Dragon fruit is one of many popular fruits that grow on cacti rather than trees, vines, or shrubs. These cacti are native to North and South America and grow in USDA zones 10 through 12.
While we tend to think of cacti as low-maintenance plants, dragon fruit is a notable exception. The right fertilizer is a must if you want to optimize growth and fruit production. So, after a bit of research, here are my suggestions for the best fertilizer for dragon fruit:
Top Dragon Fruit Fertilizers
If you’re short on time and want to know which fertilizers I recommend then look no further:
Best Foliar Fertilizer
1. EZ-gro All Purpose Liquid Food 20-20-20
Liquid concentrate for fast fertilizing results and an even NPK ratio that’s suitable for dragon fruit, as well as other outdoor grown plants.
Best Slow-Release Fertilizer
2. Down to Earth Vegetable Fertilizer 4-4-4
Evenly balanced organic fertilizer with 100% natural ingredients. A fertilizer that is suitable for use throughout the growing season and even on new plantings.
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Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit plants tend to thrive when fed a balanced fertilizer every couple of months. Most gardeners opt for a slow-release granular formula, but you can also use a liquid applied to the soil or as a foliar spray.
Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio
If you’re unsure what makes a specific fertilizer “balanced,” it’s time to take a look at something called an N-P-K ratio. This is a set of numbers that represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a fertilizer.
A balanced fertilizer’s N-P-K ratio will have numbers that are near or identical to each other. For example, a 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.
Soil pH and Nutrients
Dragon fruit cacti prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. A detrimental pH level can affect the availability and performance of vital nutrients in the soil. The best fertilizer for dragon fruit growing in your garden may have elements included that can raise or lower pH to a beneficial range. Some of which you’ll find in the list below.
Granular Vs Liquid Fertilizer
A big part of choosing between granular and liquid fertilizers is a personal preference. But it’s also true that some plants respond better to one formula than the other.
Granular fertilizer is my go-to for dragon fruit plants, especially mature ones. If you want to utilize a liquid fertilizer, I recommend experimenting with foliar sprays.
Liquid Concentrate, Sprays, and Foliar Fertilizer
There are many types of liquid fertilizers available for dragon fruit cacti. The most well-known are concentrates or sprays that you apply to the soil. This type of cacti also responds incredibly well to foliar fertilizers that are sprayed directly on the plants themselves.
Fertilizer Granules
Granules release nutrients into the soil very slowly — usually over the course of several weeks or months — which is optimal for growth and fruit production. Be sure to pair granular fertilizer with a consistent irrigation schedule.
Fertilizer Spikes
Fertilizer spikes are very similar to granules but are designed to be driven into the soil rather than scattered on top. While they work well for some potted dragon fruit, the fact that they only deliver nutrients to a small section of the soil means fertilizer spikes may fall short for larger plants. Placing spikes evenly around the drip line of larger specimens will ensure more effective nutrient absorption.
Synthetic Vs Organic Fertilizer for Dragon Fruit
In terms of results, there are fewer differences between organic and synthetic cactus fertilizers than many people believe. With that said, I find that a combination of the two often yields great results for dragon fruit cacti.
Best Dragon Fruit Fertilizers Reviewed
The best fertilizer will deliver the right level of nutrition in a form your cactus can easily absorb and put to use. Rather than reach for a traditional cactus and succulent formula, you’ll see much better results by using one of the fertilizers I recommend below:
Pros
- Can be applied to the soil or as a foliar spray
- Permeates infertile soil with significant levels of vital nutrients
Cons
- May cause root burn on plants in fertile soil
If you want to incorporate foliar feeding into your care routine, this EZ-gro concentrate is one of my favorite formulas.
This is a professional-grade product that features a balanced macronutrient profile of 20-20-20 plus several trace nutrients including iron, zinc, and manganese. This carefully considered combination is the ideal dragon fruit fertilizer for cacti growing in poor or depleted soil. Fueling generous fruit production and long-term growth.
Measuring and mixing this fertilizer in the right quantities, plus the proper application of it is all it takes to get your plants fertilized effectively and to see results quickly. Use a standard watering can for smaller cacti or invest in a handheld sprayer for larger specimens.
How To Use: Dilute with clean water prior to use. Re-apply every 1 to 2 weeks throughout the growing season during routine waterings.
Pros
- Slowly releases nutrients and microbes into the soil
- Gentle enough for use in fertile soil, while maintaining sufficient nutrient levels
Cons
- ‘Organic’ smell
Down to Earth is my go-to brand among quality organic fertilizers. If the previous option is ideal for poor soil, this is the best fertilizer for dragon fruit growing in well-composted soil. I recommend this vegetable garden formula for feeding dragon fruit cacti because of their similar nutrient needs.
Thanks to its gentle formula – that just happens to contain only 100% natural ingredients – this slow-release fertilizer is suitable for use throughout the growing season and is unlikely to cause fertilizer burn or subject your plants to over-fertilization complications.
How To Use: Evenly distribute granules around the surface of the soil. Gently work the fertilizer into the soil using a rake before thoroughly watering the area.
