More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | fast |
| Temperature Tolerance | 4°C / 39.20°F - 27°C / 80.60°F |
| Temperature | 18°C / 64.40°F - 23°C / 73.40°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 5-15 kh |
| pH Value | 5-8 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 10-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Cardamine lyrata, also known as Japanese Cress, is a bog plant native to East Asia, specifically China, Japan, Korea, and Far Eastern Russia. This plant thrives in moist environments and along rivulets. In aquariums, it is characterized by fast-growing creeping stems with light green kidney-shaped leaves.
Aquarium Suitability
Cardamine lyrata is highly suitable for aquariums, commonly available commercially, and considered easy to cultivate, making it a popular choice for both coldwater and tropical tanks. It is recommended for tanks that are not kept too warm and can thrive without additional CO2 although carbon dioxide fertilization enhances its growth.
Demands and Hardiness
This plant prefers moderate to high lighting conditions and temperatures ranging from 18-23°C. It can tolerate colder temperatures and has a wide temperature tolerance range of 4-27°C. The water parameters suited for Cardamine lyrata include pH levels of 5-8, with requirements for nutrients such as iron (Fe), nitrate (NO3-), phosphate (PO43-), and potassium (K+).
Aquascaping & Usage
Cardamine lyrata is versatile in aquascaping, suitable for background, midground, and nano tanks. Its climbing growth habit allows for visually striking effects, especially in nature aquariums where it can grow over driftwood or other decorative materials. When cultivated as a bush in the midground, regular trimming is necessary to maintain its desired shape.
Propagation
Propagation of Cardamine lyrata is straightforward, involving cutting a part of the stem or lateral shoot and replanting it into the substrate. The plant quickly develops new roots and resumes growth, making it easy to propagate and expand in the aquarium setting.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, Cardamine lyrata thrives in moist areas and along water bodies like rivulets in East Asia. It exhibits creeping underwater shoots with climbing growth patterns, forming roots at the nodes. Emersed growth depicts upright stems with pinnate leaves and inflorescences bearing white flowers that develop into long, flat seed pods.