Japanese Cress care guide
Japanese Cress (Cardamine lyrata) — medium light, 15-22 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Japanese Cress (Cardamine lyrata) is a round-leaved plant of the family Brassicaceae, grown as an aquarium plant. A delicate stem plant with round, scalloped leaves that prefers cooler water temperatures. Grows quickly and produces adventitious roots along its stems, giving it a natural, wild appearance. Ideal for cool-water and subtropical setups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Genus: Cardamine
- Scientific name: Cardamine lyrata
- Common synonyms: Chinese Ivy, Cardamine lyrata
Habitat
Cardamine lyrata originates from East Asia, where it grows in freshwater marshes, ditches and slow-moving streams, frequently emersed on seasonally flooded ground.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 15-22 °C (59-72 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
- Typical trim interval: 10 days
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground.
Propagation
Propagation is by stem cuttings replanted into the substrate; daughter plants are separated once they have formed several leaves and visible roots.
Common issues
Pale or stunted new growth usually signals a nutrient or iron deficiency, while algae on older leaves often follows light that exceeds the available nutrients or CO2; correcting fertilisation and trimming affected parts resolves most cases.