Janet Craig Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig'
'Janet Craig' is a sturdy Dracaena fragrans cultivar with deep emerald, sword-shaped leaves that form a dense upright rosette. It handles lower light and imperfect watering better than many foliage plants, which is why it shows up so often in offices and hallways.
Light
Medium
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
Contains saponins which are toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, and hypersalivation. In cats, it may cause dilated pupils.
Full care guide
Janet Craig Dracaena Care
Grow Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig' with medium light, a long dry-down, and cleaner water so those deep emerald swords stay full without brown tips.
Read the guideRelated plants
Care Notes
Full guide →Light
Medium indirect light is ideal. It can survive in lower light, but growth slows. Direct sun can leave brown scorch marks on the leaves.
Water
Let the top half to three-quarters of the soil dry before watering. This plant is sensitive to fluoride and minerals in tap water, so distilled or rainwater can help reduce brown tips. Keep the soil moist but never soggy in spring and summer; water less in fall and winter.
Soil
Use a well-draining peat-based potting mix in a planter with drainage holes. Empty the saucer after watering so roots do not sit wet.
Humidity and Temperature
Average home humidity is usually fine. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heaters. Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth so dust does not build up, and trim brown tips along the natural leaf curve with clean scissors.
Common Issues
Brown tips often come from tap water minerals, dry air, or inconsistent watering. Yellow leaves usually mean too much water.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Liquid balanced houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting soil.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
10-15 feet indoors if not pruned
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Stem cuttings and air layering.
Common Varieties
Lisa
Narrow, glossy deep-green sword-shaped leaves that grow densely along thick upright canes.
Michiko
Glossy deep-green sword-shaped leaves in tight upright clusters, with a puckered or rippled leaf texture.