Why Is My Dragon Fruit Plant Turning Yellow? 6 Causes and Solutions

Dragon fruit is generally very hardy, so why is your dragon fruit plant turning yellow? We will explain what causes yellowing, and how to get your dragon fruit back to its former, healthy glory.

Why Dragon Fruit Plants Turn Yellow

My dragon fruit plant turning yellow — This dragon fruit plant is yellow due to sunburn, lack of drainage, and over-watering!

Dragon fruit plants can turn yellow due to various reasons:

Over-Watering: Too much water can lead to root rot. Ensure proper drainage and only water when the soil’s top layer is dry.
Under-Watering: Lack of sufficient water causes the stems or cladodes to turn yellow as a sign of distress. Regularly monitor soil moisture and water when needed.
Nutrient Deficiency: Yellowing might indicate the soil lacks vital nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer and consider a soil test for specific deficiencies.
Pests and Diseases: Infestations or fungal diseases can lead to yellowing. Regular inspections and use of natural treatments can help.
Sunburn: Prolonged intense sunlight can cause sunburn, leading to yellow or white patches on leaves. Provide shade during intense sunlight hours.
Poor Soil Quality: Plants prefer well-draining soil. If the soil quality is poor, consider repotting with a better mixture.

Let’s look at the causes of your dragon fruit plant turning yellow in detail, along with solutions.

Over-Watering Your Dragon Fruit Plant

green dragon fruit branches have soft rot infection, which is caused by Enterobacteria (Hylocereus spp.) after heavy rain and moisture. — Soft rot infection caused by Enterobacteria after heavy rain.

Too much of a good thing can be bad! Over-watering is a common cause of yellowing in dragon fruit plants. Their roots are susceptible to rot when they sit in water for extended periods.

Signs of Over-Watering

Yellowing Stems: One of the first signs of overwatering is the yellowing of the stems. Healthy dragon fruit plants have vibrant green stems. When overwatered, they may turn yellow or pale.
Soft, Mushy Stems: Overwatering can cause the stems to become soft and mushy to the touch. Healthy stems should be firm.
Root Rot: If you pull the plant gently from the soil or inspect the roots, overwatered plants often show signs of root rot, where the roots turn black, brown, or mushy. Healthy roots are typically white or light tan and firm.
Stunted Growth: Over time, overwatered dragon fruit plants may show stunted growth since the roots can’t function properly to take up nutrients.
Drooping or Wilting: Even with ample water, overwatered plants might droop or wilt because the roots are damaged and can’t deliver water to the plant effectively.
Presence of Mold or Fungus: Overly wet conditions can be conducive for mold or fungus growth on the soil surface.
Unpleasant Odor: If the soil remains wet for too long, it might develop a foul, musty odor indicating rotting plant material.

Solutions for Over-Watering

Adjust your watering routine and make sure your plant has proper drainage. If you are growing in a container, ensure it has adequate drainage holes and well-draining soil. Always allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

If you suspect root rot, you might need to repot the plant. Trim away any rotted roots and give it fresh, well-draining soil.

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Under-Watering

Just as over-watering can cause problems, so can under-watering. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, its cladodes (stems) may start turning yellow as a distress signal.

Interesting fact: While “cladodes” and “stems” are related, they are not precisely the same thing. Cladodes are a type of modified stem. In plants like the dragon fruit, which belongs to the cactus family, the primary photosynthetic structure is a flattened stem, often referred to as a cladode. This structure takes on the photosynthetic role typically handled by leaves in other plants.

Signs of Under-Watering

Shriveling Stems: Unlike overwatering, which causes stems to become mushy, underwatering results in the stems shrinking or shriveling, appearing wrinkled.
Stem Discoloration: The vibrant green stems may turn a dull green or have a slightly purple tint, especially in younger plants.
Drooping: Just as with overwatering, a lack of water can make the stems droop, but they won’t feel soft or mushy. Instead, they’ll feel rigid.
Slow Growth: The plant’s growth might be stunted, and it may not produce flowers or fruit.
Brittle or Brown Stem Tips: The tips of the stems might turn brown and become brittle.
Soil Pulling Away: If you notice the soil pulling away from the sides of the container or pot, it’s a sign that the soil is too dry.
Dry Soil: A simple touch test can help. If the top few inches of soil feel bone dry, the plant likely needs water.

Solutions for Under-Watering

Adjust your watering routine and regularly check soil moisture levels. If the soil feels dry several inches down, it’s time to water the plant. Always ensure the plant isn’t sitting in water, as it prefers well-draining soil. It’s a balance of ensuring it gets the water it needs without overdoing it.

