Whether you know them because of the sansevieria renaming debate or from owning one in the past, there’s no denying that dracaenas are a popular topic.
One member of this genus is often referred to as Dracaena compacta or compacta dragon tree, yet it’s actually a cultivar.
Dracaena fragrans ‘Compacta’ has garnered much attention for its compact form.
It retains many of the attributes of its parent plant, which can be found throughout much of Africa.
However, this perennial member of the Asparagaceae family stands apart from its parent in appearance.
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Compacta’ Care
Size And Growth
This is a slow-growing plant, gaining only about 4” inches per year. However, when cared for properly, a mature plant will reach a height of 3′ to 6′ feet and may spread out as far as 10’ feet.
The thick green stems bear tight rosettes of dark green leaves that range from 2″ to 5” inches long, giving the plant a compact appearance.
The leaves feature a shiny finish, raised texture, and prominent veins.
Flowering And Fragrance
It’s extremely rare for a ‘Compacta’ to bloom indoors. When it does, you can expect a 1” inch-white to pinkish flower to appear from the central stem.
They have a honey-sweet scent and a somewhat round appearance.
However, many “Compacta” owners prefer to prune away blooms as soon as they appear, claiming that allowing them to blossom fully may distort the plant’s growth patterns.
Light And Temperature
Dracaena ‘Compacta’ is descended from a plant that grows in forests, which means it doesn’t handle direct sunlight well and can easily become scorched.
Instead, it would be best if you aimed for bright, indirect sunlight. This can include a spot in an eastern or western window where it gets mild direct sunlight but is shaded from the harsh midday sun.
Another option is to place the plant beside a sunny window, so the sun’s rays don’t directly hit it.
A third possibility is to use a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight, which emulates the dappling effect of a forest canopy.
This plant is right at home in normal household humidity levels.
It will suffer if the humidity drops below 25% percent and should never be higher than 40% percent.
You can augment the humidity levels using a pebble tray, grouping it with other plants, or giving it a humidifier.
Ideally, you will want to keep your ‘Compacta’ in a temperature range of 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 5° to 10° degrees Fahrenheit lower at night.
The plant will attempt to go dormant if the temperature drops below 54° degrees Fahrenheit and will suffer damage if exposed to temperatures of 40° degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
You may take the plant outdoors in the summer, and it’s possible to grow it year-round outside in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
However, it doesn’t like sudden temperature changes, so you should keep it out of the wind or indoor sources of drafts, such as air conditioners or vents.
Watering And Feeding
Dracaena compacta hate overwatering, so you should avoid using the calendar method.
However, both the soak-and-dry method and the bottom-up method will work great.
You can simply tell when it’s time to water by sticking your finger straight into the soil.
If the soil feels dry 1″ to 2″ inches down (approximately to your first and second knuckles, respectively), it’s time to water.
WARNING: Do NOT use tap water for this plant without first filtering it.
Dracaenas are notoriously sensitive to several chemicals and mineral salts commonly found in tap water, including boron, chlorine, and fluoride.
Instead, try to use distilled or natural rainwater when possible, and always use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.
The bottom-up method is one of the easiest techniques for smaller plants that overhang the pot.
Simply sit the container on a tray filled with water and allow it to soak for 20 minutes or so.
Add a little more water as necessary and remove the tray when the top of the soil feels slightly moist.
The soak-and-dry method is also easy once you get the hang of it.
The trick is to pour slowly enough so the soil can absorb as fast as the water hits it.
Work your way around the base of the plant, pouring slowly and evenly, ensuring not get the foliage wet.
Stop when the soil surface is beginning to have trouble keeping up, or you see moisture beginning to seep from the drainage holes.
‘Compacta’ is a slow-grower, so there’s very little need to fertilize the plant.
However, it’s good to give it a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer cut to ½ strength once in the spring and again in summer.
Soil And Transplanting
This cultivar prefers organically rich, well-draining soil with a soil pH of 6.1 to 7.0.
African violet potting mixes are perfect, and you can add an aggregate such as perlite if you wish to improve the drainage a little further.
You can also do a 50/50 blend of standard potting mix and organic matter, such as compost.
You will need to repot this plant once every 2 to 3 years to give it fresh soil.
It’s rare for the ‘Compacta’ to become rootbound due to its slow growth.
However, if you see roots beginning to poke out of the drainage holes or soil surface, it’s time to graduate to a container one size larger.
Grooming And Maintenance
Your Dracaena will require very little maintenance if you tend to its needs.
Check the plant occasionally for any signs of infestations or disease, and prune away any damaged or diseased leaves.
If you are one of the lucky ones to see this plant bloom, you may wish to deadhead the blooms.
Alternatively, you may remove the buds before they bloom to ensure the plant focuses on its foliage.
How To Propagate Compacta Dragon Tree?
The primary method of propagating ‘Compacta’ is to use stem cuttings.
However, it’s also possible to use air-layering, a method that requires a little more skill but can be very rewarding.
Dracaena Compacta Pests Or Diseases
‘Compacta’ can handle a missed watering here and there, although it’s not fully drought-hardy.
Too much moisture can lead to Botrytis blight, Fusarium wilt, leaf spot, and root rot.
Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites are common pest problems, although thrips and whiteflies are also known to attack this plant.
Be warned that this plant is considered toxic to both humans and pets.
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Compacta’ Uses
When younger, Dracaena ‘Compacta’ looks great on bookshelves or stands.
However, you may prefer to give it a spot on the floor as it ages.
Its leaves make for a wonderful display in entryways, and you can take the plant outside in warm weather as long as you harden it off first.