PlantFiles: Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig Compacta'

"Janet Craig" is one of the most shade-tolerant house plants in existence. But that doesn't mean it performs best in a closet. If it truly needs to enhance a dark corner, try rotating it out to a brighter spot from time to time. As for dying leaf tips, that's often caused by overwatering. If the plant is growing extremely slowly (in dim light), it needs extremely little water. To get a true sense of that, try withholding water until it shows distress -- that will probably take a very long time! Next time, water in a little shorter interval -- maybe monthly or bi-monthly. You can also trim off brown tips with sharp scissors; try to maintain a natural shape.

I have grown the Janet Craig for years. To my SUPRISE, one of my three( they live in the same planter inside) has an unusual looking large bud at the very top of it. What in the world is happening??
Any input would be great.

Brabrevilo

One of the best house plants you can find. No pests,takes little or much light indoors and is very forgiving about watering. Likes warmth -i dont think it is a 9b plant.
EDIT 2007: My 20+ year old 4' multitrunk plant bloomed for the first time. Unlike the regular corn plant,'compacata' has no fragrance..darn.

I've had this plant for a couple of years. The greenhouse from which I bought it said that it would grow under low lighting, so I kept it at work, where my office faces north and has a few small windows. It hasn't grown very much and the leaves sometimes develop black spots or die back at the tips. I think it needs more light than it's currently getting.

I keep plant in bright, indirect light; receives late afternoon sun through low-e glass. Sword-shaped leaves have parallel venation. I've read that scales, mealybugs, and thrips can sometimes be a problem but I've never had a problem in my 3 years of ownership. Origin Africa or Asia. Very lovely indoor plant.