Quantity: at least 20 seeds
Germination time: approx. 7–14 days at 22 °C; lightly press the seeds into the soil, do not cover.
Red Pitahaya, Dragon Fruit , Pitaya (Selenicereus costaricensis)
syn: (Hylocereus costaricensis)
Family:
Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Origin:
Tropical Central America, especially Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras; now widely cultivated in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand), Israel, and other subtropical regions worldwide.
Growth:
Climbing or trailing, up to 5 m in length; requires support structures.
Life cycle:
Perennial
Climate zone:
USDA 10–12 (frost-sensitive)
Flowering period:
Summer to early autumn; large, white, fragrant flowers that open at night.
Pollinators:
Partially attractive to insects – pollination mainly by nocturnal moths and bats.
Cultivation and care:
A warmth-loving climbing cactus that prefers sunny to semi-shaded locations, well-drained soil, and regular but moderate watering. Avoid waterlogging! In pots, it can be cultivated in Central Europe – outdoors in summer, indoors in winter at a minimum of 10 °C, bright and dry.
For fruit production, two genetically different plants are usually recommended for cross-pollination.
Propagation:
By cuttings or seed. Cuttings root easily in warm, bright locations.
Difficulty:
Medium – requires patience and warmth.
Container cultivation:
Very suitable; popular as an exotic patio or greenhouse plant.
Used parts:
Fruits (dragon fruits), occasionally flowers.
Constituents:
Betacyanins (red pigments, antioxidant), vitamin C, fiber, iron, magnesium, polysaccharides.
Effects and uses:
Red pitahaya is considered mildly tonic, antioxidant, and metabolism-stimulating.
It supports digestion, strengthens the immune system, and gently detoxifies the body thanks to its high water and fiber content.
In Central American folk medicine, the fruit and flower tea are used for cooling and blood purification.
Traditional use:
Folk medicine & tradition:
In Central America and Mexico, dragon fruit is traditionally eaten as a summer fruit to “cool the blood.” The juice is regarded as a restorative after illness.
Cultural & spiritual meaning:
The flower – which opens for only one night – symbolizes transience and beauty. In Vietnam, it is seen as a sign of love and good fortune.
Ethnobotanical perspective:
As a climbing cactus with large white night-blooming flowers, pitahaya maintains a close relationship with nocturnal pollinators – a fine example of ecological symbiosis between plant, animal, and human.
Side effects:
None known; excessive consumption may temporarily cause reddish discoloration of urine or stool due to natural pigments (betacyanins).
Special features:
Red pitahaya (Selenicereus costaricensis) differs from the white variety (Hylocereus undatus) by its intense red-violet pulp.
Its pigment, betacyanin, is increasingly studied as a natural food colorant and antioxidant.
In modern phytotherapy and nutrition, it is valued as a functional fruit.
Note:
Although exotic, the pitahaya can be successfully grown in pots even in temperate climates. Once it blooms, its spectacular night flower is an unforgettable sight.
