Secrets Behind Dragon Fruit Cuttings

Optimizing Growth Regulators and Planting Media for Optimal Growth

"The deeper we understand the needs of dragon fruit cuttings, the closer we are to cultivation success."

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) with purple flesh is gaining popularity worldwide due to its unique characteristics and health benefits ⁴ . However, behind its exotic fruit lies a challenge in propagation. Propagation through stem cuttings is key to producing plants identical to the parent and fruiting more quickly. But not all cuttings grow optimally. Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and planting media composition play a decisive role in this success. This article reveals the secrets behind the growth response of dragon fruit stem cuttings to these key treatments.

Understanding Dragon Fruit Propagation Basics

Dragon fruit, as a member of the cactus family (Cactaceae), has its own unique way of propagation. Unlike most fruits, propagation through dragon fruit seeds takes a very long time—up to five years until the plant bears fruit, and the results are not always identical to the parent ⁶ . Therefore, vegetative propagation with stem cuttings is the main choice for growers to produce superior seedlings in a shorter time.

Cutting Selection

Stem cuttings are taken from healthy, thick, and mature parts of the stem ⁶ . Before planting, cuttings need to be left for several days in a shaded area to dry the cut portion.

Drying Process

This drying process is crucial to prevent rotting when the cuttings are planted in the medium ² ⁶ . Cuttings will only produce roots if planted in the correct direction.

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs): Key to Root and Shoot Initiation

Although cuttings are an effective method, dragon fruit stems often cannot produce good roots without the help of exogenous PGRs ¹ . PGRs, or plant hormones, function to stimulate cell division and initiate adventitious root formation.

IBA

(Indole-3-butyric acid)

Most effective PGR for stimulating rooting in dragon fruit cuttings ¹ due to its chemically stable properties and superior ability to promote fibrous root formation.

NAA

(Naphthalene Acetic Acid)

Commonly used synthetic auxin that promotes root initiation, though less effective than IBA for dragon fruit cuttings.

PHB

(Potential auxin type)

Another growth regulator used in research, showing moderate effectiveness compared to IBA and NAA.

Key Experiment: Decoding Dragon Fruit Cutting Growth

A study conducted at Khalsa College, Amritsar, successfully revealed the actual impact of various PGR concentrations on the growth of dragon fruit cuttings ¹ . This experiment was designed very carefully to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Methodology and Procedure

Cutting Source

20 cm long stem cuttings taken from one-year-old healthy parent plants of 'American Beauty' variety ¹ .

PGR Treatment

Cuttings soaked in 16 different PGR solution combinations, including NAA (100-500 ppm), IBA (1000-5000 ppm), and PHB (500-1500 ppm), with one control group without treatment ¹ .

PGR Solvent

PGRs dissolved in 50% ethanol to ensure optimal absorption ¹ .

Experimental Design

Using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications, planted in mid-March, data observed at 90 Days After Planting (DAP) ¹ .

Results and Analysis: IBA 4000 ppm Emerges as Champion

The research results showed that cuttings treated with IBA 4000 ppm consistently excelled in almost all growth parameters ¹ . This treatment not only accelerated shoot initiation but also produced a more dense, longer, thicker, and heavier root system.

Table 1: Vegetative Growth Response of Dragon Fruit Cuttings to Various IBA Concentrations

Growth Parameter	Control (No PGR)	IBA 2000 ppm	IBA 4000 ppm	IBA 5000 ppm
Number of Shoots per Cutting	0.83	2.10	2.94	2.60
Shoot Emergence Percentage (%)	40.5	68.2	85.7	78.9
Shoot Length (cm)	45.5	98.7	107.2	102.5
Fresh Root Weight (g)	8.5	32.1	56.3	48.7
Cutting Survival Percentage (%)	65.0	88.5	96.3	90.1

Table 2: Effectiveness Comparison of Various PGRs on Cutting Survival Percentage

PGR Type	Best Concentration	Survival Percentage at Best Concentration (%)
IBA	4000 ppm	96.3
NAA	400 ppm	79.5
PHB	1000 ppm	72.8
Control	0 ppm	65.0

Key Insight: The data confirms that increasing IBA concentration improves growth up to an optimal point (4000 ppm), above which effectiveness decreases. This indicates that auxin in the right dose acts as a catalyst for utilizing food reserves in cuttings, promoting cell division and elongation that ultimately stimulates shoot and root development ¹ .

Planting Media Composition: Foundation for Root Growth

In addition to PGRs, the right planting media composition is the foundation for cutting success. Planting media functions to support plants, provide nutrients, and maintain balanced moisture and aeration.

The best medium for dragon fruit is one that is loose and has good drainage. The recommended mixture is:

2/3 parts organic potting mix (containing perlite, compost, and peat).
1/3 part cactus mix ² .

Table 3: Recommended Planting Media Composition for Dragon Fruit Cuttings

Media Component	Proportion	Function & Benefits
Regular Potting Soil	80%	As media base, provides structure and holds nutrient moisture.
Coconut Coir (Cocopeat)	20%	Improves aeration and drainage, as well as balanced water retention capacity ² .
Perlite	Added as needed	Significantly improves drainage and prevents media compaction ² .
Compost	Mixed evenly	Provides organic nutrients initially to support root and shoot growth ² .

Important: The key is avoiding media that is too dense and retains water for too long, as this will make the still vulnerable roots prone to rotting. In very wet areas, some growers even place cuttings on top of the media to begin root formation, to minimize the risk of rot ⁶ .

Conclusion

From the above explanation, it becomes clear that the initial growth response of dragon fruit stem cuttings is a symphony orchestrated by two main factors: PGRs and planting media. Treatment with IBA 4000 ppm has been scientifically proven to be the most powerful driver for producing a strong root system and vigorous vegetative growth ¹ . This success must be supported by porous, organic-rich planting media, which creates an ideal environment for young roots to develop ² .

By understanding and applying these two basic principles, both commercial farmers and plant hobbyists can significantly increase the success of dragon fruit propagation, leading to healthy and high-yielding plants.