Question
Hello,
I believe the type of Dracaena is Janet Craig. I was given a 3-ft piece which was lopped off at the bottom, hence no roots. I put it in water to root. Then I read I should root it in sand or in Perlite. What do you say? If I root it in sand or Perlite, how do I know when it has rooted? Would I then transplant it to soil?

Also any other info on this plant would be appreciated. I believe it likes bright but indirect light and medium humidity.
Thank you.
ellen

Answer
Hi Ellen,

Janet Craigs are one of my favorites. I care for hundreds of them in various locations.

Janet Craig cuttings will root in water, but the preferred method is to root them in a potting mix. The best rooting mix for your cutting is a soilless, peat-based potting mix, such as Pro-Mix or you can make your own by putting 3 or 4 parts of peat moss together with two parts vermiculite. (Janet Craigs are fluoride sensitive and perlite is a potent source of fluoride, so I don't recommend it.)

Use a small pot and keep the rooting mix evenly moist by watering it whenever the top half-inch feels dry.

After a month you can begin giving it some fertilizer mixed at one-quarter strength once per month. There is no reason to transfer it out of this rooting mix until the pot is completely filled with roots. When it reaches that point you can move it up one pot size and add a standard potting mix.

Janet Craigs do prefer bright indirect light, such as you would get right in front of a north window. They will also adapt to lower light, although they will grow much more slowly. They can do very well even in low humidity. Keep temps above 60 degrees. Never allow the soil to get too dry or you will find yellow spots on the leaves.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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