Fruit
Dragon fruit
Selenicereus undatus · also Pitaya, Pitahaya
A climbing cactus with spectacular night flowers and bright fruit. It grows well in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate areas, and in sheltered frost-free spots further south. It needs a strong post or trellis and full sun. In cold climates grow it in a big pot under cover. It has escaped into bush in parts of eastern Australia.
- SunFull sun
- Spacing200 cm apart
- FrostFrost tender
- HeatHandles heat well
When to plant where you live
Checking your area…
Add dragon fruit to my gardenVarieties (3)
- Red-fleshed typesPrized for colour and flavour; some need a pollinator
- White-fleshed (Commercial White)Pink skin, white flesh; vigorous and usually self-fertile
- Yellow dragon fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus)Smaller, very sweet yellow fruit; spiny skin is removed before eating
From seed to plate
Plant
200 cm apart. Full sun.
Water
Water deeply in warm months when dry; keep fairly dry in winter.
Feed
Compost or manure in spring and summer; avoid too much nitrogen.
Pick
Pick when the skin colours fully and the fruit gives slightly; twist or cut it off.
Good to know
- Grow up a sturdy post about 1.5 m tall with a frame on top so stems can hang down
- Plant a cutting straight into the soil after letting the cut end dry for a few days
- Prune in late winter to keep the plant open and productive
- Check with your council before planting near bushland: it may be an environmental weed in your area
Common problems
- Stem rot in wet, cold soilplant in free-draining soil or a mound
- Sunburn on stems in heatwavesgive light afternoon shade in very hot areas
- Poor fruit setsome varieties need hand pollination or a second variety
- Weed riskit has naturalised in parts of Queensland, New South Wales and WA. Never dump cuttings in bushland
If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.
Wildlife
Good for: bees, insects.
Where this information comes from
- ABC Gardening Australia: Fruit Guide (dragon fruit, warm temperate, not frost tolerant) (frost, medium confidence, checked 29 Oct 2026)
- ABC Gardening Australia: Fruit Nerd Fruits: Dragon Fruit (growing, medium confidence, checked 29 Oct 2026)
- Weeds of Australia (Queensland Government, Lucid): Hylocereus undatus, environmental weed in Qld and NSW, not stated as declared (weed status, medium confidence, checked 29 Oct 2026)
Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 29 Oct 2026. Version 1.