Description
DESCRIPTION
The cutting is approximately 12 inches long unless otherwise stated, though it can occasionally be longer. Rooted plants are available at 16 inches (currently planted in a 1-gallon pot) or 30 inches tall (currently planted in 5-gallon pots). Most cuttings are made to order and will be freshly taken from the mother plant prior to shipping.
Tricia is a hybrid Dragon Fruit variety, a cross between Hylocereus ocamponis and Hylocereus undatus. The stem features a gray coating that helps protect the plant from both summer heat and winter cold. The segments are long, thick, three-sided, and lined with large spines.
Once pollinated, Tricia produces egg-shaped fruits that average around 1 pound. The fruit has a unique appearance with many small fins and deep red flesh. It offers a pleasantly sweet flavor with no acidity or aftertaste—some describe the taste as similar to sweet beet.
Do not confuse Tricia with El Grullo; while they may look similar in terms of branches, flowers, and fruit, their flavors are distinctly different. Tricia has recorded Brix scores as high as 19, indicating a high level of sweetness.
Our Tricia was acquired from Florida and is one of our most cherished varieties due to its exotic appearance. While Tricia can be a slow grower and requires cross-pollination, it rewards growers with striking flowers and delicious, unique fruit.
Tricia also requires minimal care—once established, it can thrive through both summer and winter with very little attention.
Planting Instructions:
Upon receiving your package, it is crucial to gradually acclimate both cuttings and rooted plants to their new environment.
For Cuttings:
- Allow 4-7 days for the cutting’s end to dry and callus before planting to prevent rotting.
- Disinfect the cutting’s end before planting, especially in cooler temperatures, using organic GrowSafe.
- Keep the cutting in the shade until fully rooted, checking for resistance when gently tugged.
- New growth may appear before rooting is complete; double-check before assuming it is rooted.
- Once rooted, gradually introduce the cutting to partial sun, then to full sun, avoiding direct sunlight initially.
For Rooted Plants:
- Gradually acclimate the plant to partial sun, followed by full sun over 1-2 weeks.
- In hot areas (above 95°F), use a 30-40% shade cloth to prevent sunburn.
- Be cautious of heat reflected off cemented areas, which can harm the plant.
Growing Conditions:
- Dragon fruit thrives in tropical and subtropical climates (e.g., Hawaii, Florida, Southern California).
- In less favorable climates, protect younger plants during extreme weather with a greenhouse in winter and shade cloth in summer. Mature plants (3+ years old) can withstand more extreme conditions but may still need winter protection below 30°F.
Soil & Watering:
- Use well-draining soil, starting with a cactus mix. Once familiar with the growing process, you can customize the soil mix with perlite, chicken manure, potting soil, and compost.
- Dragon fruit loves full sun but requires protection in extremely hot conditions.
- Water during the hot season when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. In colder temperatures, water sparingly, with no watering needed in winter unless grown in a greenhouse.
Fertilization:
- Apply chicken manure monthly during the growing season. Fish fertilizer is an alternative, though it may produce an odor.
- Use a bloom booster on mature plants to stimulate bud production.
SHIPPING
We ship year-round every Monday to locations throughout the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not offer international shipping.
Please allow 3 to 5 business days for packing and processing. To ensure your order ships on Monday, the cut-off time is Sunday at 1:00 P.M.
Mayumi Garden is not responsible for any shipping delays caused by the carrier. Please double-check your shipping address before submitting your order to avoid delays or additional shipping charges.
CANCELLATION/ RETURNS POLICY
We currently do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations. However, please contact us if you encounter any issues with your order.
