Cardamine lyrata – Flowing Green Vine Aquarium Plant

Cardamine lyrata – Flowing Green Vine Aquarium Plant

The Cardamine lyrata, also known as Japanese Cress, is a graceful and versatile aquarium plant known for its round, clover-like leaves and flowing vine growth. Native to East Asia, this plant adds a soft, natural texture to freshwater aquascapes and can be used both submerged or emersed.

Cardamine lyrata thrives in medium light and cooler temperatures, making it a great option for community tanks, shrimp tanks, or aquascapes that aim for a lush, meadow-like appearance. Its stems can trail along hardscape, float at the surface, or grow upright depending on trimming and placement.

🪴 Key Features:

• Attractive vine-style plant with round, bright green leaves
• Great for foreground to midground or as a floating accent
• Grows submerged or emersed (excellent for paludariums)
• Perfect for shrimp and nano aquariums
• Easy to grow and propagate from cuttings

🌡️ Care Guidelines:

• Light: Low to Medium
• Temperature: 64°–78°F
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Placement: Foreground to Midground
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

💡 Pro Tip: Trim frequently to prevent overgrowth. Replant cuttings to create a dense carpet or trailing effect around driftwood and rocks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can Cardamine lyrata grow floating or attached to hardscape?
A: Yes! It can trail freely at the surface or anchor itself gently around rocks and driftwood.

Q: Does it need CO₂ injection?
A: CO₂ isn’t required, but it enhances growth speed and leaf size.

Q: How tall does Cardamine lyrata grow underwater?
A: It typically reaches 4–8 inches but spreads laterally when trimmed.

Q: Is it safe for shrimp and snails?
A: Absolutely—it’s shrimp-safe, snail-safe, and perfect for peaceful freshwater tanks.

Q: Can it grow out of the water?
A: Yes! Cardamine lyrata grows beautifully emersed in paludariums or ripariums, producing small white flowers above the surface.