This video shows the different steps in creating Dragon Fruit planter growing in an umbrella style trellis. @spicyexotics #spicyexotics #dragonfruit #pitaya #pitahaya
Tried this technique out, and although it was a lot of work (and I still got to finish the umbrella), I am very impressed with the results so far. Thanks a lot for posting this video. Great way to trellis dragon fruit in a pot.
Question on the bicycle tires, are they with or without the hub and rim? I have seen pictures with just the tire laid over the top support grids, but also where the entire wheel is used AS the top support grid.
Hey, I just visited your channel to see if you're still active! I don't know how many improvements you may have made to your dragon fruit planter system but in this video where you are using the tube at the top... a possible improvement to it would be a pool noodle wrapped in burlap. Pool noodles have great insulative properties! And it would give your vines something cushy yet firm to trellis on. Just swap out the tube for the noodle!
im really uncomfortable with the styrofoam, also, i think its gonna be too top heavy, and a strong weed will dropp the whole thing off, on the bottom of that pvc pipe id add some gravel or cement to balance things out
We have had styrofoam for over 15 years with amazing results. It works as an amazing insulator too. We mainly use it to make the containers weigh less, so we do not use gravel. We have 2 bags of soil in each container at minimum and that is plenty of balance.
Do both end of the 4” pvc same size? I bought an orange color pvc and only one end is wider for the end cap. So the other end which is smaller can not fit the end cap. I am from the philippines and am trying your trellis system.
We use this setup for cost, simplicity, lightweight and durability. I'm sure areas can be improved however it will likely affect one of the setup reasons. We have found this setup to last over 10 years, moving the planter yearly, withstanding 100+ degree weather yearly and at survive at least three hurricanes.
Great idea, but with my little Experience df plant grows heavily into 150-200kg canopy After 3 to 4 yrs due to heavy growth whole thing get collapsed. Due to limited space, this is the only option , but may require pruning to limit the growth
@@jorgenunez924 I've used both schedule 40 or drain PVC. You can use drain PVC if you place a cap on top. This gives it extra thickness to drill and support the canopy.
Amazing set up...you should sell them to make some extra cash...I bought a DF and I was told is the purple type so after this video i am thinking making a container like yours.You think 7 ft might be to much on the height..
I have mine at 5' because a purchase a 10' joint of pipe and cut it in half. So no waste. I'm 5' 7" and 6' would be ideal for me. The drums should support 7'. As a side note, if you plan on moving the drums, the taller they are the more difficult it will be do move.
Thanks for the great vid! I just have one question: what kind of cap did you use to cover your conduit pipe? Or what size? I can’t find anything that will fit snag tight??
Have you ever considered going with 1.5 instead of 2 feet diameter on the trellis? Due to where the rods fall, I can get 6 umbrellas from 1 piece of mesh at 18 inches, as opposed to 3 pieces at 24.
Its quite freaky coz I made something almost identical to this.only diff was that instead of using the drum caps as the umbrella,i used pvc pipes instead
Do those wire mesh already came in 2' x 2' (or is it 3' x 3'?) precut? I saw some on Home Depot but they come in rolls and they're too much for building 2 pots.
It comes in 3.5 X 7 feet. Here is a link at Lowes. www.lowes.com/pd/Grip-Rite-Common-3-5-ft-x-7-ft-Actual-3-5-ft-x-7-ft-Steel-Remesh-Sheet/1000194987 . Once cut, you get 3 - 2 X 2 foot pieces. This can be cut with a set of linesman pliers.
First, create a center line in the 4" pipe. For the bottom support, put the cross supports in the pot. Then place the 4" pipe as close to the center, with one of the 1/2 support in the middle of the center line. Put a line on the top and bottom of each 1/2 support where it touches the 4" pipe. Your first drill hole will be where your center line and the two 1/2 outside lines meet. Let say you did this for the top cross support. For the lower cross support, from the center line take 1/4 the circumference to the middle of the lower 1/2 support pipe lines. Measure each spot from the bottom of the pipe. You will need this for the other side. Lastly, measure each location 1/2 of the circumference around the pipe. Double check your measurement from the bottom of the 4" . Then I use a 1/2" unibit.
