Description
RED DRAGON FRUIT VINE SEEDS (Hylocereus costaricensis)
Costa Rican Night-Blooming Flower Cactus | Pitaya
Red Dragon Fruit, botanically known as Hylocereus costaricensis, is a rare tropical cactus species native to Central America and northwestern South America. Commonly called Costa Rican Pitaya, this variety is prized for producing some of the largest stems and flowers of all dragon fruit varieties.
This cactus has a climbing, vining growth habit, attaching itself to trees, posts, or trellises using aerial roots and can reach 30 feet or more when mature. The plant features extra-large, three-sided stems with medium spines, making it both dramatic and ornamental.
Flower buds emerge with a distinct red outline, opening at night into massive, fragrant blooms that can reach up to 15 inches wide. These spectacular night-blooming flowers are among the largest produced by any cactus species.
Once pollinated, the plant produces large, round fruits weighing approximately ¾ to 1 pound each. The fruit has vivid red skin fading to green fins that curl downward, giving it a striking appearance. Inside is a deep red flesh with a firm texture and a tangy, mildly sweet flavor often compared to kiwi. Each year, the fruit maintains its attractive and consistent shape and coloration.
Light Requirements
Dragon fruit plants thrive in warm climates and prefer full sun, though intense heat in very dry or extremely hot regions can cause stem damage. In areas where temperatures frequently approach 100°F, partial shade is recommended. Too much shade, however, can reduce flowering and fruit quality.
Soil Requirements
Dragon fruit is adaptable but performs best in rich, organic, well-draining soil. Moisture retention is important, but standing water must be avoided. Mulching around the base of the plant is recommended, especially in dry climates, to help retain soil moisture.
Watering
Although drought tolerant, dragon fruit cacti require consistent watering during flowering and fruit development to produce high-quality fruit. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal disease. During winter and early spring, a dry rest period helps trigger heavy flowering later in the season.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Red dragon fruit is widely valued as a nutrient-dense superfruit:
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May reduce risk of diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels due to high fiber content
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May help fight cancer with antioxidant compounds and high vitamin C
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Supports eye health through beta-carotene, helping prevent cataracts and macular degeneration
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Boosts immune system with high vitamin C content
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Promotes heart health by reducing bad cholesterol; seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids
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Rejuvenates skin and helps treat sunburn, acne, and dryness
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Strengthens hair by improving texture and reducing damage
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Supports bone health with magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus
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Beneficial during pregnancy due to folate, iron, and calcium content
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Improves digestion by promoting healthy gut bacteria through oligosaccharides
Red Dragon Fruit is an exceptional choice for tropical gardens, patios, greenhouses, rare fruit growers, and exotic plant collectors, offering massive night-blooming flowers, vigorous growth, and nutrient-rich fruit.
Dragon Fruit Germination:
1) Soak seeds in water for 36 hours.
2) Use a heated propagator mat to keep the soil at 80-85 degrees F.
3) Use a well mixed & well draining seed starting mix, and plant the seeds appx. 1/4-3/8" inches deep.
4) Use a grow light, or keep them in a sunny window.
5) Keep soil moist, but not wet at all times.
6) Dragon Fruit seeds are small & fragile, so use a spray bottle to mist them so the seeds don't get jostled & buried to deep as that will cause them to rot.
7) Germination is erratic and can occur anywhere from 1-8 weeks, so don't toss out any that don't sprout quickly.
"Contact us First if You Need Anything"
Germinación de la Pitahaya:
1) Remoje las semillas en agua durante 36 horas.
2) Use una estera de propagación calentada para mantener la tierra a una temperatura de 27-29 °C.
3) Use una mezcla para sembrar bien mezclada y con buen drenaje, y plante las semillas a una profundidad aproximada de 6-10 mm.
4) Use una lámpara de cultivo o colóquelas en una ventana soleada.
5) Mantenga la tierra húmeda, pero no mojada, en todo momento.
6) Las semillas de pitahaya son pequeñas y frágiles, así que use un rociador para rociarlas y evitar que se amontonen y se entierren demasiado, ya que esto provocaría su pudrición.
7) La germinación es irregular y puede tardar entre 1 y 8 semanas, así que no deseche las que no broten rápidamente.
"Contáctenos primero si necesita algo"