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Pitaya 'dragon tree' - how to make
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Posted by Shovel_boy Bris AUST (My Page) on Sun, Mar 20, 05 at 20:12
| Hi all,
I came across a couple of descriptions on how to build a commercial type set up for a Pitaya, or Dragon Fruit. This was called a "dragon tree" and interests me, as I would like to get a lot more fruit (any!) from my plant/s. However, the descriptions weren't all THAT informative.
Does anybody have any real idea, or best ideas on how to grow the Pitaya in this fashion?
The 'dragon tree', as described, was designed to have the cactus grow up a tree-like structure and then hang over the outstretched layout (at top - like an umbrella), to let the branches and fruit just hang over.
I'm thinking that a trelis might provide a still 'messy' look to this climbing beast.
Also, is the pitaya water hungry or should it be kept on a 'starved diet' ?
d. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Pitaya 'dragon tree' - how to make
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- Posted by Liatris FraserCoast,Qld (My Page) on
Mon, Mar 21, 05 at 15:24
| dj, my understanding is that they must have something to climb up, and then hang down, and that it is the hanging parts which form fruit, so anything at all that would enable it to climb a couple of metres or so should do it. |
RE: Pitaya 'dragon tree' - how to make
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| Thanks Pam. I guess it really doesn't matter how it's handled, as long as it goes up and then down. There's been some voice that the pitaya will fruit quicker if in a pot, rather than in the ground. Is their some necessary concern about this? How about water requirements; i've heard 2.5 to 5L a day! It seems a bit much. I have Blacksoil (lots of clay) and am concerned that too much water will rot the cacti. Does anybody have any ideas there? cheers: dj. |
RE: Pitaya 'dragon tree' - how to make
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| I haven't had any experience with Pitaya itself, but have other fruiting cactus. They won't set fruit if they don't get water and feed when flowering. I would treat the Pitaya like any other vigorous vegetable/fruit, the more you put into it, the more you will get back. I really don't think rotting would be an issue. Joylene |
RE: Pitaya 'dragon tree' - how to make
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this is a picture of a commercial dragon fruit farm |
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