Nasturtium officinale
TAXONOMY
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusNasturtium
Zone6
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Nasturtium officinale, commonly known as watercress, is a perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and thrives in temperate climates. Watercress is known for its peppery, tangy flavor and is often used in salads and as a garnish. It grows in shallow water or moist soil and is a helophyte, meaning it can grow in waterlogged conditions.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Brown Cress
Cardamine Aquatica
Cardamine Fontana
Crucifera Fontana
Radicula Officinalis
Sisymbrium Amarum
Sisymbrium Fluviatile
Watercress
Arabis nasturtium
Baeumerta nasturtium
Baeumerta nasturtium-aquaticum
Cardamine nasturtium
Cardamine nasturtium-aquaticum
Cardaminum nasturtium
Nasturtium alexandrinum
Nasturtium aquaticum
Nasturtium flexuosum
Nasturtium fontanum
Nasturtium fontanum var. longisiliquum
Nasturtium nasturtium-aquaticum
Nasturtium officinale subsp. rotundifolium
Nasturtium officinale var. officinale
Nasturtium parvifolium
Nasturtium siifolium
Radicula nasturtium
Radicula nasturtium-aquaticum
Rorippa nasturtium
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum var. longisiliqua
Rorippa officinalis
Sisymbrium nasturtium
Sisymbrium nasturtium-aquaticum
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity70%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Watercress requires bright, direct light for optimal growth and prefers moderate temperatures. It thrives in high humidity and needs consistently wet or waterlogged soil. Regular pruning is necessary to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.Soil
Watercress prefers loamy soil that is consistently wet or even waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, but the soil should remain moist at all times. A soil pH of around 6.5 is ideal for this plant.Fertilizer
Watercress benefits from a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season to ensure it receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.Repotting
Repot watercress when it outgrows its container or when the soil becomes compacted. Choose a larger container with good drainage and fill it with loamy soil. Gently remove the plant from its current container, being careful not to damage the roots, and place it in the new container. Water thoroughly after repotting.Propagation
Watercress can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing the root mass. Take stem cuttings from healthy, mature plants and place them in water or moist soil until they develop roots. Alternatively, divide the root mass and plant the divisions in separate containers or directly in the ground.Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for watercress to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems, and remove any yellowing or dead leaves. Prune the plant every few weeks during the growing season.Toxicity
Watercress is not toxic to pets or humans. It is safe to consume and is often used in culinary dishes for its peppery flavor. However, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in clean, uncontaminated water to avoid any potential health risks.Additional
Watercress can be grown indoors in a container with water or moist soil, making it a versatile plant for home gardeners. Ensure the plant receives adequate light and maintain high humidity levels to promote healthy growth. Regularly check the water quality and change it if necessary to prevent contamination.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
