The ‘Voodoo Child’ dragon fruit is a unique pitaya variety, captivating growers with its distinct appearance. This cultivar offers a striking visual experience, making it a popular choice. The plant also adds an ornamental element to any garden.
Unique Characteristics
The ‘Voodoo Child’ dragon fruit plant has a robust, cactus-like growth habit, with meaty, olive-green stems extending over five feet. These stems feature thick, small spines along their rib lines. Its large flowers, often exceeding 15 inches across, typically bloom after sunset and close by sunrise, providing a unique nocturnal display.
‘Voodoo Child’ has one of the longest bloom seasons, often flowering first and last, contributing to more potential fruiting cycles. This self-pollinating variety simplifies the fruit-setting process.
The fruit is generally small, weighing between a quarter and three-quarters of a pound. Its external skin is a vibrant red or pink, complemented by small, deep green or almost brown fins. Inside, the flesh is bright, deep red or purplish with a semi-firm texture. The taste is sweet and very juicy, with notes resembling grapes or mixed berries, typically achieving a Brix score of 18 or higher.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Successful cultivation requires appropriate light exposure. Plants thrive in full sun, needing six to eight hours daily. However, intense sun (near 100°F) can damage stems in hot regions; partial shade during peak heat protects them. Too much shade reduces fruit production and quality.
Dragon fruit plants are not particular about soil type or pH, but flourish in well-draining, organically rich mediums. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable; a 50% cactus soil with 50% compost mixture is effective.
Consistent watering is important, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings; container plants may need more frequent monitoring. Water every second day during peak summer heat, less in cooler months.
‘Voodoo Child’ thrives in warm, tropical, or subtropical environments, ideally 20-30°C (68-86°F). They are sensitive to frost; move container plants indoors below 65°F to prevent damage. Due to their climbing nature, these plants require a sturdy support structure like a trellis, as they can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Regular fertilization maintains a healthy, productive ‘Voodoo Child’ plant. Apply a balanced organic granular fertilizer, like a 5-7-5 blend, especially during spring. This provides nutrients for vigorous growth and fruit development. Work fertilizer into the soil around the plant’s base.
Pruning shapes the plant, promotes health, and enhances fruit production. It manages vigorous growth, which can become extensive. Remove smaller stem sections (under six inches) and overly vigorous top growth to direct energy efficiently. For optimal fruit size and to prevent nutrient depletion, limit fruit buds to two per branch.
As the plant grows, continue to attend to the support structure. Gently tie new growth to the trellis, ensuring ties are not too tight to avoid constricting stems or causing rot. Regularly inspect the plant for pests to maintain health.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruit
Harvest ‘Voodoo Child’ dragon fruit for optimal flavor when it is typically ready, 30 to 50 days after blooming. Ripeness cues include the fruit appearing full, a complete color change to red or pink, slight softness, and drying fins.
To harvest, cut the fruit from the stem with a sharp knife or garden shears, leaving a short stub to minimize plant damage. Avoid watering the plant for two days prior to harvest to concentrate fruit sugars and enhance flavor.
Once harvested, store fruit at room temperature for a few days. For extended freshness, refrigerate at 10°C (50°F) with 93% relative humidity, maintaining quality for 15 to 17 days. Too-cold temperatures can cause softening or damage. ‘Voodoo Child’ dragon fruit is excellent fresh, and its sweet, juicy flesh is suitable for jams, garnishes, or smoothies.
Addressing Common Challenges
‘Voodoo Child’ dragon fruit growers may face common challenges. Lack of fruiting can occur due to insufficient sunlight, irregular feeding, or plant immaturity, as many begin fruiting in their second or third year. Though self-pollinating, adequate care supports fruit development.
Pest issues are minimal, but sap-sucking insects like leafhoppers, ants, beetles, and fruit flies can be a problem. Diseases like cactus rust (orange spots), fungal spots (anthracnose), and various forms of rot are also possible. Rot can be triggered by overwatering, wet weather, frost, or sunburn.
For rust and fungal issues, spray affected areas with a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. If rot occurs, promptly remove affected flesh with a sterile knife, cutting slightly into healthy tissue, and dust the wound with cinnamon powder to prevent further fungal infections. Regular monitoring and good cultural practices, including proper watering and air circulation, help prevent many issues. Neem oil can also prevent certain pests and airborne diseases.