful free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to various diseases. Yellow dragon fruit is particularly rich in betalains, a type of antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Boosts Immune System Yellow dragon fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system. Consuming this fruit regularly can help strengthen your body's natural defense mechanisms, making you less susceptible to common illnesses like colds and flu. Improves Digestive Health The high fiber content in yellow dragon fruit makes it beneficial for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut. Including this fruit in your diet can aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Enhances Skin Health Yellow dragon fruit is a beauty secret for many. It contains vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, a protein that keeps your skin firm and youthful. Additionally, the fruit's antioxidant properties help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors, such as pollution and UV rays.
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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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