Cardamine Lyrata - Japanese Cress

Cardamine lyrata, commonly known as Japanese Cress, is a fast-growing, bright green stem plant prized for its delicate round leaves and soft, cascading growth habit. Its clover-like foliage adds a fresh, natural look to planted aquariums and works beautifully in midground or as a trailing background accent.

This species is beginner-friendly and highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of water parameters. It can grow both submerged and emersed, making it versatile for aquariums, paludariums, and even open-top aquascapes.

Why You’ll Love It

• 🌱 Vibrant light green, rounded leaves

• 🚀 Fast growth – great for filling in empty spaces

• ✂️ Easy to trim and propagate

• 🐟 Excellent cover for shrimp and nano fish

• 💧 Helps absorb excess nutrients in new setups

Care Guide

• Lighting: Low to Medium (stronger light = tighter growth)

• CO₂: Not required, but promotes denser growth

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Placement: Midground / Background

• Propagation: Cut and replant stem cuttings

Under higher light, Cardamine lyrata grows more compact and bushy. In lower light, it may stretch slightly but remains attractive and hardy. Regular trimming encourages fuller growth and prevents shading.