The plant looks a little sun-burned to me. Although these are cacti, they don't like blistering sun. In Central CA you might need to provide a little protection from the hottest summer sun (not to mention the cold winter).

The red dots are most likely sunburn. Most likely your DF is weak because it's in a pot. Plant it in the ground, and it will be much stronger. I'm in Bakersfield, and none of my DF are protected. They get some sun spots, but they survive fine in the hot and cold months. What part of central CA are you located?

Thanks for the repllies. I've got it in the ground now, with an untreated stake for support. We'll see if it starts to look better... I guess it can take a bit more water than a desert cactus? I'm in Fresno, and as you know Winter is rainy season. I shouldn't have to worry about frost or cold temps.

Rain is fine, as long as the water drains away.

newgen, do you get temperatures below freezing in your garden? I want to plant dragonfruit in my garden here in Greece and we do get down to 28 degrees a few times every winter. From your experience do you think pitayas will be able to survive this kind of cold weather?

Thanks in advance,
Nik

Nik,

I haven't any day when it's 28. There were maybe a few hours, very rare though, of 30. I believe that if the plant is in ground, with strong root system, it will survive. It will not survive if it's young, or in a container.

Thanks for the info and the advice newgen.

Nik

Wow! I'm sure I never dreamed of "Corfu" and "28" in the same sentence!

A little overhead protection might go a long way to fending off the cold--planting against the south side of a house, under eaves, etc. Lacking that, a blanket for the chilly nights!

Steve, I'll probably end up doing what you suggest but in a couple of years, when my plants are big and strong. Now they are in their 'infancy' and I'll keep them in my protected balcony. However, when they grow up they will be difficult to keep them in because they are thorny; that's when I'll move the plants in a south-facing wall in my garden, keep them potted, and try to cover them in the coldest winter nights. It might work...