Pros
- Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients
- Offers increased nitrogen and potassium for robust plant stalks, larger fruit and a higher yield
- Can be converted into a liquid feed by mixing with water
Cons
- It May have a strong odor
For those who feel most comfortable using non-GMO products in the garden, I always recommend something from Dr. Earth. While many of the brand’s fertilizers will work on dragon fruit, the amount of nitrogen and potassium in this formula is perfect for promoting growth and fruit production.
In my experience, Dr. Earth’s fertilizers are as good for plants as they are for people and the environment. With this fertilizer, your plant will receive a wide variety of micronutrients and soil-boosting microbes.
How To Use: Apply approximately ½ cup of fertilizer to the soil around the plant. Work the granules into the soil and water thoroughly. Feed every 2 months.
Pros
- A powerful and well-balanced nutrient ratio in a water-soluble form
- Use as a foliar feed or traditional liquid fertilizer
Cons
- May need further dilution when used on tender, potted plants
This Jack’s Classic fertilizer is proof that you don’t need anything fancy to grow yummy dragon fruit in your backyard! It’s a wonderful, water-soluble formula that can be used as a foliar feed or applied directly to the soil when nutrients are all but depleted.
I should note that this dragon fruit fertilizer leans somewhat acidic. If your soil pH is a bit too high (too alkaline), this would be the perfect solution. But, if your soil pH is already between 6.0 and 7.0, a more neutral fertilizer would be better.
How To Use: Fully dissolve in water before applying to foliage or soil.
Pros
- No measuring or mixing required
- Ideal for smaller, potted dragonfruit
- Good for pet owners
Cons
- May not distribute nutrients evenly
While I prefer using a granular or liquid fertilizer for my plants, I know of several gardeners who swear by these Jobe’s fertilizer spikes. I recommend using these on potted plants versus those planted outdoors.
These spikes eliminate any need for measuring or pre-mixing fertilizer with each application. I also find that they’re a great alternative to granular dragon fruit fertilizer if you have a household pet who likes to dig around in your garden containers!
How To Use: Drive fertilizer spikes 1 or 2 inches into the soil around your plant stem. Be sure to evenly space out the recommended number of spikes and avoid placing them too close to the cactus’ base.
How to Fertilize Dragon Fruit
When applying traditional liquid, granular, or spike fertilizers, cover the entire soil surface around your cactus. Avoid making direct contact with the base of the stem as this could burn the flesh.
Scattering granules or inserting spikes just on one side will force the roots to grow toward their nutrients. This causes root tangling and bunching, significantly lessening their ability to absorb moisture and nourishment.
If using a foliar spray, apply it in the early morning or evening. Applying it in the middle of the day will decrease the amount of fertilizer absorbed by the plant and increase the risk of sunburn.
Avoiding Fertilizer Burn
Cacti are just as susceptible to fertilizer burn as other types of plants. While the dragon fruit cactus is a heavy feeder, it’s still possible to overload this plant with too much nitrogen.
Keeping a close eye on the amount and frequency of your fertilizer application is key to preventing fertilizer burn. Also, avoid feeding your plant in the wintertime, as the plant should be dormant.
When to Fertilize Dragon Fruit
Feed throughout the growing season. In most regions, active growth occurs between March and September, but the season may be even longer in particularly warm climates.
Early-season applications are the most important because they provide adequate nutrition for flower and fruit production. Some gardeners prefer to taper off nitrogen once flower blossoms emerge.
Fertilizing New Plants
I recommend starting a fertilizing regimen as soon as your dragon fruit cactus has adjusted to its new environment. Supplement the soil with aged compost or manure every 2 months to encourage healthy root and stem development for the future.
Fertilizing Mature Plants
After a few years of growth, you might notice your plant’s nutritional needs change. Adapt your fertilizing routine as needed by spacing larger applications a bit further apart during the growing season. Supplement the soil with compost or manure twice per year.
How Often to Fertilize
As a general rule, feed every 2 months with a slow-release, granular fertilizer. When using liquid fertilizer on the soil or as a foliar spray, it may be necessary to feed once a week.
Of course, the feeding guidelines provided with your chosen fertilizer will always take precedence over these generalized recommendations.
Verdict: Best Fertilizer for Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a must-grow cactus if you have the space and climate to accommodate it! But be prepared to spend a lot more time feeding and watering this plant than you would most other cacti species.
For something simple and straightforward, I recommend picking up a bottle of EZ-gro 20 20 20 Fertilizer All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. This formula is a great option and is easy to tailor to your garden’s exact needs.
Best Foliar Fertilizer
1. EZ-gro 20 20 20 Fertilizer – All-Purpose Liquid Plant Food
Liquid concentrate for fast fertilizing results and an even NPK ratio that’s suitable for dragon fruit as well as other outdoor grown plants.
If you’d rather use organic fertilizer on your dragon fruit cactus, then I suggest choosing Down to Earth Organic All Purpose Fertilizer Mix 4-4-4. Its gentle formula makes it ideal for use all season long without the risk of fertilizer burn.
Best Slow-Release Fertilizer
2. Down to Earth Vegetable Garden Fertilizer Mix 4-4-4
Evenly balanced organic fertilizer with 100% natural ingredients. A fertilizer that is suitable for use throughout the growing season and even on new plantings.
