Watercress

Watercress, scientific name Rorippa aquatica. The plant is native to North America. It is found mainly in the southern states of the United States. Grows on silty substrates along the water’s edge along the shores of lakes, marshes, ditches, shallow creeks.

Able to grow both under water and in the air. Depending on the growth conditions, the appearance will change. At relatively low temperatures and moderate lighting, the underwater form forms a bush (about 10 cm in height) from leaves collected in a rosette on long petioles. The leaf blade can be oval with slightly serrated edges, or strongly indented, divided into separate fragments. In this case, leaves of various shapes will be present on the same bush.

In the presence of a large free space in conditions of intense lighting and additional introduction of carbon dioxide, tall stems up to 45–70 cm with wide carved leaves can be formed.

The availability of a nutrient substrate is essential for healthy growth, for this reason it is recommended to use special aquarium soil.