How to Prevent and Treat Sunburn on Dragon Fruit Plants 2025

Dragon fruit, known for its bright colors and one-of-a-kind flavor, is becoming popular across the globe. However, these tropical plants can get sunburned, especially in areas with strong sunlight. This guide covers the causes, signs, prevention, and treatment of sunburn on dragon fruit plants.

What is Sunburn in Dragon Fruit?

Sunburn happens to dragon fruit when its soft skin gets too much direct sunlight. This extra exposure harms the plant and causes problems.

Symptoms of Sunburn on Fruits

• Spots on Skin: Brown or reddish-brown marks show up on the fruit’s surface. These spots can be different sizes and shapes.
• Misshapen Fruit: Severe sunburn can cause fruits to grow unevenly or stay small.
• Early Fruit Drop: Sunburned fruits might fall off the tree before they’re fully ripe.
• Lower Quality: Sunburned fruits often taste less sweet and may have an odd flavor.

Common Reasons for Sunburn on Plants

1. Strong Sunlight: Areas with intense sunlight, especially in summer, can easily cause sunburn.
2. Not Enough Shade: Without proper shade from nearby plants or structures, fruits are exposed directly to the sun.
3. Windy Conditions: Strong winds can worsen the effects of sunlight on fruits.
4. Thin Plant Cover: When the plant’s canopy is too sparse, it doesn’t give enough shade to protect growing fruits.

Issue	Symptoms	Causes	Prevention	Treatment
Sunburn	Brownish/reddish spots on fruit, deformity, premature drop, reduced quality	Intense sunlight, lack of shade, wind, thin canopy	Shade cloth, plant cover crops, strategic planting, proper pruning, irrigation, heat-tolerant varieties	Remove affected fruits, protect remaining fruits with oil/spray, improve plant vigor with fertilizer

Prevention Strategies

Provide Shade:

• Use Shade Cloth: Set up shade cloth or nets to protect the plants during the hottest parts of the day.
• Grow Cover Crops: Plant taller crops or cover crops alongside dragon fruit to create natural shade.
• Smart Planting: Place dragon fruit near trees or structures that can naturally block direct sunlight.
• Prune Regularly: Trim excess growth to maintain a balanced canopy for better shade and plant health.

Keep Plants Hydrated:

• Irrigation: Water your plants regularly to keep them hydrated and help them handle heat stress.

Pick the Right Variety:

• Heat-Tolerant Varieties: Choose dragon fruit types that grow well in hot conditions and provide good natural shade.

Treatment Options

1. Get Rid of Damaged Fruits: Pick off any badly sunburned fruits right away to stop the damage from spreading and keep the plant healthy.
2. Shield the Rest: Use a light coat of horticultural oil or an organic spray to protect the remaining fruits from more sun damage.
3. Boost Plant Health: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer to make it stronger and healthier.

Conclusion

Sunburn can be a big problem for dragon fruit growers. By using the tips in this article, you can protect your plants from sun damage and grow a healthy, productive crop. Taking care of your plants and managing shade properly is key to preventing sunburn and keeping your dragon fruit in top condition.

Disclaimer

This article is for learning purposes only and is not professional farming advice. Always check with local agricultural experts for advice suited to your area and growing needs.