How to grow a Dracaena 'Janet Craig'

Mark's Dracaena 'Janet Craig'

I was at my friend Mark's house and snapped this picture of his Dracaena 'Janet Craig'. Its lived with him for over ten years and is doing quite well in the corner of his living room. His living room has a big picture window which provides a lot of indirect light and there is a lamp on a table right next to it which also provides some extra light in the evenings.

The Dracaena 'Janet Craig' has deep green and shiny leaves, and is a calming presence wherever it lives. It's quite hardy and it is very easy to keep this slow grower. It's a great choice for a beginner or someone who doesn't have too much time to devote to plants. They are usually sold as larger floor plants and do not need water very often. Mark waters his about every 3-4 weeks.

Another 10+ year old Dracaena 'Janet Craig'

It lives quite well in fairly low light tso there is a lot of flexibility in its placement in your home or office. It can survive quite well with fluorescent lighting as its only source of light, if the lights are on for 10 hours a day or more. Because of that, they are often recommended for office living.

Care Instructions---

• Good for low light areas; it will also thrive in strong indirect light or some direct morning sun. Full afternoon sun will be too much for it.  (Its leaves will bleach if is getting too much light.)
• A plant in a 10" (25 cm) diameter pot should be watered with 1-2 quarts (1-2 liters) of water when the plant is dry about 1-1/2"-2" (about 3-5 cm) below the soil surface.
• A plant in a 14" (35 cm) diameter pot will use 1/2 gal-1 gal (about 2-4 liters) of water when dry 2" or a little more below the soil surface. 
• If your 'Janet Craig' is in low light use the lesser amounts of water unless the plant has completely dried out.
• It's far better to err on the dry side with the Janet Craig. It is susceptible to disease if it does not dry out enough in between waterings.
• Fertilize on a regular schedule for best color and growth.
• Dust occasionally and even give it a shower with your garden hose or in the bathtub from time to time. Its leaves will stay shiny and it can breathe and receive light better that way.

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***To see a video clip on the Dracaena 'Janet Craig' from my 90's TV series, click on:

 

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