I’m thinking about making some of these. Nice design! Have you ever had one start to slant or fall over from the weight of the branches? I’m a plumber so I know 1/2” conduit or pvc is not very rigid and will bend easily. But I would assume having the dirt/compost packed around it would solidify it more. And once those roots take over the pot I’m sure it will never move. Also do you have a specific temperature that you enclose the walls of the greenhouse? I would think in your area it’s not until at least early November. Let me know.
They have slanted before due to a lack of attention. However, this is corrected with top dressing, pruning, and a little attention. They never fall over. We have over 100, and most have been through 100 summers and several hurricanes. We even moved locations 30 minutes with no issues. We cover when temperatures get below 40 degrees. This could be from October - January.
Pls tell me What did u use at the bottom (The whitish things)and what things did u use in the soil.I have the same drums as u and also have a lot of dragonfruit cuttings.My plantss are in small containers,they only fruited once,only a little fruit set.I'm thinking of planting cuttings like u.Pls tell me what the white things are and what did u use in the soil.And pls tell me what vitamings do u spray at the dragonfruit.Plsss reply.
Yes, my website has more information. www.spicyexotics.com . I have a eBay and Etsy store, or tell me what you would like and I can send a paypal invoice.
This design is looking better and better as I research more. I was able to find a supply at a feed store today and picked up 6 white 55 gal plastic containers. They are BPA free and they had been used for food grade industrial sweeteners. I got them for 10 bucks a piece and they have several colors to choose from. Do you think BPA free versions will be ok? They seem very sturdy and unbendable.
I'm sure. We get ours from two sources. These places use it for holding soap, and the other holds fertilizer. We have over 50 made, and my oldest is over 10 years old now.
Hi, thanks for the video. Where do you get your metal grid on the top and what kinda wire did you use to tie burlap? I couldn't find them at home depot. Thanks.
The grid can be found in the concrete section of your home improvement store. The copper wire is 24 AWG solid 4 pair cable. This is used for telephones. Both are readily available at home improvement stores.
These are built to withstand Gulf Coast Weather including Hurricanes. We used cheaper materials before that failed. We hope to never transplant a 200 pound Dragon Fruit plant due to pot failure ever again.
I am opening Georgia’s first official dragonfruit farm this spring. Just looking for a few additional pointers before investing so much time, money, and effort. My market will be mostly local, selling fruit and cuttings and making food items with the fruit. Let me know if you are interested in any kind of sponsorship. Possibly send a few different cuttings and I can display them to customers and show that they come from your website and get you some extra sales. But it seems you don’t need the additional exposure, as your website is completely sold out. But I do wonder if that is caused by high demand or low supply? I know it’s both playing a role but you seem smart so you probably limit your online supply intentionally correct? Can’t let them all go. And of course the season makes a big difference but all my dragons are still producing large branches so I know the season for cuttings is much larger than that of the fruit depending on variety. Also did I see the fruit of a monkey tail cactus in one of yours videos? Sorry I have so many questions. I have a lot more to ask but I will limit myself haha you seem to be interested in the same plants as I am. Have you ventured into the Dioscorea family yet? Air potatoes. Look at Polystachya and Alata. They have incredible potential here in the states as a good crop or an ornamental but they are very invasive. Especially Polystachya. I can go on forever about plants my apologies. 😂
We are expanding our nursery this summer, and we need all the time we can get to finish our project before winter sets in. This is the reason why we are out of stock. We have an abundance of plant material and fruit this year. Local sales are fantastic. Online sales have been limited to one week per month during construction until our project is completed. For the answers to your other questions, email us at info@spicyexotics.com, and we will respond.
PVC is much cheaper than wood that would last over time, but that's not the main reason. I do it for weight. The planters are movable and they do get moved yearly..
