Gardening 2--Dragon Fruits (Pitaya)

[Naka]

I thought of posting this under the 'Gardening' thread by VP but I am afraid it will be difficult to locate this subject in the future, hence the new thread.

Here is a photo of a Dragon Fruits Farm in KK. My friend planted abt 1,500 trees & he said $$$$ is rolling in. :D


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/dragonfruits1a.jpg

[Dervish]

So they have long narrow leaves. I can see why they are called dragon fruits. Even the plant looked dragonish ...

[Naka]

Yes, umbrella-like. The height is about 5 ft and on the top, you can attach firmly an old tyre or construct a square timber bracket for the dragon fruits plant to flip over.

[Naka]

Here is another one courtesy of my friend.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/dragonfruits2a.jpg

[Naka]

And this is mine, just started :D :D but with great care in the preparation :D ;)

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_0938a.jpg

[Dervish]

where's the plant?

[Naka]

where's the plant?

That was to show the preparation, the plants will come later.

[Dervish]

Looks elaborate. What's that little black tube like thingy at the bottom in the middle of the wooden contraption?

[Naka]

Looks elaborate. What's that little black tube like thingy at the bottom in the middle of the wooden contraption?


Good question, hope this photo explains it.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_0942a.jpg

The timber post is treated pine and I am not sure how long it will last if it is buried in the ground. So for the bottom section, I used metal fencing posts & bolted them together.

The black stuffs are potting mixs ( 10 bags at 40L per bag)

[Dervish]

alternatively, instead of pine, you could have used some hard wood, then embed them in cement into the ground like what they do with pergolas.

[Naka]

alternatively, instead of pine, you could have used some hard wood, then embed them in cement into the ground like what they do with pergolas.

Yes, I know.

One 4" x 4" x 7' 0" hard wood cost $55/= but 4 no 3" dia treated pines cost only $20/=, cement another $10.20 My metal fence posts were old ones.

One post only can plant max. 4 dragon fruits but 4 posts easily 12 dragon fruits...see the logic. :D

[Dervish]

Yes, I know.

One 4" x 4" x 7' 0" hard wood cost $55/= but 4 no 3" dia treated pines cost only $20/=, cement another $10.20 My metal fence posts were old ones.

One post only can plant max. 4 dragon fruits but 4 posts easily 12 dragon fruits...see the logic. :D
Wait! ~~~ *holds up right hand* ~~~ Let me calculate with my abacus first! :D :D

(GTG lunch)

[Naka]

Wait! ~~~ *holds up right hand* ~~~ Let me calculate with my abacus first! :D :D

(GTG lunch)

How did your maths go?

Here are my dragon fruits...I'll remove the weaker ones after a while.


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_1009a.jpg

[Dervish]

Certainly looked like my aloe vera. Hmmm.... some kind of cactus?

[Dervish]

is that sweet potato leaves at the bottom LH corner?

[Dervish]

How did your maths go?
[/IMG]
I've been practising very hard on my abacus. It is a temptation to use calculators but these days I only use a calculator to double check my abacus. I'm not near as good as I want to be but I should be half way there if I can keep up the practice.

[Naka]

Certainly looked like my aloe vera. Hmmm.... some kind of cactus?

Dragon fruit is actually a cactus family

[Naka]

is that sweet potato leaves at the bottom LH corner?


I knew you would ask this question. Yes, it sweet potato, ie the ones with a purple color, it's extra sweet.

These sweet potato suddenly became very active and grow very fast.

I supposed they were attracted by the fertile potting mix.

[Naka]

I've been practising very hard on my abacus. It is a temptation to use calculators but these days I only use a calculator to double check my abacus. I'm not near as good as I want to be but I should be half way there if I can keep up the practice.

so how did your sum work up to be? :D

[Dervish]

I knew you would ask this question. Yes, it sweet potato, ie the ones with a purple color, it's extra sweet.

These sweet potato suddenly became very active and grow very fast.

