I thought I would post this project for feedback before I planted my dragonfruit. Feedback is welcome.

I scratched my head for a long time trying to figure out how to build a large support system. I finally chose a large sturdy plastic container with handles. I ripped cedar 2x4s in half and cut 4 of them to 6 feet lengths. I treated the ends that would be in the potting mix. I secured them to the inside walls of the container with exterior wood screws with large washers. Then on top, I built a simple "X" out of more cedar. Here it is, nearly completed today. The last pic shows my first dragonfruit in its current pot, just sitting inside. I may yet build a box of cedar on top, around the ends of the cross pieces.

SB, so glad you posted that! Last summer I asked what is a good way to support DF & got no response. We had the same idea, but I used pvc & a storage bin. Now that it's inside, I use the lid as tray under it.

I figured I can always add on - like tinker toys LOL. Nothing is glued, so I can change it.
Next to the red DF, is a yellow DF (at right) that I got from Citrus Joe last spring. It was only2 inches high.

Here's how I keep the pvc from falling. I drilled couple holes & put copper wire thru & twisted it tight.


Here's how it was last winter. One of these branches broke off & I rooted it for a trade. Yellow lines are new growth.

So, we had the same idea - yours looks much nicer!!!
That is one LONG branch you have there The long branch on mine is really a branch growing out of the other's tip.

Does anyone know how to induce branching? Mine shows no sign of slowing down its linear growth!

Mine doesn't branch. I just have multiple plants all in the same pot to get the branching look. thats what was sugessted to me

Those are great ideas for managing the unruly dragonfruit growth. I have been running designs in my head as well to deal w/ mine as it gets larger. Here's something slightly off topic I ran across one day at Walmart.

Dragonfruit gum!



Has anyone else seen this? I thought it was quite tasty.

Wow stressbaby, thats nice looking! Ive seen the tall post and grid at top arrangement, and ive seen the wood struts or ladders arrangement. yours is a neat hybrid. Have you read

[url] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/[/url] its not that active but some very serious growers post there.

Eyecker- there is also a Sours candy drop flavor from the same company- I try not to buy the candies because they have wasteful plastic packaging. Ill definately look for the gum!

I'm telling Millet you bought at Walmart!
I got my DF 1 yr ago & it did nothing all winter. Directions said growing period is March till Sept. My new growths started about March & I fert'ld with 10-15-10 & sometimes cactus fert. 2-7-7. No fert this winter as it is not active. It likes low nitrogen & high phosphate.
Give it a dose of fert next March & I'll bet you'll get more branching.

Got this from the forum that Garnetmoth mentioned. It has some trellis pics. I think it's page 6 that shows trellis in between plants so they can replace them without disturbing plants.
You'll need adobe.

http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/programs/tropicalfruit/Publications/THE%20PITAYA%20in%20Florida.pdf

Excellent link, Patty, thanks! It answered several lingering questions.

The link was down just now when I tried it-- maybe it will open later. I just started some this summer from seed and mine are only a little over an inch. As for how to induce branching, my guess would be to allow the tips to hang down-- that removes the dominance of the apical tip and should allow new sprouts at the new "top". -- Just a thought--

Skeet

Good puplication. I wasn't aware of the fact that I should remove any lateral growth from the main stem. So I can assume that there should only be one main stem going up until it meets the trellis?

The link says to cut the tip of the main stem to induce lateral branching. How much? Will 1-2 inches do the job?

I'm a little confused now. Looking back at pics above, my Yellow DF (on right) only has branches & no stem. One branch is real long now, so I will pinch tip off & see what happens.
SB Yours is one long branch -- I don't see a stem. On my red (left), you can see the stem with branches growing from it.
I also just looked at pic (above) of how it looked last winter. About how I got it, but noticed a small branch that was cut at base of plant. I think, they rooted a branch & then cut the tip (guessing about 1-2 inches) which made the stem grow up from its base. I wondered why it came like that!
Just my thoughts.
I don't think branches will grow off branches, so cut the tip off may induce a stem to grow (?)
Nope, I'm wrong. I see in pic that there's a branch growing off the side of bottom branch that was cut.
I'll know more next summer.... they sure grow fast then!
SB, just my opinion to cut the tip off yours.

I planted it yesterday. I may let it grow another 12" before cutting back. I want the lateral braching to develop near the top of the trellis. And I want to see if I can root the tip I cut off.

I can see how these things could become monsters. Mine has grown perhaps 4" since I posted those pictures.

Some cool pics of Dragon Fruit ---OOOPS, I mean Pitaya Fruits.
Trellises, disease, & even grafting

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/photos/browse/4f34

The link above is from the 11th album below

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/PitayaFruit/photos