Andrzeiowskia watercress Plant Care

Andrzeiowskia watercress (Andrzeiowskia cardamine) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Andrzeiowskia genus. Andrzeiowskia watercress is native to Bulgaria, European and Asiatic Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, and the northern Caucasus. Andrzeiowskia watercress is also known as Polish watercress.

Andrzeiowskia watercress displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Andrzeiowskia watercress produces small clusters of white or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Andrzeiowskia watercress every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Andrzeiowskia watercress thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Andrzeiowskia cardamine tolerates temperatures of 55–75°F. Andrzeiowskia watercress prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Andrzeiowskia watercress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Andrzeiowskia watercress every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Andrzeiowskia watercress is suited to USDA Zone 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Andrzeiowskia watercress can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Andrzeiowskia watercress while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Andrzeiowskia watercress is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Andrzeiowskia watercress can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Andrzeiowskia watercress is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Andrzeiowskia watercress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Andrzeiowskia watercress is native to Bulgaria, European and Asiatic Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, and the northern Caucasus. In cooler regions, grow Andrzeiowskia watercress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.