I supposed they were attracted by the fertile potting mix.
Are sweet potato climbers? Do I need to build some sort of latice?

[Dervish]

so how did your sum work up to be? :D
I don't want to talk about it.....:o :o :o ~~~ :D

[Naka]

Are sweet potato climbers? Do I need to build some sort of latice?

No, not necessary cos' I'll do the harvest next month.

[Naka]

I don't want to talk about it.....:o :o :o ~~~ :D

:D :D :D

[Naka]

Here are a few tips:-

1. Distance between next plant...minimium. 5 ft apart.....1ft .deep...cactus family--.fibrous roots is like chop-sticks...
2. Blend 50% organic soil/improver or mixed manure to 50% existing soil in ground...mix well..
3. Water once a day..sprinkler 5 min....cactus family. ( for Oz)
4. Fertilizer—organic is best e.g. urine, so chicken shxxts is good.
5. Nettings or timber to cover the roots from heat.....timber post 5 ft high.
6. Tied with 6” plastic slings to hold the plant upright.
7. Fertilize 3 times a year----Sept-----Dec-----March ( Oz)..monthly in Malaysia.

8. Beware of ants who eat the young bugs
9. Reduce excess branches if plant is weak.

If you know of any, please add.

[Dervish]

I think it is more troublesome than my azaleas....


Here are a few tips:-

1. Distance between next plant...minimium. 5 ft apart.....1ft .deep...cactus family--.fibrous roots is like chop-sticks...
2. Blend 50% organic soil/improver or mixed manure to 50% existing soil in ground...mix well..
3. Water once a day..sprinkler 5 min....cactus family. ( for Oz)
4. Fertilizer—organic is best e.g. urine, so chicken shxxts is good.
5. Nettings or timber to cover the roots from heat.....timber post 5 ft high.
6. Tied with 6” plastic slings to hold the plant upright.
7. Fertilize 3 times a year----Sept-----Dec-----March ( Oz)..monthly in Malaysia.

8. Beware of ants who eat the young bugs
9. Reduce excess branches if plant is weak.

[Naka]

I think it is more troublesome than my azaleas....

I don't think so.

Once you have done the preliminary works, the rest is just watering, fertilizing, weeding & trimming.

Just like any plant

[Naka]

I wanted to upload more fotos but photobucket is down for over 20 hrs :mad:

[Naka]

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1124-white-dragon-fruits-10pound.jpg

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_1168a.jpg


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1126-kk10.jpg

Some prices of Dragon Fruits

Hong Kong ( from Vietnam ) ranges from HK$5/= each to HK$12/= per pound.
KL side...abt RM$6/- per kg
KK, Sabah...RM$10/= per kg
Perth ...AUD$20/= per kg

[Naka]

Yellow Dragon Fruit....this is very sweet - like honey & selling at RM$30/= kg in Sabah


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/DSC01122ab.jpg

[Naka]

One of my dragon fruits had grown 10" higher since the 15/3/11. :D :D

[Dervish]

*Stares at abacus with fingers raised. *

~~~ *mental calculations* ~~~ Six weeks ago = 42 days. 10 inches divided by 42 ..... ummmm......

*stares at abacus with fingers still raised*

*keeps abacus in drawer*

[Naka]

*Stares at abacus with fingers raised. *

~~~ *mental calculations* ~~~ Six weeks ago = 42 days. 10 inches divided by 42 ..... ummmm......

*stares at abacus with fingers still raised*

*keeps abacus in drawer*


http://forum.ipoh.com.my/user_pics/630-1214218142.gif
http://forum.ipoh.com.my/user_pics/630-1214218142.gif
http://forum.ipoh.com.my/user_pics/630-1214218142.gif?