@@Spicyexotics I see. I actually do like your design but I have no idea how I'd do that top grate bit... is it necessary to cover the pic with fabric for the roots to climb on?
@@xPorsum It helps and I did spay my plants with Micronutrients so using the burlap helped absorb the nutrients and release it slowly. I do not do this anymore so it is not necessary.
+Tye Miller So that's the reason you get a lot of rains. I live here in Southern California, and for the first time we had a half day rain last month....and l lost 5 of my buds. But l can sacrifice those buds, coz rain is badly needed here right now. Thanks!
Tried this technique out, and although it was a lot of work (and I still got to finish the umbrella), I am very impressed with the results so far. Thanks a lot for posting this video. Great way to trellis dragon fruit in a pot.
Great step by step video. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing I love dragon fruit
Excellen job.👍
Thanks for sharing I love dragon
Our cuttings arrived today! Awesome cuttings and thanks for the helpful information. I will get some more from Spicy Exotics in the future!
here in d philippines,we use old bicycle tires on top of d post
Same as Thailand 🇹🇭
Same in india
Question on the bicycle tires, are they with or without the hub and rim? I have seen pictures with just the tire laid over the top support grids, but also where the entire wheel is used AS the top support grid.
With the current price of all lumber being astronomical, this is the most cost effective method ive found; your creativity is much appreciated!
I saw this coming (not really). I made the first container back in 2006, now 16 years ago
Great idea
Thanks for your efforts.
Thanks ,v v helpful idia for a new parson
Hey, I just visited your channel to see if you're still active! I don't know how many improvements you may have made to your dragon fruit planter system but in this video where you are using the tube at the top... a possible improvement to it would be a pool noodle wrapped in burlap. Pool noodles have great insulative properties! And it would give your vines something cushy yet firm to trellis on. Just swap out the tube for the noodle!
You should make a crazy 20 foot dragon fruit tree set up!
One day we plan to make a 10-foot planter.
nice but lots of work, I planted mine right in the ground and they are growing hugh and healthy
very good
Thanks
The car wash turned out to be a good tip. One of those things you don't know unless you know. I'll be making my first two tomorrow.
That is good to know, car washes are evolving and the new ones use larger containers for soup.
@@Spicyexotics I used rainforest, if it helps others. People at the one in Slidell are very friendly.
im really uncomfortable with the styrofoam, also, i think its gonna be too top heavy, and a strong weed will dropp the whole thing off, on the bottom of that pvc pipe id add some gravel or cement to balance things out
We have had styrofoam for over 15 years with amazing results. It works as an amazing insulator too. We mainly use it to make the containers weigh less, so we do not use gravel. We have 2 bags of soil in each container at minimum and that is plenty of balance.
I like that a bit too much work but definitely a good improvement from some of the other designs that I've seen
good job
I just found out where to get the 55 gallon barrows. Plus found out where to get the rest of these items. Thanks.
Muito bom.
Adorei esatekina no Tamboré parabéns a estrutura ficou firme eu a presiz mais UMA obrigado
Gracias,me diste una idea...
Thank you. Question: Why do most dragon fruit farmers set up their trellis above ground in a pot (vs. setting the trellis in the ground)?
We can speak for everyone, but the two factors we would consider is cost and geo location.
Do both end of the 4” pvc same size? I bought an orange color pvc and only one end is wider for the end cap. So the other end which is smaller can not fit the end cap. I am from the philippines and am trying your trellis system.
Yes, one end of the pipe is tapered, but this is only on some pipe. If your pipe is tapered, flip it around
Why wouldnt you use pvc pipe with joiners to make the top part like 2in or 1 inch for example
We use this setup for cost, simplicity, lightweight and durability. I'm sure areas can be improved however it will likely affect one of the setup reasons. We have found this setup to last over 10 years, moving the planter yearly, withstanding 100+ degree weather yearly and at survive at least three hurricanes.
