Hylocereus setaceus is a tropical climbing cactus that produces striking magenta-fleshed dragon fruit with an intoxicating sweet-tart flavor and a honey-like finish. Known in the US as Pineapple Cactus, this variety thrives in full sun and handles drought with ease, making it surprisingly adaptable for gardeners willing to provide sturdy vertical support. The flowers are nocturnal bloomers with delicate white inner petals and yellow-green outer petals that curl dramatically at peak bloom, opening fully at 10 pm and closing with the sunrise. Each fruit weighs about half a pound and reaches a brix rating of 19 to 20, meaning the longer you leave it on the vine, the sweeter and juicier it becomes.
Full Sun
—
?-?
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
This variety produces small but intensely sweet fruits with bright magenta flesh dotted with tiny crunchy black seeds. The nocturnal blooming pattern is genuinely distinctive: in Louisiana's climate, the flowers open at 10 pm and close as sunrise approaches, a rhythm that makes pollination a special event for gardeners. Hardy olive-colored three-sided stems are thick enough to support heavy fruit production, and the tiny spines naturally shed as the plant matures, eliminating the constant prickling that plagues younger cacti.
This variety produces edible fruit with exceptional sweetness that can be eaten fresh, scooped directly from the skin with a spoon, or used in desserts, beverages, and smoothies. The bright magenta color and crunchy seed texture make it visually and texturally striking in fruit presentations. Growers have noted creative uses documented on social media platforms, suggesting expanding culinary applications beyond simple fresh consumption.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Harvest fruits when they turn a deep magenta or pink color with slightly softened bracts. The small red bracts with green edges should feel slightly yielding when gently pressed. Tiny spines on the bottom of the fruit are easily removed once ripe. The fruit is ready to pick when it fully colors, though leaving it on the vine longer increases sweetness and juice content. Cut or gently twist the fruit from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
As a climbing growth habit, this cactus benefits from training along a sturdy trellis or support structure early in its development. Remove any weak or damaged stems to encourage strong vertical growth. Minimal pruning is needed once the plant is established; focus on directing growth along your support system rather than cutting back the healthy productive stems.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Hylocereus setaceus has been classified within both the Hylocereus and Selenicereus genera, though its pollen compatibility with Hylocereus species led cultivators to assign it to that genus. The species originates from tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, rocky shores, and sandy shores in its native range. Spicy Exotics discovered that this variety shares identical characteristics with the D-41 selection, suggesting these are the same genetic line circulating among specialty growers today.”