[Naka]

One of my dragon fruits had grown 10" higher since the 15/3/11. :D :D

Here is the photo.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1842a.jpg

[Naka]

I just discovered, there is a young shoot from another cutting. :D :D

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1845a.jpg

[Dervish]

I must congratulate you on the new-born. Have you thought of a name yet? :D

[Naka]

I must congratulate you on the new-born. Have you thought of a name yet? :D

I had been thinking for the last 3 days....do you object if I called this particular plant Venuspop. :eek: :D :D

[Dervish]

I had been thinking for the last 3 days....do you object if I called this particular plant Venuspop. :eek: :D :D
:D:D ~~~ No objections! I am honoured. ~~~ *bows* ~~~ Please do not torture the plant when you are upset with my ribbing. :rolleyes:

[Naka]

:D:D ~~~ No objections! I am honoured. ~~~ *bows* ~~~ Please do not torture the plant when you are upset with my ribbing. :rolleyes:

OK then, the name is settled. When I look at Venuspop, I'll definitely think of you. :D

Today, I noticed another young bud in another cutting.

Please suggest a new name, TQ.

[Naka]

:mad: :mad: :eek: :eek:

The new 10" shoot is sick...it's rotting away! :eek: :eek:

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1904a.jpg

[Dervish]

The new 10" shoot is sick...it's rotting away! :eek: :eek:

:eek: :eek: ~~~ Gosh! What happened? What did you do? ~~~ Okay! ~~~ What did you say? :mad: :mad: :p

[Dervish]

I hope you managed to save it...

[Naka]

:eek: :eek: ~~~ Gosh! What happened? What did you do? ~~~ Okay! ~~~ What did you say? :mad: :mad: :p

I rang the Nusery & he said it's OK. :eek:

[Naka]

I hope you managed to save it...

Not satisfied with the Nusery's comment, I rang another friend who said to cut away the rotten plant.

That's what I did. I cut away nearly 50% of that leave.

I'll take a photo of it later.

[Naka]

Here is how the 10" new leave look like after I cut away the rotten part.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1911a.jpg

[Dervish]

Too much water lately, perhaps. Or the soil is water-logged? Looks bad. You should give it more TLC and at night, read some bedtime stories...:D

[Naka]

Too much water lately, perhaps. Or the soil is water-logged? Looks bad. You should give it more TLC and at night, read some bedtime stories...:D

I visit it a few times a day, isn't that a lot of TLC? ;)

You think it's too much water :confused: Definitely not water-logged.

[Dervish]

How often do you water?

[Naka]

How often do you water?

Every 2nd day.

[Dervish]

It's a cactus. They grow under arid conditions. Too much water and they rot.

[Dervish]

Read somewhere that you should only water when the soil is completely dry and not until.

[Naka]

It's a cactus. They grow under arid conditions. Too much water and they rot.

I will remember that, VP.

Will adjust the sprinkler system tomorrow to once every 5 days

[Naka]

That's how they look like on the tree. :D


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/new%20foods/IMG_1937a.jpg

[Dervish]

How's Project Dragon coming along?

[Naka]

How's Project Dragon coming along?

So far so good, there are now 5 young shoots coming out very slowly

[Naka]

Here is another view.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1933a.jpg

[Naka]

There are 8 new shoots in my Dragon Fruits but another 7 cuttings remain inactive, maybe too cold.

[Dervish]

Any pictures?

[Naka]

Any pictures?


Here is the photo that shows some of them.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_2049p.jpg

[Dervish]

Looking good, Bro. :)

[Dervish]

No updates?

[Naka]

It's winter, they are all asleep. :D

[Naka]

The temperature is getting hotter even through Sept is like an extended winter.

My dragon fruits grow abt 1" every 2 weeks

[cml]

You planting the red or white variety? The red ones eat already, the stools also red in colour.

[Naka]

You planting the red or white variety? The red ones eat already, the stools also red in colour.

I am planting the red ones & I also have the yellow ones in the nursery.

The white ones are cheap but not the other two

[cml]

I used to know someone who had a fruit farm in Desaru. He had acres of this planted. He makes a lot of money from taking in tour groups to visit his fruit farms. And people go crazy buying fruits from his farm, most of which are not even grown there!!

