Rorippa aquatica, the lakecress or lake cress, is a species of freshwater aquatic flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is found in eastern and central North America, generally in the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds. A submerged perennial, it has emergent flowering branches. It is typically found in slow-moving water, such as oxbow lakes. It is used as a foreground aquarium plant, as it is undemanding and very slow-growing.
Lake-cress has good disease resistance and is generally not prone to diseases. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These infections are usually not severe. In terms of care, this plant requires medium maintenance. It needs regular pruning to preserve a neat appearance and healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Lake-cress is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive plant-care experience. It may require more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Rorippa Aquatica.
Light
Lake-cress is native to places with plentiful sunshine, like shallow pond and lake borders. Its ideal lighting environment is full sunlight, but it can also endure areas with only partial sunlight.
Temperature
Lake-cress possesses the capacity to adjust to varying temperature circumstances, but its propagation could still be constrained by diverse combinations of thermal and aquatic conditions. It grows optimally in hot weather during the summer when there is sufficient rainfall or hydration. Extended bouts of overcast and wet weather, accompanied by sustained high temperatures, can enhance the chances of Lake-cress perishing. During winter, appropriate safeguarding against the cold can enhance the plant's chances of survival.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Rorippa
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 49 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 40 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Yellow Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
