How to care for Janet Craig (Dracaena Fragrans)
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About Janet Craig
Hailing from Africa, Janet Craig, or Dracaena deremensis, is named after the Derema Forest in Tanzania. As the original Deremensis disappeared from cultivation, it was replaced by its resilient, adaptable, and air-purifying daughter – Janet Craig, with its thick, wavy, forest-green foliage. As it grows, Janet Craig will drop a few lower leaves, which are replaced by new ones at the top.
Other common names
- Dracaena Deremensis
- Corn Plant
- Cornstalk Dracaena
How Often Should I Water My Janet Craig?
With easyplant’s self-watering system, caring for your Janet Craig is effortless. Simply check the easyplant reservoir once a month and top it up when it’s empty!
Janet Craig Light Needs
Janet Craig thrives in a well-lit space with bright direct or indirect sunlight and can adapt to areas with medium to low light where the light source is further away. Avoid placing it in spaces without natural sunlight.
Janet Craig Plant Care
In the first few days after bringing your Janet Craig home, it may lose a few leaves or develop yellowing foliage - this is nothing to worry about. Simply shake off or trim the affected leaves, and look forward to new, healthier growth. To help it grow evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a quarter turn once a month. You can also prune it periodically to maintain your preferred shape and height.
How Big Do Janet Craig Plants Grow?
Janet Craig grows slowly, gradually developing into a small indoor tree reaching around 1.2–1.8 metres tall over several years. As it grows taller, its lower leaves naturally yellow and fall off, allowing new ones to grow at the top, giving it a tree-like appearance. Due to its slow growth, it commonly takes at least ten years to reach full height indoors. When grown outdoors, it can reach up to 4.5 metres tall. Growth factors include location, humidity levels, consistent lighting, and a regular watering schedule.
Temperature & Humidity
Since Janet Craig is a tropical plant, it thrives in warm, humid conditions and grows best at temperatures between 16–29°C. While it can tolerate typical UK indoor humidity levels, it will flourish in more humid environments similar to its natural habitat.
Is Janet Craig Toxic to Pets & Children?
Janet Craig may be moderately toxic if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of pets and children. Though not usually life-threatening, it can cause unpleasant symptoms if eaten by pets, so seek veterinary advice if needed. Due to its high saponin content, it’s also not suitable for human consumption, as ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other adverse reactions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Janet Craig
Placing your plant near a north- or east-facing window is ideal for ensuring it receives at least 4–8 hours of light per day without excessive direct sunlight. Too much direct sun can dry out, yellow, and scorch the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dracaena Janet Craig Plant
- How fast does a Janet Craig plant grow?
Dracaena Janet Craig is a slow-growing plant, typically growing around 30–60 cm per year in ideal conditions. It takes over ten years to reach maturity. To encourage optimal growth, provide bright, indirect light and maintain warm temperatures. Water when the soil has dried out to keep your plant healthy.
- How tall do Janet Craigs grow?
Dracaena Janet Craigs typically grow to a height of 1.8-2.4 metres, though they can reach up to 4.5 metres in ideal conditions. They can also spread up to 90 cm.
- How do you care for Janet Craig Dracaena?
To care for Dracaena Janet Craig, ensure it gets at least 4–8 hours of bright, indirect light per day, water when one-third to one-half of the soil is dry (around every 10–14 days), keep temperatures between 16–29°C, and maintain higher humidity levels if possible.
- How often should I water my Janet Craig?
Water your Janet Craig when one-third to one-half of the soil has dried out, usually every 10–14 days. It’s important not to overwater, as the plant is sensitive to fluoride and other salts in tap wate - using distilled or rainwater is recommended. To simplify watering and prevent overwatering, consider using easyplant’s self-watering pot. Just check the reservoir once a month and top it up when empty!