1. Trimming tools.
When pruning dragon fruit, it is recommended to prepare a pair of gardening gloves and a pair of gardening scissors. Gloves protect your hands from cutting your fingers while pruning, while gardening shears make it easier to cut branches from plants. It is not recommended to use regular scissors to prune it, as the sharpness may be lacking, and it will be difficult to cut the branches smoothly.
Second, the pruning method.
Topping: If you want it to produce more fruit, you can top it when it grows to about 1m. Cut off the top 3-5cm part of the blade directly. This allows many new branches to grow on its sides, increasing the probability of it bearing fruit.
Remove the long branches: When the plant is growing, it may grow some long branches. They rob the plant of nutrients, preventing it from flowering and fruiting. Therefore, the cultivator suggests that if you find that some branches on the plant grow particularly long during maintenance, you need to cut them in time. In addition, some branches that grow too densely may compete for nutrients and affect fruiting, and can also be thinned appropriately.
3. Other conservation measures.
Light: Dragon fruit is a light-loving plant and needs enough light to grow and bear fruit properly. Therefore, it is necessary to place it in a sunny place for maintenance.
Moisture: Dragon fruit needs to maintain a moist soil environment, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It is advisable to observe the moisture level of the soil before watering and to water it if it is dry.
Fertilization: Dragon fruit needs proper nutrients to grow and bear fruit properly. It is advisable to fertilize regularly during the growing period to provide adequate nutrients. You can choose organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer for fertilization.
Temperature: The suitable temperature range for dragon fruit growth is 20-30. In winter, when the temperature is low, it is necessary to take measures to keep warm to avoid frostbite on the plants.
Pest control: Dragon fruit is susceptible to pests and diseases, such as anthracnose, aphids, etc. It is recommended to check the growth of the plants regularly, detect them in time and take control measures. A combination of biological and chemical control methods can be used for control.
Post-pruning treatment: After pruning is completed, the cut branches should be cleaned in time to avoid affecting the growth and fruiting of the plant. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to disinfecting the wound in time after pruning to prevent bacterial infection.
Potting soil replacement: As dragon fruit grows, the nutrients in the potting soil will gradually be depleted, so it is recommended to replace the potting soil regularly. Loose, breathable, well-drained potting soil can be selected for maintenance to provide a suitable growing environment.
Increase pollination opportunities: If you're growing dragon fruit outdoors, you can increase your seed setting rate by increasing your chances of pollination. Artificial pollination can be done during flowering using tools such as brushes or cotton swabs.
Keep the soil acidic: Dragon fruit prefers an acidic soil environment, and if the soil is too alkaline, it will affect the growth and fruiting of the plant. It is recommended to add an appropriate amount of acidic substances, such as ferrous sulfate, when watering to keep the soil acidic.
Wind protection measures: The branches of dragon fruit are fragile and susceptible to damage from high winds. It is advisable to take windproof measures during the maintenance period, such as fixing the branches with brackets, to protect the plants from damage.
In conclusion, the pruning and maintenance of dragon fruit need to pay attention to many aspects. Only when sufficient preparation and maintenance management are made in terms of light, moisture, fertilization, temperature, pest control, post-pruning treatment, potting soil replacement, increasing pollination opportunities, maintaining soil acidity, and windproof measures, can the healthy growth of dragon fruit and the quality of fruit be guaranteed. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to the appropriate adjustment and maintenance management according to different climatic conditions and plant growth. Dragon fruit tree