Lake Cress Plant Care
Armoracia lacustris (A.Gray) Al-Shehbaz & V.M.Bates
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rorippa aquatica, the lakecress or lake cress, is a species of freshwater aquatic flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is found in eastern and central North America, generally in the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
45–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lake Cress?
Water Lake Cress every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 45–75°F (7–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lake Cress Native To?
What Is the Lake Cress?
Lake Cress (Armoracia lacustris) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Armoracia genus. Lake Cress is native to eastern and central North America, generally in the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds. Lake Cress is also known as Watercress.
Lake Cress displays a vigorous, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Lake Cress produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lake Cress?
Armoracia lacustris requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lake Cress Need?
Lake Cress thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lake Cress Prefer?
Armoracia lacustris grows best at temperatures of 45–75°F. Lake Cress prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
45–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lake Cress?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lake Cress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lake Cress?
Feed Lake Cress every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Lake Cress?
Divide and replant every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lake Cress?
Lake Cress can be propagated through division, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to horseradish plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lake Cress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lake Cress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lake Cress?
Lake Cress 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lake Cress Need?
Lake Cress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Lake Cress is native to eastern and central North America, generally in the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds. In cooler regions, grow Lake Cress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b
Keep exploring plants
Lake Cress is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Armoracia genus — compare its care with other Armoracia species on PlantoScan.
Armoracia is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Lake Cress thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Armoracia lacustris (A.Gray) Al-Shehbaz & V.M.Bates, family Brassicaceae (first published in J. Arnold Arbor. 68: 357 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lake Cress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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