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Nutrient Deficiency

Dragon fruit plant turning yellow due to lack of nutrients

Dragon fruit plants can show signs of nutrient deficiencies, each of which manifests in specific ways. Here are some typical symptoms associated with particular nutrient shortages:

Nitrogen Deficiency

Symptoms: Older stems turn a light green or yellowish color, while younger stems remain green. Overall reduced growth or vigor can also be observed.
Solution: Apply a balanced fertilizer or one higher in nitrogen. Don’t over-fertilize, which can cause further issues.

Phosphorus Deficiency

Symptoms: Dark green foliage with red or purple discoloration on the undersides or margins. Reduced fruit and flower production is also common.
Solution: Apply a phosphorus-rich fertilizer or bone meal to the soil.

Potassium Deficiency

Symptoms: Yellowing or browning on the edges of older stems, while the center remains green. In severe cases, stems may exhibit black spots.
Solution: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer or consider using potash or wood ash in moderation.

Calcium Deficiency

Symptoms: Young stems might appear distorted or display irregular growth. Blossom end rot, where the fruit’s end turns black, can also be a sign (commonly seen in tomatoes but can affect dragon fruit).
Solution: Apply gypsum or lime to the soil. Check the soil’s pH first because lime can raise it – something you may not want if your soil is already alkaline.

Magnesium Deficiency

Symptoms: Older stems may show a red or purple discoloration between the veins, which remain green.
Solution: Apply Epsom salt, which provides magnesium. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons in a gallon of water and water your plant with this solution once a month. Foliar spray: 1 tablespoon Epsom salt per gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle and thoroughly soak the dragon fruit’s stems. Apply in cool parts of the day and perform a patch test first.
Do not overuse Epsom salt. Excess magnesium can inhibit the uptake of other essential nutrients.

Iron Deficiency

Symptoms: Younger stems display yellowing between the veins, leaving a green network. It can be confused with nitrogen deficiency, but nitrogen affects older stems first.
Solution: Apply an iron chelate foliar spray or add iron-rich amendments to the soil. For foliar spray, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of iron chelate per gallon of water and spray the plant’s stems during the cooler parts of the day. Apply every 2-4 weeks.
Soil amendment: iron sulfate, ferrous sulfate, or organic options like blood meal. Iron sulfate: 1-2lb per 100 square feet. Check the label for specific rates. Always water in thoroughly.

Zinc Deficiency

Symptoms: Reduced stem length, smaller than usual new growth, and older stems might show a reddish discoloration.
Solution: Apply a zinc sulfate spray or add a zinc-containing fertilizer.

If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, it’s essential to diagnose the issue correctly. Sometimes, symptoms can overlap between deficiencies. Additionally, adjusting the soil pH can make certain nutrients more available to the plant, as some nutrients get locked out at specific pH levels.

Always take a holistic approach: check watering habits, ensure proper drainage, and possibly do a soil test to comprehensively understand the soil’s nutrient levels.

Pests and Diseases

Pests like spider mites or fungal diseases can cause your dragon fruit plant to turn yellow.

Common Dragon Fruit Pests

Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the dragon fruit plants, weakening them and potentially transmitting diseases.
Mealybugs: These pests suck the plant’s juices and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Scale insects: They latch onto the plant surface and feed on its sap, causing the plant to weaken and leaves to yellow.
Snails and Slugs: They love the moisture and can munch on young stems, fruit, and flowers of the dragon fruit plant.
Stem borers: These pests bore into stems, causing damage that can stunt growth and reduce fruit yield.

Common Dragon Fruit Diseases

Disease in dragon fruit plant turning yellow, yellow then dry. Brown spot Bacterial soft rot dragon fruit

Anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum species): This fungal disease can lead to dark, sunken lesions on fruits, flowers, and stems.
Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soils can lead to fungal pathogens attacking the roots, causing them to rot. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of stems.
Stem Rot: This occurs when fungal infections take hold in the stem tissue, leading to rotting, softening, and eventual death of the affected stem.
Bacterial Soft Rot: Caused by bacteria, this disease leads to watery, foul-smelling decay of the plant tissues.
Stem Canker: A fungal disease that leads to lesions on the stem, potentially girdling and killing off parts of the plant.

Solutions for Pests and Diseases

Regularly check your plants for pests and diseases. Catching problems early can make treatment more effective. Avoid overwatering and ensure well-draining soil to prevent many fungal and bacterial diseases.

