From disappointment to delight -Lessons from growing a dragon fruit
On September 16th, 2023, my father and I stood admiring a large dragon fruit hanging prominently in the garden of our neighbor, whom we’ll refer to as John. Our own plants, however, stood barren despite our efforts. We reached out to John for advice, but he wasn’t too keen on sharing much beyond the basics — that the plant had to be potted. It was clear that if we wanted success, we would have to do our own research and figure things out.
Thus began a year-long journey of trial, error, and patience, which culminated on September 7th, 2024, when we harvested and enjoyed our very first dragon fruit. Along the way, we learned valuable lessons that apply not just to gardening, but to life itself.
1. You may be on your own and have to do your own work if you want success
One of the first lessons we learned was that sometimes, people won’t hand you the answers. While it would have been nice to receive guidance, we realized that our own research and efforts were key to success. Whether it’s finding the right pot, using the right fertilizer, or adjusting the plant’s environment, the journey taught us to trust in our own ability to figure things out. My father took the initiative to research, relocating the plants and applying fertilizer, which marked the beginning of a long phase of waiting, experimentation, and trial and error.
2. You need to be patient
Growing a dragon fruit requires patience. For months, we nurtured the plant, sometimes with little sign of progress. The first flower didn’t bloom until July 14th, 2024 — almost a year after we first started. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to expect quick results, but some things, like nature, take time.
3. When things fail, don’t get disappointed, try new approaches
Early on, our attempts felt like failures. The plants were not thriving, and it was easy to feel discouraged. Instead of giving up, we tried different pots, fertilizers, and placements. Every failure became a stepping stone towards our eventual success. When things didn’t work, we pivoted, tried something new, and kept pushing forward.
4. The end result is worth the wait
When we finally harvested our dragon fruit on September 7th, 2024, the taste was as sweet as success itself. There’s a deep satisfaction in reaping the rewards of hard work and patience. The juicy, large fruit was a testament to the journey we had been on, and it was undoubtedly worth the wait.
5. You can make the world a nicer place by helping others
Reflecting on John’s initial reluctance to share advice, we realized that helping others on their journey would have been more rewarding. Imagine if more gardens were filled with dragon fruits. By sharing our knowledge, we could make the process easier for others, just as we could have benefitted from a helping hand early on. In the future, we aim to be more open in sharing what we’ve learned, to help others grow their own success.
The journey of growing this dragon fruit was filled with lessons that transcended the garden. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to try new things ultimately led to a fruitful outcome — both literally and metaphorically.