@@Spicyexotics Great reasoning. Ugly as you stated but well-thought. Very informative. Thanks!!!
Great idea, but with my little
Experience df plant grows heavily into 150-200kg canopy
After 3 to 4 yrs due to heavy growth whole thing get collapsed.
Due to limited space, this is the only option , but may require pruning to limit the growth
My oldest container is over 10 years old and still holding strong.
@@Spicyexotics What is the schedule for this posts.
@@jorgenunez924 I've used both schedule 40 or drain PVC. You can use drain PVC if you place a cap on top. This gives it extra thickness to drill and support the canopy.
I would use a 4X4 wood instead of the plastic pipe. And 2X2 wood for the unbrellas.
That is much heavier and cost more too. These are movable. My oldest container now is 13 years old an still standing strong. PVC fit our needs better.
Have you used Nursery black pots instead of the plastic barrels? Thanks
We have not, these are larger and more reliable for our zone.
Amazing set up...you should sell them to make some extra cash...I bought a DF and I was told is the purple type so after this video i am thinking making a container like yours.You think 7 ft might be to much on the height..
I have mine at 5' because a purchase a 10' joint of pipe and cut it in half. So no waste. I'm 5' 7" and 6' would be ideal for me. The drums should support 7'. As a side note, if you plan on moving the drums, the taller they are the more difficult it will be do move.
Thanks for the great vid! I just have one question: what kind of cap did you use to cover your conduit pipe? Or what size? I can’t find anything that will fit snag tight??
We use a 4" end cap for the 4" pipe.
I really like your video, very informative. Thanks for the info.
Excelent, thanks for the video, i have a cuestion: what is the white stuf you put in the buttom of each container?
Its styrophome peanuts, but any light weight filler will work.
When do you replant? Or do you need to?
Can you use the conduit at the top over the crossed rebar without the grid or is the conduit too flexible?
Correct, it is to flexible.
Have you ever considered going with 1.5 instead of 2 feet diameter on the trellis? Due to where the rods fall, I can get 6 umbrellas from 1 piece of mesh at 18 inches, as opposed to 3 pieces at 24.
We have several setups and this have proven to be the best setups for mobility and stability in hurricanes. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
@@Spicyexotics I hear ya. Just a lot of wasted stock material at 24 inches.
Have you tried containers but without trellis?
Yes, but in smaller containers. Basically our starter plants before we transplant.
@@Spicyexotics Ok, I grow mine in containers without trellis. It has some adventages and disadventages.
can we add cactus mix to this??
Have you thought to turn them into a wicking barrel instead of using the styrofoam?
+Greg Berry I have not. The styrofoam is simply used as a filler.
How much space is between your two 1/2" pvc pipes? Looks to be about 8". Does this spacing matter too much?
You are correct, it's about 6 to 8 inches. It does stabilize the post better with space between the two 1/2" pipes.
Its quite freaky coz I made something almost identical to this.only diff was that instead of using the drum caps as the umbrella,i used pvc pipes instead
dumd question what you fill the pipe with after it setup ? sand ?
Nothing, We want it lightweight to make it easy to move.
@@Spicyexotics ok thanks
How much compost do I need to put in? How deep ? 12 inches?
I do 6 to 8 inches of filler at the bottom then 100 pounds of compost
would love to know where do you buy the container?
Try Craigslist or Facebook Market place. We acquired most of ours from car washes.
Thank you!
how many feet are the 4 in sewer pipes?
Mine is 5 feet, but I have my reasons. You can have it as long or as short as you desire.
why poison the plant and yourself with styrofoam base?
Do those wire mesh already came in 2' x 2' (or is it 3' x 3'?) precut? I saw some on Home Depot but they come in rolls and they're too much for building 2 pots.
