The Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig,’ better known as the Janet Craig plant, is a super-popular houseplant, and for good reason. It’s easy to care for, so it’s a favorite for both beginners and experienced plant parents.
Not only is the Janet Craig plant easy to care for, but it’s also an excellent air purifier. Plus, it looks great in almost any space.
This article will cover everything you need to know about Janet Craig plants, including how to care for them, how to troubleshoot common problems, and how to keep them thriving for years to come.
Understanding the Dracaena Janet Craig
Let’s take a closer look at this popular houseplant. It’s relatively easy to care for, and it can really brighten up an indoor space.
Origins and Characteristics
The Dracaena Janet Craig’s scientific name is Dracaena fragrans ‘Compacta’, and it’s also sometimes called Dracaena Deremensis, Corn Plant, or Cornstalk Dracaena. It’s a member of the Asparagaceae family.
Appearance
The Janet Craig has dark green, sword-shaped leaves that give it a distinctive look. It’s a slow-growing plant, so it won’t quickly outgrow its space, but it can eventually reach a pretty significant size indoors.
Light Requirements for Dracaena Janet Craig
Janet Craigs do best in low to medium indirect light. Think of the light that filters through a sheer curtain.
Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, leaving unsightly brown spots. A north or east-facing window is usually a safe bet.
If your Janet Craig isn’t getting enough light, it will start to look “leggy,” meaning the stems will stretch out and the leaves will be sparse. If you notice this, try moving it to a brighter location.
Watering Your Dracaena Janet Craig
Watering is the trickiest part of caring for a Janet Craig, and most problems come from giving it too much water. So, less is more with this plant!
You should only water your Janet Craig every 7 to 14 days, depending on how much light and humidity it’s getting. Before you water, let the soil dry out a little. Stick your finger into the top third or half of the soil to test it.
Also, tap water can cause problems with Janet Craigs. Use distilled water or rainwater to keep fluoride and salt from building up in the soil. Don’t use softened water, because it has too many minerals.
If you have trouble with watering, you might want to try a self-watering pot. These help keep the soil moisture consistent, which Janet Craigs love.
Soil, Temperature, and Humidity
Like most houseplants, Janet Craig dracaenas like a well-draining potting mix. You don’t want their roots sitting in soggy soil.
These plants are happiest when the temperature is between 65° and 75° Fahrenheit (18° – 24° Celsius). Don’t put your plant where it will be exposed to cold drafts or blasts of hot or cold air from heating and cooling vents.
Janet Craig dracaenas are pretty easygoing when it comes to humidity. They’ll generally do just fine in average household humidity levels. If your home tends to be dry, you can mist the plant occasionally or set up a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizing and pruning
Fertilizing
During the spring and summer growing season, fertilize your Janet Craig every three months at half strength. Cut back on the fertilizer during the fall and winter months, when the plant’s growth slows down.
Pruning
Clip off any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves using a clean, sharp set of pruning shears or scissors.
You can also prune your Janet Craig to keep it at the size and shape you like.
Propagating and repotting your Janet Craig
You can easily propagate your Janet Craig dracaena using stem cuttings. Here’s how:
- Take stem cuttings from a healthy plant.
- Place the cuttings in water, making sure at least one node is submerged.
- Wait for roots to develop, changing the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Once the roots are a couple of inches long, plant the cutting in potting soil.
You’ll also want to repot your Janet Craig every couple of years, or whenever you notice the roots are crowding the pot. Choose a new pot that’s a little bigger than the old one, and use fresh potting mix that drains well.
Pests and Diseases
Like many indoor plants, Janet Craig plants can sometimes attract pests. Common ones include mealybugs, spider mites, scale, fungus gnats, thrips, and whiteflies. You can usually spot them by looking for tiny insects on the leaves or stems, or for sticky residue.
Treating these pests is usually straightforward. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be very effective. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the product.
Janet Craig plants can sometimes develop leaf spot. Good air circulation is key to preventing this fungal disease.
Help! My Janet Craig is having problems
Janet Craig plants are generally pretty easy to care for, but you might run into a few issues.
Don’t worry too much if you see some leaf drop, especially when you first bring the plant home. It’s just getting used to its new environment.
Brown leaf tips are a little more concerning. They’re usually caused by inconsistent watering (too much or too little), or by using tap water that’s high in mineral content. Try filtered water and make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.
Conclusion
With the right light, the right amount of water, and the right temperature, your Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ will thrive. They are known for being easy to care for and for cleaning the air in your home.
Enjoy the beauty and simplicity of adding a Janet Craig plant to your indoor space!