'Janet Craig' dracaena guide
Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig', also called Janet Craig, 'Compacta', green dracaena
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Low
- Water
- When the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Causes vomiting and, in cats, dilated pupils.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) tall indoors
- Propagation
- Top cuttings or cane pieces, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Janet Craig' dracaena different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the dracaena care guide.
What it is
‘Janet Craig’ is a dracaena with wide, glossy, solid dark green leaves. It has no stripes. It grows on canes or as a full bush. ‘Janet Craig Compacta’ is a smaller form with short, crowded leaves.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Janet Craig’ | Wide, glossy, solid dark green | All green, no stripe |
| Corn plant | Wide, arching, yellow stripe | Yellow center stripe |
| ‘Lemon Lime’ dracaena | Lime, white, and green stripes | Bright lime edges |
Care differences
‘Janet Craig’ handles the lowest light of any dracaena. It grows in offices and north rooms where other plants fade. It grows slow there, so it needs water less often.
Wipe the big glossy leaves now and then. Dust shows on dark green.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut the top off a cane and root it in water or moist soil. The cane sprouts new growth below the cut.
Buying it
‘Janet Craig’ is common at garden centers. Look for glossy leaves with no brown tips. It is a good pick for a dim office.