Dragon Fruit Snapped

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DragonPete
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:29 pm

Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by DragonPete »

Hi,

I’m wondering if anyone can offer some advice, I had a dragon fruit cactus that snapped in two under its own weight. I let the snapped end harden up and reported to help stimulate root growth. However the cactus has started pushing out roots about the surface, something I believe is symptomatic of the plant not getting enough water or nutrients? It’s planted in compost rather than succulent mix as I read this was better from the dragon fruit variety given their used to fertile soils in Asia. I also water heavily once per week. The other end of the cactus has also started pushing out off shoots. What is the best thing to do to here to help this cactus to grow. I live in the uk so sunlight over the winter is limited but we’re heading into summer so I’m hoping the increased daylight will help it grow and establish. Photos attached.
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Aeonium2003
Posts: 303
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2021 2:53 am
Location: Central California

Re: Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by Aeonium2003 »

Dragonfruit (Selenicereus, formerly Hylocereus) is an epiphytic cactus. Therefore, it grows arial roots to anchor the stems as it climbs. I don't think there is anything wrong with the growing conditions.
DragonPete
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:29 pm

Re: Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by DragonPete »

Thanks aeonium2003, is the growth the top also normal? Looks like it is growing an off shoot rather than growing as I would expect but I’m a complete novice at this.
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Aeonium2003
Posts: 303
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2021 2:53 am
Location: Central California

Re: Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by Aeonium2003 »

Everything looks fine to me. :)
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greenknight
Posts: 4813
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by greenknight »

It's growing like a weed or a dragon fruit plant, it looks healthy.
Spence :mrgreen:
DragonPete
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:29 pm

Re: Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by DragonPete »

Thanks all, looks like I’m worrying about nothing :D
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FriendshuhM
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2022 11:23 pm
Location: Central Minnesota

Re: Dragon Fruit Snapped

Post by FriendshuhM »

I’m no expert here, but the dragonfruit I’ve seen is grown up a post or trellis (I assume mimicking it climbing up a tree in nature). Pop over to YouTube and search ‘growing dragonfruit’. I don’t know if this is the norm or not, and it’s not super decorative, but perhaps you could find an attractive way to accomplish the same thing.
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