[Naka]

I used to know someone who had a fruit farm in Desaru. He had acres of this planted. He makes a lot of money from taking in tour groups to visit his fruit farms. And people go crazy buying fruits from his farm, most of which are not even grown there!!

Must be selling like hot cakes.


http://newenglanddigitalphotography.com/Smileys/default/roflmao3.gif
http://newenglanddigitalphotography.com/Smileys/default/roflmao3.gif

[cml]

He charges them 15 bucks for a fruit farm vist and at the end of the walkabout they get a polystyrene box of mixed cut fruits for which i think the cost is less than a ringgit. And he has bus loads and busloads of visitors . During school holidays and weekends buses have to be parked at the roadside. Whenever I see him he smiles and i ask him still laughing all the way to the bank ?? He replies, a little bit la!! A little bit my foot!!

[Naka]

He charges them 15 bucks for a fruit farm vist and at the end of the walkabout they get a polystyrene box of mixed cut fruits for which i think the cost is less than a ringgit. And he has bus loads and busloads of visitors . During school holidays and weekends buses have to be parked at the roadside. Whenever I see him he smiles and i ask him still laughing all the way to the bank ?? He replies, a little bit la!! A little bit my foot!!

Look at it this way, he has foresight and is harvesting his pain.

I would like to congratulate him :D

[cml]

When they built the desaru senai highway the government acquired some of his land which splits his farm into two but he walked away with a few million bucks. He got the land only for 30k per acre. I think he was paid 3/400k per acre as it was deemed to be productive land.

[Naka]

It's time to show you the excellent progress, they are coming up nicely


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_3507a.jpg

[Naka]

When they built the desaru senai highway the government acquired some of his land which splits his farm into two but he walked away with a few million bucks. He got the land only for 30k per acre. I think he was paid 3/400k per acre as it was deemed to be productive land.

Wow, laughing to the banks!

[cml]

Being cactus type plants I dont think they can take too much moisture. I think during rainy season you might have to shield them from too much rain.

[Naka]

Being cactus type plants I dont think they can take too much moisture. I think during rainy season you might have to shield them from too much rain.

I say you do not sound positive :D :D ;)

[Dervish]

I think cml is right. Cactus grow in desert. Arid conditions. Humidity must make them rot. I don't know for sure though. Just guessing.

[Naka]

A friend advised & said I need a bigger shed at the top.

I am in the process of enlarging it from 12 sf to 36 sf without damaging any of the roots/plants.

[Naka]

A friend advised & said I need a bigger shed at the top.

I am in the process of enlarging it from 12 sf to 36 sf without damaging any of the roots/plants.

For those following this thread, I had done it 3 weeks ago. The top is about 36 sf. Hopefully it will not be too crowded in future.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_357o.jpg

[cml]

Are you sure your pillars can support the weight of the beams? It looks like bamboo to me and your beams seems to be solid wood. Looks a bit top heavy to me. Just my thoughts.

[Naka]

Are you sure your pillars can support the weight of the beams? It looks like bamboo to me and your beams seems to be solid wood. Looks a bit top heavy to me. Just my thoughts.

The 'pillars' are 3" dia treated pine & they are cheaper & there are 10 of them, factor of safety may be 5.......... :D :D :D ( Jarrah post cost a fortune )

The other 'beams' are jarrah (1.25" x 3" ) & a treated pine.....I am using whatever I have to save $$$.

I think I have over done everything when compare to others

[Naka]

The 'pillars' are 3" dia treated pine & they are cheaper & there are 10 of them, factor of safety may be 5.......... :D :D :D ( Jarrah post cost a fortune )

The other 'beams' are jarrah (1.25" x 3" ) & a treated pine.....I am using whatever I have to save $$$.

I think I have over done everything when compare to others

Here is a typical kampong dragon fruit setup.

See how simple it is & the farmer is sure to make $$$$.


