Japanese Cress

Cardamine lyrata

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Brassicaceae

📍 Japan, China & Korea

Delicate stem plant with rounded, lobed leaves on long stems. Prefers cool water — one of the best plants for temperate and coldwater aquascapes. Sends floating leaves to the surface when established.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage delicate leaves and thrive in cool water

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp ideal for planted tanks; prefer similar cool to moderate temperatures

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or damage plants; thrive in planted setups

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, gentle fish perfect for planted tanks; compatible with cool-water plant requirements

good

Anubias Nana

Excellent companion plant; slower-growing and creates nice contrast in midground/background layouts

excellent

Java Moss

Hardy moss that thrives in similar conditions; creates natural aesthetic when combined with Japanese Cress

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one liquid fertilizers containing macronutrients (N-P-K) and micronutrients; perform 25% water changes weekly to maintain nutrient balance

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaves, reduced light penetration, plant surfaces covered in filamentous growth

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, introduce algae-eating shrimp (Amano or Red Cherry), and manually remove visible algae

Stem Rot

Symptoms

Mushy or blackened stems, leaf loss starting from base, foul odor from substrate

Treatment

Improve water circulation with gentle aeration, reduce organic waste buildup, trim affected stems above healthy tissue, and ensure substrate is not compacted

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution, transparent or gelatinous appearance of leaves, overall plant collapse

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (temperature 5-22°C), perform 50% water change, ensure adequate lighting and fertilization, and avoid sudden environmental changes