Keep the area around the plants free from debris and weeds, which can harbor pests and pathogens. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to manage aphids and other pests. Use organic or synthetic fungicides and pesticides wisely, following label instructions closely.

anthracnose in dragon fruit plants — Anthracnose in dragon fruit plants

Sunburn In Dragon Fruit Plants

Dragon fruit plants can experience sunburn, just like us. This is an issue especially when they are exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods or during particularly intense heatwaves.

Signs of Sunburn

Discolored Patches: Sunburned areas on dragon fruit plants will often appear lighter in color, turning yellowish or whitish. These are distinct from the usual green color of a healthy stem.
Browning and Scarring: In severe cases, the sunburned areas may turn brown or even black. Over time, these areas can become necrotic (dead), leading to scarring.
Shriveled or Wrinkled Stems: Extreme sunburn can lead to dehydration, causing the stems to appear shriveled or wrinkled.
Soft or Mushy Texture: The affected areas might become soft to the touch, indicating damage to the plant cells.
Reduced Growth: Sunburned plants may have stunted growth, as the damaged areas cannot perform photosynthesis efficiently.

Solutions for Sunburn

Prevention is best. Gradually acclimate dragon fruit plants to increasing levels of sunlight, especially if they’ve been previously grown in shaded conditions. Pay particular attention in hot, dry climates, like Arizona, parts of Southern California, Nevada, West Texas, Southern Utah, and Southern Idaho.

If sunburn is an ongoing issue, you may need to relocate your dragon fruit plant to a location where it gets indirect sunlight. Another option is to move other, more sun-hardy plants near your dragon fruit to provide a plant-based, natural shade cover.

Soil Quality Issues

Dragon fruit plants are incredibly hardy – when certain conditions are met. Their soil has to be well-draining. They will not tolerate wet roots! If the soil is of poor quality, it can hinder root growth and nutrient uptake, leading to your dragon fruit plant turning yellow.

Poor soil quality can have a pronounced effect on the health of dragon fruit plants! Let’s dive deeper into some of the symptoms and solutions.

Signs of Poor Soil Quality in Dragon Fruit Plants

Stunted Growth: The plant doesn’t grow as vigorously as it should. You might notice slower stem or root development.
Yellowing of Stems: While this can also be a sign of over-watering or sunburn, consistent yellowing may indicate a lack of essential nutrients.
Weak or Brittle Stems: Poor soil might not provide the necessary support and nutrients, leading to weaker plant structures.
Sparse Root Development: The roots might not spread out or go deep, indicating they aren’t getting what they need from the soil.
Reduced Fruit Yield or Quality: The fruits might be smaller, fewer in number, or lack the typical vibrant color and taste.

Solutions to Improve Your Soil

Organic Compost: Incorporate well-decomposed compost into the soil. This not only adds nutrients but also improves soil texture, aiding in moisture retention and drainage.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and as the mulch breaks down, it provides additional nutrients to the soil.
Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that supplies a range of essential nutrients. Ensure it doesn’t have an excessively high nitrogen content, as this can encourage more stem growth at the expense of fruit production.
pH Level Monitoring: Dragon fruit plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (around 6.0 to 7.5). If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can lock out essential nutrients. Test the soil’s pH and amend accordingly, using lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
Regular Soil Aeration: Loosening the soil around the plant occasionally can prevent it from becoming too compacted, ensuring that roots get ample oxygen.
Beneficial Microbes: Consider adding mycorrhizal fungi to the soil. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, helping them absorb water and nutrients more efficiently.

Regularly monitor your dragon fruit plant and provide it with what it needs to grow the healthiest, most productive plant. Even if the soil started as less than ideal, it can be nurtured consistently to support great plant growth.

Conclusion

Dragon fruit plant turning yellow due to intense sun and nutrient deficiencies

There are a variety of causes for your dragon fruit plant turning yellow. Over-watering can lead to root rot, making the plant appear yellow, while under-watering results in dehydration and yellowing of the stems. Harsh sunlight can cause the stems to get sunburned, resulting in a yellowish tint.

Nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of nitrogen, magnesium, or iron, can show as a yellow hue on the plant. Poor soil quality, which doesn’t support adequate nutrient uptake, can also contribute to yellowing. Lastly, pests and diseases, including mealybugs, scale insects, and fungal infections, can weaken and discolor your dragon fruit plant.

The key is to regularly monitor your plant. Ensure it gets the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Doing so will ensure that your dragon fruit remains healthy and vibrant for years to come! Once your plant is thriving and producing fruit, why not create our dragon fruit juice, dragon fruit puree, or whip up our nutella acai bowl!