Cardamine lyrata – Fast-Growing, Flowing, and Ideal for Cool Planted Tanks
Cardamine lyrata, also known as Japanese Cress, is a unique and fast-growing aquatic plant with delicate, clover-like leaves and a trailing or creeping growth habit. Native to East Asia, this versatile plant thrives in cooler water conditions and adds a lush, natural appearance to aquascaped tanks. Its light green color and fine texture make it a standout in foreground to midground placements, where it can be left to trail along the substrate or trained to grow upward.
Growth Rate: Fast
Lighting Requirement: Moderate to high
CO₂ Requirement: Not required, but will grow faster with CO₂ supplementation
Placement: Foreground or midground
Propagation: By cuttings or side shoots
Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderate
Cardamine lyrata is best suited for peaceful, planted tanks and does especially well in cooler water aquariums. It pairs beautifully with nano fish, shrimp, and other low-demand aquatic plants. Its creeping habit can form a dense, carpet-like layer with frequent trimming, or be allowed to grow vertically for a more dramatic look.
