The Dracaena Deremensis or Janet Craig Dracaena is in a unique group of houseplants that you can never go wrong growing. Beyond giving your indoors a natural plush decor, this easy to care for plant is known as one of the best natural air purifiers.
To care for a Dracaena Deremensis, keep it indoors because it loves indirect light. Such a location should also have a temperature range between 50°F (10°C) and 85°F (29°C), with humidity levels between 40% to 50%. Water the plant when the topsoil dries up, so you prevent the roots from rotting.
Because the Dracaena Deremensis is highly adaptive, it will grow in almost any environment. However, the tropical origin requires you to pay attention to particular care procedures, mainly based on the environment where you are placing your plant.
Let’s get down to it as we discuss crucial care tips in detail to ensure that your dracaena deremensis bush gives your indoors the most beautiful natural decor.
Dracaena Deremensis: Basic Caring Guidelines
The Dracaena deremensis is visually striking because of its colorful leaves, their organization around the stem, and a growth pattern that involves interchanging sprouting around the stem.
Because of the ease in growing the plant, this bushy and lush tree of Madagascan and Indian Ocean origin is a constant feature indoors: it gives your premises that classic, tropical feel.
Maybe what is more noticeable is the fresh air that comes from its famed ability to purify the air: people can breathe with ease around the plant.
Here is a detailed look at the conditions that you must provide for the Janet Craig dracaena to thrive indoors and help you create the most beautiful interior.
Watering: How much water does the Janet Craig plant require, and how often?
Keep the soil in the pot moist, but in case you make a water level mistake, let it be towards dry soil. The container should come with holes at the bottom to allow for free draining of the soil.
Because the plant prefers warm temperature areas, avoid using cold water during watering to protect the roots.
Because the plant is sensitive to fluoride, it is advisable to use non-fluoridated water. Remember to reduce the amount of water during winter to protect your plant from root rot.
Humidity: Does Janet Craig Dracaena need misting?
Maintain a relative humidity between 40% and 50%. This will help your plants feel at home, as it does in their native environment! You can do this by using either a humidifier or placing water trays beneath them so that they’re kept constantly damp. Make sure not to let any of the bottom portions come into contact with these surfaces, though you may want to use some pebbles instead if needed for extra stability while standing on its own without supports underneath.
Soil: What is the best soil for Dracaena Deremensis?
The tropical plant only needs to retain moderate moisture in the soil to thrive.
Only water the plant when the top layer of the potting soil is dry. However, do not wait too long because the leaves will begin to turn brown and blacken at the tip.
Despite the plant being a reasonably drought resistant variety, do not leave the soil to accumulate dust.
Janet Craig dracaena will grow on any pot as long as the soil drains well. If it is indoors, poor drainage could make the soil soggy, exposing the plant to mealybug and root rot.
Lighting: Do you keep the Janet Craig dracaena indoors, outdoors, in a shaded area, or what is ideal?
For Dracaena Deremensis to produce the rich, showy plush leaves, it requires moderate to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight, especially at noon, is dangerous.
Place the pot at a position where the plant can enjoy bright but indirect sunlight.
If the plant is to remain indoors for long, fluorescent lighting is necessary. If the indoors are dimly lit, you should consequently reduce the amount of water.
Temperature: Can a Janet Craig grow in my area?
The best temperature to grow Dracaena deremensis is anywhere between 70°F and 80°F. However, being the tolerant plant it is, this species can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F.
Dracaena Deremensis Advanced Caring Guidelines
While Janet Craig Dracaena is not a needy indoor plant, there are small actions that will help the plant to thrive. Here are a few steps that will change the appearance of your tropical plant.
Pruning
The plant produces canes that you can cut back to size once they are overgrown. The best time to prune is during spring because the plant is experiencing active growth. The cut canes grow the roots back quickly, therefore, are useful for propagation.
Fertilization
Dracaena deremensis is extremely sensitive to fluoride found in commercial fertilizers. Since the plant does not require vibrant soil, compost manure is the most appropriate when mixed with soil during potting. You can use water-soluble fertilizer recommended by expert gardeners.
Propagation
This is one of the easiest plants to propagate. The roots grow naturally from cuttings or sprouting shoots from the stem. You do not need rooting hormones to grow roots from the cuttings. As long as you have warm and moist soil, you are good to go. It will take about a month for the roots to appear.
Repotting
If you get your soil combination right, you will only need to repot if the plant outgrows the current vase. This process could take you two to three years. The hardy nature of the plant makes repotting easier.
A mixture of loam, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite is the best when potting your Janet Craig dracaena. Use a drip tray to capture the excess water draining after your watering session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Dracaena Deremensis
How big do Janet Craig plants get?
In the wild, the plant will grow up to 10ft (3mts). However, indoor Janet Craig plants only rise to 5-6.5ft (1.5-2mts).
Luckily, it produces shoots at the nodes, helping you to cut the main stem and allow younger shoots to thrive. This pruning process creates very beautifully layered plants.
Is Dracaena Janet Craig poisonous to cats?
No it is not. It does not affect dogs, as well.
Though Janet Craig is not poisonous to humans, it should not be ingested. Once ingested, it causes loss of appetite, excess saliva, and vomiting.
Should I mist my Dracaena Deremensis?
Regular misting aids in protecting the lush green leaves from drying. If leaves begin wilting and the tips blacken, the plant is likely to be suffering from a lack of humidity.
