Valdivia Roja Dragon Fruit live plants and cuttings

DESCRIPTION

Valdivia Roja Dragon Fruit – Rare, Adaptable Variety from Jalisco, Mexico

Discover the Valdivia Roja, a unique dragon fruit variety from the Hylocereus ocamponis species, native to Jalisco State, Mexico. Known for its resilience, this variety thrives across diverse conditions, featuring thick, tri-sided stems with a distinctive grayish-white coating and medium-sized thorns. While Valdivia Roja is notably adaptable—enduring both heat and cold well—its slower growth rate influences its overall hardiness.

DNA analysis shows it is closely related to the El Grullo Pitaya but remains genetically distinct, enhancing its uniqueness among Mexican dragon fruits.

Fruit Characteristics:

• Flavor Profile: Sweet, with an average Brix rating of 18, indicating pleasant sweetness. Many growers report the flavor is even richer than the rating suggests.
• Appearance: Oval fruit with striking orange-red skin and small green fins.
• Flowering: Valdivia Roja produces stunning, large (15-inch) night-blooming flowers with a delightful fragrance. The flowers display white petals with red and yellow calyxes, adding a captivating touch to any garden.

This variety was sourced directly from a dedicated local grower in Northern California, ensuring its quality and authenticity. It is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts seeking an exotic, beautiful, and hardy addition to their garden.

Policies:

By purchasing cuttings, grafted, or rooted plants from our shop, buyers agree to the following terms:

• Once the plant leaves our care, we cannot control the conditions or handling during shipment. Any lost or damaged packages are the buyer's responsibility to file a claim with USPS. Packages are insured up to $100; additional insurance is available upon request.
• These grafts are well-established and securely connected to the rootstock. However, if they break due to rough handling during transit, it is the buyer’s responsibility to file a claim with USPS. Mayumi Garden does not offer refunds or exchanges under these circumstances.
• All sales are final. The plant is non-returnable and non-refundable.

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.