It comes in 3.5 X 7 feet. Here is a link at Lowes. www.lowes.com/pd/Grip-Rite-Common-3-5-ft-x-7-ft-Actual-3-5-ft-x-7-ft-Steel-Remesh-Sheet/1000194987 . Once cut, you get 3 - 2 X 2 foot pieces. This can be cut with a set of linesman pliers.
how did you figure the holes on the 4"pvc and what did you use to drill them?
First, create a center line in the 4" pipe.
For the bottom support, put the cross supports in the pot. Then place the 4" pipe as close to the center, with one of the 1/2 support in the middle of the center line. Put a line on the top and bottom of each 1/2 support where it touches the 4" pipe. Your first drill hole will be where your center line and the two 1/2 outside lines meet. Let say you did this for the top cross support. For the lower cross support, from the center line take 1/4 the circumference to the middle of the lower 1/2 support pipe lines. Measure each spot from the bottom of the pipe. You will need this for the other side. Lastly, measure each location 1/2 of the circumference around the pipe. Double check your measurement from the bottom of the 4" . Then I use a 1/2" unibit.
Spicy Exotics I would love to see your video in this process
I’m thinking about making some of these. Nice design! Have you ever had one start to slant or fall over from the weight of the branches? I’m a plumber so I know 1/2” conduit or pvc is not very rigid and will bend easily. But I would assume having the dirt/compost packed around it would solidify it more. And once those roots take over the pot I’m sure it will never move. Also do you have a specific temperature that you enclose the walls of the greenhouse? I would think in your area it’s not until at least early November. Let me know.
They have slanted before due to a lack of attention. However, this is corrected with top dressing, pruning, and a little attention. They never fall over. We have over 100, and most have been through 100 summers and several hurricanes. We even moved locations 30 minutes with no issues.
We cover when temperatures get below 40 degrees. This could be from October - January.
@@Spicyexotics awesome thanks
Hello, can you please tell me what material are the electric conducts made of: PVC? Thank You, I will appreciate your reply.
Yes, PVC
Pls tell me What did u use at the bottom (The whitish things)and what things did u use in the soil.I have the same drums as u and also have a lot of dragonfruit cuttings.My plantss are in small containers,they only fruited once,only a little fruit set.I'm thinking of planting cuttings like u.Pls tell me what the white things are and what did u use in the soil.And pls tell me what vitamings do u spray at the dragonfruit.Plsss reply.
The whitish things are Styrofoam. I acts as a pot filler / make the overall plant lighter. Also, I do not use any sprays.
Doesnt the styrofoam rot in a few years???
It does get some wear due to roots growing through it. I have containers that are 10 years old with no issues.
what do you use to make the top.
3/8" rebar cut 24" in a crossing pattern with a 24" X 24" wire mesh secured on top of the rebar. The thicker the better, but also heavier.
Deos Spacing the plant in 1,5 miter on 1,5 miter efect them?
Not really, it's just easier to maintain and identify each plant as each pot holds a different variety.
So i Can plant 4 cuttings in one plant. By Spacing them 1,5 m x 1,5 m?
how many cutting can you plant in this container?
I would recommend 1-4. I have planted more but as things mature it gets over populated.
great! thanks for the info
The electrical conduit you are using, are they metal or plastic.
Thank you
Everything is plastic/PVC. It's easer to work with and lighter in weight.
Do u sell any of ur clippings
Yes, my website has more information. www.spicyexotics.com . I have a eBay and Etsy store, or tell me what you would like and I can send a paypal invoice.
This design is looking better and better as I research more. I was able to find a supply at a feed store today and picked up 6 white 55 gal plastic containers. They are BPA free and they had been used for food grade industrial sweeteners. I got them for 10 bucks a piece and they have several colors to choose from. Do you think BPA free versions will be ok? They seem very sturdy and unbendable.
I'm sure. We get ours from two sources. These places use it for holding soap, and the other holds fertilizer. We have over 50 made, and my oldest is over 10 years old now.
What soil should I use ?
We use 100% composted manure, no other additives.
What kind of manur did you use
Are you in Florida by any chance? If I were to plant mine in the ground how deep would you place the pvc?
