Dragon yield , also know as pitaya , is an alien cactus fruit that has realise huge popularity among gardeners and commercial-grade growers likewise .
With its vibrant pink , violent , or yellowed skin and white or red - fleshed interior stipple with diminutive sinister seeded player , dragon fruit is not only visually stunning but also packed with food . However , like many fruiting flora , flying lizard yield benefits from thoughtful companion planting .
familiar planting is an old age - one-time horticulture proficiency that pairs plant life strategically to improve maturation , enhance soil wellness , deter blighter , and increase yield . In the case of dragon yield , choosing the right companions can boost its resilience , ameliorate soil condition , and optimize space in your garden .
In this article , we will explore why fellow planting is beneficial for dragon yield , the best plants to grow alongside it , plants to avoid , and substantive crown for successful companion planting .
Why You Should Consider Companion Planting for Dragon Fruit
Companion planting provide a multitude of benefits , especially for a mounting cactus like dragon fruit . Here are some cardinal reasonableness why you should consider growing complementary plants alongside your Draco fruit :
1.Pest and Disease Control
flying dragon fruit plant are relatively pest - resistant , but they are still susceptible to aphids , mealy bug , and fungal infection . Certain companion works can aid repel these gadfly naturally and boil down the need for chemical pesticides .
2.Soil Improvement
flying dragon fruit prefer well - draining , nutritive - rich soil . sure familiar plants can enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen , improving organic matter , and preventing dirt eating away .
3.Microclimate Regulation
Companion plants can aid maintain a stable microclimate by providing shade , reducing undue wet loss , and offering winding protection . This is specially good for tartar fruit , which thrives in warm , semi - arid climate but can suffer from uttermost temperature fluctuations .
4.Pollination Boost
flying lizard fruit flower flower at night and rely on nocturnal pollinator like squash racket and moths . Having flower plants nearby can attract beneficial pollinator , increasing the chances of successful fruit product .
5.Efficient Space Utilization
Since flying dragon fruit is a vining cactus , it can be trained on treillage or poles . This allows you to plant low - growing fellow beneath it , maximise garden space and productivity .
Best Companion Plants for Dragon Fruit
When selecting companion plant for flying lizard fruit , consider species that complement its development habits and environmental need . Below are some of the best options :
1.Legumes (Beans, Peas, and Clovers)
Legumesare splendid companions because they avail fix atomic number 7 in the grime , enrich it for the dragon fruit plant . They also act as livelihood mulch , keeping the soil moist and prevent weeds from consider over .
2.Herbs (Basil, Mint, and Lemongrass)
3.Marigolds
Marigoldsare well - known for their ability to repel nematodes , aphids , and other garden pests . Their vivacious flowers also attract beneficial pollinators , which can aid in dragon yield pollenation .
4.Nasturtiums
Nasturtiumsare a great companion because they act as a sacrificial plant , drawing plague off from flying dragon fruit . They are also edible and tally a splash of color to your garden .
5.Aloe Vera
Aloe verashares similar turn conditions with dragon fruit , requiring well - draining land and minimum watering . It provides medicative benefits and can be harvested for home remedies .
6.Chives and Garlic
Bothchivesandgarlichelp discourage harmful louse while also put up edible leave and bulb . They bear raw fungicidal property that may facilitate prevent root decompose in dragon fruit plant .
7.Passion Fruit Vine
Since both dragon fruit andpassion fruitare vining plant , they can be grown together on a trellis , deliver space while complementing each other ’s growth convention .
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Dragon Fruit
Not all industrial plant make good companion for dragon yield . Some can contend for food , attract harmful pestilence , or make unfavourable growing conditions . Here are plants you should avoid :
1.Heavy Feeders (Corn, Sunflowers, and Brassicas)
Corn and sunflowers call for significant nutrients from the soil , which may precede to competition with flying dragon yield . Also , brassicas ( such as broccoli , cabbage , and Brassica oleracea botrytis ) may eat up of the essence food needed for dragon yield ontogeny .
2.Deep-Rooted Plants (Large Trees and Shrubs)
thick - rooted plant like large tree ( for example , oak tree , pine tree , and eucalypt ) can compete for water and nutrients , making it harder for dragon yield to expand .
3.Nightshade Family (Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants)
Nightshade plants can attract common pests such as whitefly and aphid , which could circulate to dragon yield . Additionally , they can introduce soil - borne diseases that may be detrimental to dragon yield outgrowth .
4.Fungal-Prone Plants (Squash and Melons)
Cucurbits , including squash vine and melon , can introduce fungous diseases such as powdery mold , which can spread to flying lizard yield .
Tips for Growing Companion Plants with Dragon Fruit
To successfully follow through fellow traveller planting in your dragon fruit garden , consider the following tips :
1.Ensure Proper Spacing
Dragon fruit vines require ample place to climb , so choose companion that wo n’t compete for vertical space . Plant smaller herbs and flowers at the base to ward off interference .
2.Use Mulching for Moisture Retention
give organic mulch around the base of flying lizard fruit and its companion plant helps hold back stain moisture , suppress mourning band , and better soil rankness .
3.Consider Companion Plants’ Water Needs
flying lizard fruit thrives in well - enfeeble soil with moderate watering . opt companion that share similar water essential to prevent overwatering or underwatering issues .
4.Rotate Companion Plants Seasonally
alter companion plants seasonally can aid improve soil health and reduce pest flesh - up . For example , rise legume in one season can replenish nitrogen layer for the next crop .
5.Monitor for Pests and Diseases Regularly
Even with companion planting , it ’s essential to keep an heart on your plants for signs of pests and diseases . even monitoring ensure early detection and control of any potential result .
Final Thought
fellow planting is an effective style to boost the growth , wellness , and output of dragon yield while promote biodiversity in your garden .
By carefully take good companion plant like legumes , herbaceous plant , marigolds , and love fruit vine , you may heighten soil fertility , deter pest , and create a more springy garden ecosystem .
At the same time , avoiding incompatible plants such as heavy feeders , deeply - rooted tree diagram , and nightshades will foreclose competition and disease spread .
