No Products in the Cart
Flexible interest-free payment options available at checkout.
From as little as R 49.75 per payment. Learn more
Cardamine lyrata, commonly known as Japanese Cress, is a bright and graceful aquarium stem plant admired for its fresh green colour and distinctive trailing growth habit. Its thin stems carry rounded, gently lobed leaves that create a light, flowing texture within the aquascape. Fine adventitious roots often develop from the stem nodes, adding to the plant’s soft and natural appearance.
This versatile East Asian marsh plant adapts well to submerged aquarium growth and can be used in the midground or background. When planted in groups, its stems weave between neighbouring plants and gradually create a lush, bushy display. Its pale green foliage provides excellent contrast alongside red stem plants, dark hardscape, and broader-leaved species.
Cardamine lyrata grows quickly under favourable conditions and responds well to regular trimming. It can be maintained as a compact midground group or allowed to grow taller and trail towards the surface. Although relatively easy to cultivate, it performs best in cooler aquarium conditions, as prolonged high temperatures may cause smaller leaves and stretched, less compact growth.
Plant Type: Trailing Stem Plant
Growth Rate: Fast
Difficulty: Easy
Placement: Midground to Background
Height: Approximately 20–50 cm
Lighting Requirements: Medium to High
CO₂ Requirements: Not essential, but recommended for compact growth
Propagation: Head cuttings and side shoots
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cardamine lyrata |
| Common Name | Japanese Cress |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Plant Type | Trailing Stem Plant |
| Placement | Midground to Background |
| Height | Approximately 20–50 cm |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Lighting | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Not essential, but recommended |
| Temperature | 18–27°C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to Moderately Hard |
| Propagation | Head cuttings and side shoots |
| Product Form | Tissue Culture Cup |
This ADA plant is supplied as an in-vitro tissue culture plant grown under controlled laboratory conditions. Tissue culture plants are supplied free from algae, snails, and unwanted aquatic pests, making them an excellent choice for planted aquariums and sensitive shrimp setups.
Before planting, carefully remove the plant from the tissue culture cup and thoroughly rinse away all nutrient gel using clean aquarium water. Gently divide the plant into several small groups or individual stems, taking care not to damage the fine roots and delicate shoots.
Plant each portion individually into the aquarium substrate, leaving a few centimetres between the stems. This provides sufficient space for light and water circulation to reach the lower leaves while allowing the stems to branch and form a fuller group. The fine roots should be covered, but avoid burying large sections of the stem.
Cardamine lyrata absorbs nutrients through both its roots and leaves. A nutrient-rich substrate supports establishment, while regular liquid fertilisation encourages healthy foliage and fast growth. CO₂ injection is not essential, but it can improve leaf size, branching, and overall plant density.
Medium to high lighting helps produce compact growth and stronger foliage. Under weak lighting, the stems may become longer and more widely spaced as they grow towards the light. Very intense lighting may cause the newest shoots to develop subtle orange tones.
This species prefers cooler aquarium conditions. Avoid keeping it above 28°C for extended periods, as excessive warmth may result in smaller leaves and long, thin stems. Stable temperatures between approximately 18°C and 27°C are generally more suitable for healthy long-term growth.
Trim healthy stems above a leaf node to encourage side shoots and maintain a bushy appearance. The removed tops can be replanted into the substrate to expand the group. Regular trimming also prevents the upper growth from shading and weakening the lower leaves.
Adventitious roots commonly develop from the stem nodes and are a normal feature of this plant. They may be left in place, trimmed for appearance, or used to help secure cuttings when replanting.
Some tissue culture portions may experience temporary yellowing or leaf loss while adapting to submerged aquarium conditions. Maintain stable water parameters and leave healthy stems, roots, and growing points in place, as new underwater growth should develop once the plant has established.
Please note: Final height, leaf size, density, and growth pattern depend on lighting, temperature, CO₂ availability, nutrients, trimming frequency, and aquarium conditions. As this is a living plant, its number of stems, colour, size, and overall appearance may vary slightly from the photographs.