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_2882cd.jpg

[Naka]

I visited my friend's hobby farm last December in Sabah & here is a photo of his dragon fruits over looking the city of Kota Kinabalu.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Dragon%20Fruits/IMG_4912a.jpg

[Dervish]

That is a beautiful picture, Naka.

What happened to your dragon fruits? Any pictures?

[Naka]

That is a beautiful picture, Naka.

What happened to your dragon fruits? Any pictures?

Mine? Oh ! I 4got:(....will update later.

[Naka]

That is a beautiful picture, Naka.

What happened to your dragon fruits? Any pictures?

VP, here it is.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/Bali-2010/IMG_7624b.jpg

[lady-o-leisure]

wow... so big already! Unfortunately, ours here is looking quite dead now. The weather has been just plain awful. We've had frost problems off and on. Heat off and on also, and i think the plant is at its end. The good thing tho.. when 2 branches broke off, we planted them in another pot nearer to the house wall and it has survived so far and grown rather tall. Maybe we can transplant them to the ground when the weather is better. We're expecting a very cold weekend. Even the passionfruit is struggling to live. siighh..

Anyhow.. yours sure is looking good :)

[Naka]

wow... so big already! Unfortunately, ours here is looking quite dead now. The weather has been just plain awful. We've had frost problems off and on. Heat off and on also, and i think the plant is at its end. The good thing tho.. when 2 branches broke off, we planted them in another pot nearer to the house wall and it has survived so far and grown rather tall. Maybe we can transplant them to the ground when the weather is better. We're expecting a very cold weekend. Even the passionfruit is struggling to live. siighh..

Anyhow.. yours sure is looking good :)

TQVM, yes, mine is doing well...no complaint so far.....u know the best fertilizer is still organic.

[Dervish]

They're all grown up, aren't they?

[Naka]

They're all grown up, aren't they?

So far so good, hopefully to get some fruits as early as next year

[lady-o-leisure]

Naka.... hubby needs some advice. What do you do with the side shoots that grow here and there? Ours has a lot of little shoots that pop out from the main plant, and we don't know what to do with them. I see yours are neat with just straight plants going up. What to do???

[Naka]

Naka.... hubby needs some advice. What do you do with the side shoots that grow here and there? Ours has a lot of little shoots that pop out from the main plant, and we don't know what to do with them. I see yours are neat with just straight plants going up. What to do???

I was told to remove most of the side shots until it start to bend at the top, that way all the nutrients are concentrated at the top.

I'll show a photo later of mine

[Naka]

As of Nov 2012

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_9759dx.jpg

[jan tomaswaki]

Wow! i only notice you have lots of yellow kangaroo paw.Can they plant in Malaysia/

[Naka]

Wow! i only notice you have lots of yellow kangaroo paw.Can they plant in Malaysia/

I am not sure if they can grow in Malaysia.

This Yellow Gem is easy to grow. I used to have a few varieties but now only have the yellow & red ones ( bush ranger & big red )

They attract birds that come for the honey.

They flower in September till Feb or March. Not much maintenance and need little water.

[Naka]

This is my first dragon fruit. There are 3 of them right now & they bear fruits 1 yr 10 months after planting.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_9759x_zps526d5614.jpg

[Naka]

2 of the ripe dragon fruits

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1388x_zpsca451254.jpg


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1396x_zpscb83a4c8.jpg

[Naka]

Time to makan:heheheh: A bit too sweet.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1417x_zps8d78cbbc.jpg


http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1424x_zpscfd17ea5.jpg

[cml]

Looks good. Enjoy the fruits of your labour. Cheers

[Naka]

Looks good. Enjoy the fruits of your labour. Cheers

Yes, extra sweet.:cool:

[Naka]

March-2013 crops

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/uc-naka/IMG_1505x_zps9dfd1a2a.jpg (http://s750.photobucket.com/user/uc-naka/media/IMG_1505x_zps9dfd1a2a.jpg.html)