Dracaena fragrans 'Compacta' is a cultivar of Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl. It is a slow growing shrub, usually multistemmed at the base. The leaves are glossy green, lanceolate; small leaves are erect to spreading, and larger leaves usually drooping under their weight. This cultivar is a slow-growing sport of Dracaena fragrans ‘Janet Craig.’ ‘Compacta’ gets its name from the fact that it is smaller and very different from most other plants in the dracaena family.Due to its stylish appearance and ability to grow in darker rooms, the dwarf dracaena is a favorite among houseplants. 
 
The species name refers to the fragrant flowers, while the English name derives from a perceived resemblance of the stem to a corn (Zea mays) stalk.
The name dracaena is derived from the romanized form of the Ancient Greek δράκαινα – drakaina, "female dragon".