Valdivia Roja

Store: Shulman Dragon Fruit Orchard • Moorpark, CA, US

Valdivia Roja is a unique and resilient dragon fruit variety belonging to the Hylocereus ocamponis species, originally from Jalisco, Mexico. It’s highly valued by collectors for its striking appearance – thick, three-sided stems with a distinctive grayish-white waxy coating and large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers.

Fruit Profile

• Size: Small to medium oval fruit, typically around 12 oz (340 grams).
• Appearance: Orangish-red skin with small green fins surrounding vibrant, deep red or magenta flesh.
• Flavor: Sweet, averaging Brix 18 (some reports up to 21), with an extra-firm, dense, almost gelatinous texture – some compare it to kiwi or a slightly tart cherry.

Plant Characteristics

• Growth: Adaptable to heat and cold, though slower-growing than many hybrid varieties.
• Pollination: Self-sterile – requires cross-pollination from another variety.
• Care: Thrives in well-draining cactus mix and full sun, but needs protection above 95F or below 30F.
• Flowers: Massive 10-16 inch blooms with white petals and red-and-yellow outer calyxes.

Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil dries — dragon fruit is drought-tolerant and dislikes soggy roots. Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 9–11, or grow it in a pot or greenhouse and bring it inside when temperatures drop below 32°F.