The Janet Craig plant is a species of flowering plant native to tropical Africa. The scientific name of this Janet Craig plant is Dracaena fragrans (cornstalk dracaena), a plant distributed in Africa from Sudan to southern Mozambique, west to Côte d’Ivoire, and southwest to Angola, mostly found at altitudes of 600-2250 m.
This Janet Craig plant has long and thick green leaves, 20-150 cm long and 2-12 cm wide. This plant can be more than 12-15 feet tall. The Janet Craig plant is also known as compact dracaena and striped dracaena. The plant bears flowers on long stems, 15-160 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter, initially, white in color which gradually changes to pink. These flowers are highly fragrant and popular with pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The Janet Craig plant is commonly grown as a hedge plant in Africa.
This plant is also popular as a houseplant. This plant can tolerate conditions ranging from bright dappled light to shade and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. It has been suggested by NASA that this plant helps remove indoor pollutants like toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde.
Content summary:
- What is Janet Craig Plant
- Other names of Janet Craig Plant
- History of Janet Craig Plant
- Most Interesting Facts
- Types of Janet Craig Plants
- How to Care and Grow
- Protect Against Pests and Diseases
- Pruning of Janet Craig Plant
- Uses of Janet Craig Plant
- Related Questions
History
Janet Craig has a flowering genus of Dracaena ‘Warneckii.’ The plant is named after the daughter of Robert Craig, a plant breeder who lived in Philadelphia. Robert Craigen had many plants in his nursery and began creating and naming marketable plant cultivars in 1845. There is actually a game called “Janet Craig.”
Janet Craig plant Overview
- Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans
- Common Name: Janet Craig, Corn plant, Dracaena Janet Craig
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Propagation: Root in soil
- Bloom Time: Rarely blooms indoors
- Soil Type: Loose, quick-draining
- Soil pH: 1 to 6.5
- Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
- Mature Size: 12-15 ft. tall, 2-12 cm. wide
- Hardiness Zones: 10-12 (USDA)
- Flowers Color: Pink and White
- Native Area: Africa
- Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
Types of Janet Craig
Lemon Lime Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’)
Lemon lime is known for its elegant leaves. The leaves of this plant are striped in neon yellow and green, which makes them stand out from other plants. This plant can grow 5-7 feet tall indoors. This plant prefers bright indirect light, and too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves. A humid environment is suitable for the good growth of this plant.
Dracaena Lisa (Dracaena fragrans ‘Lisa’)
The ‘Lisa’ Dracaena plant is a popular houseplant. This plant has dark green leaves that are slightly thick and long. This plant can tolerate low light and cannot tolerate direct sun. The leaves of this plant are somewhat serrated at the top.
How to Care & Grow
Caring for this plant is very easy. If grown indoors, choose a location with east and south windows so that it gets partial and bright light. This plant cannot tolerate much frost or cold during winter. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers or salt water can damage plants.
Light
This plant prefers medium to bright light. Keep the plant out of natural sunlight, as direct light can reduce the color of its leaves or burn them.
Water
When to water a Janet Craig plant also depends on location. If you plant it in an area that gets more sunlight, it needs more water, and less water in a shaded area. There should be a moist environment around this plant. If not enough water is available, the plant leaves plant may become discolored or dry.
Soil
The Janet Craig plant likes well-drained soil. Create a potting mix that is rich in organic matter such as vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss is the best soil. Overuse of chemical fertilizers reduces soil quality, so use as little as possible.
Fertilizer
Janet Craig Plants need to be fertilized on time as required for good growth and good foliage. Fertilizers used for houseplants must be applied monthly during spring and summer, but over-fertilization creates salts that harm plants.
Temperature & Humidity
Since Janet Craig is a tropical plant, it has lived in humid and warm climates. The temperature required for optimal growth of this plant should be between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is drought tolerant, moderately moist environment enhances its growth.
Common Pests and Diseases of Janet Craig
Janet Craig Plants are mostly disease-free, but overwatering plants can suffer from fungal or bacterial infections. Your plant should have drainage so that excess water does not collect.
These plants are susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Bugs in this plant are found on the underside of the leaves and on the upper stems.
Pruning
Janet Craig plants grow best during the spring, so it’s important to prune them before spring starts to remove any yellowing or old leaves on the plant to ensure proper plant growth. If you want plump foliage, cut the plant back a bit too high so new leaves will develop sooner.
Uses of Janet Craig
Janet Craig is an excellent natural air purifier that cleans the harmful toxic gases in the air in the atmosphere. So it provides amazing and the best atmosphere in any home or office. This plant is popular as a houseplant because of its beautiful green foliage.
FAQ
What are the benefits of Dracaena Janet Craig?
This plant is a natural air purifier. It removes toxic gases in the atmosphere, and because of its beautiful foliage, it is used as a houseplant.
How much water does a Dracaena Janet Craig need?
Janet Craig plants should be watered 1-2 times a week if in direct sunlight and less frequently during the winter.