We are in Louisiana. All of our plants are in pots. I would go at least two feet in the ground to support.
Hi, thanks for the video. Where do you get your metal grid on the top and what kinda wire did you use to tie burlap? I couldn't find them at home depot. Thanks.
The grid can be found in the concrete section of your home improvement store. The copper wire is 24 AWG solid 4 pair cable. This is used for telephones. Both are readily available at home improvement stores.
how expensive is this ? why cant u try cheaper method
These are built to withstand Gulf Coast Weather including Hurricanes. We used cheaper materials before that failed. We hope to never transplant a 200 pound Dragon Fruit plant due to pot failure ever again.
Hi did you fill the inside of the pipes?
We did not. We want our plants to be as lightweight as possible as we move our plants once or twice a year.
👍
who much Styrofoam do you put on the barel.
about 6" deep
What's is that blue container? Where can I get it?
The are 55 gallon drums. Most are from a car wash. This is what the car wash soap comes in.
Don’t Styrofoam desolve in water
Corn starch packing peanuts dissolves, not styrofoam
I am opening Georgia’s first official dragonfruit farm this spring. Just looking for a few additional pointers before investing so much time, money, and effort. My market will be mostly local, selling fruit and cuttings and making food items with the fruit. Let me know if you are interested in any kind of sponsorship. Possibly send a few different cuttings and I can display them to customers and show that they come from your website and get you some extra sales. But it seems you don’t need the additional exposure, as your website is completely sold out. But I do wonder if that is caused by high demand or low supply? I know it’s both playing a role but you seem smart so you probably limit your online supply intentionally correct? Can’t let them all go. And of course the season makes a big difference but all my dragons are still producing large branches so I know the season for cuttings is much larger than that of the fruit depending on variety. Also did I see the fruit of a monkey tail cactus in one of yours videos? Sorry I have so many questions. I have a lot more to ask but I will limit myself haha you seem to be interested in the same plants as I am. Have you ventured into the Dioscorea family yet? Air potatoes. Look at Polystachya and Alata. They have incredible potential here in the states as a good crop or an ornamental but they are very invasive. Especially Polystachya. I can go on forever about plants my apologies. 😂
We are expanding our nursery this summer, and we need all the time we can get to finish our project before winter sets in. This is the reason why we are out of stock. We have an abundance of plant material and fruit this year. Local sales are fantastic. Online sales have been limited to one week per month during construction until our project is completed. For the answers to your other questions, email us at info@spicyexotics.com, and we will respond.
Can I only use organic potting soil to grow it ?
You can use whatever you like. I've tried several things and had the best results with composted manure. This is ALL I use.
What's the Styrofoam for?
To make the planter lighter when moving. It's a filler. Saves about 100 pounds.
Why don't you just wood as the main trellis wouldn't that be cheaper and less work
PVC is much cheaper than wood that would last over time, but that's not the main reason. I do it for weight. The planters are movable and they do get moved yearly..
@@Spicyexotics I see. I actually do like your design but I have no idea how I'd do that top grate bit... is it necessary to cover the pic with fabric for the roots to climb on?
@@xPorsum It helps and I did spay my plants with Micronutrients so using the burlap helped absorb the nutrients and release it slowly. I do not do this anymore so it is not necessary.
sell me some cuttings please
+maui234 From what state are you from?
+maui234 , you can visit www.spicyexotics.com/store/, then click on the green ebay button, this will take you to my auction.
+May Castro , Louisiana, USA
+Tye Miller So that's the reason you get a lot of rains. I live here in Southern California, and for the first time we had a half day rain last month....and l lost 5 of my buds. But l can sacrifice those buds, coz rain is badly needed here right now.
Thanks!
Is it true that the branches that bore fruit for this year wont bear fruit the ff years?
can we use precast fence post?
You can use whatever materials you like. I use PVC for it's light weight because I move my plants and other materials can make it quite heavy.
Zzzzzz