Photo: Dmitriy BochkovCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Watercress Plant Care
Nasturtium officinale R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This aquatic plant is recognized by its round, bright green leaves that float on the water's surface. Originating from Europe, Watercress is highly sought after by plant collectors for its peppery flavor and nutrient-rich leaves, making it a popular addition to salads and sandwiches.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Watercress?
Water Watercress every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Watercress Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What Is the Watercress?
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Nasturtium genus. Watercress is native to Europe, Asia, North America. Watercress is also known as Garden cress.
Watercress displays a trailing, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Watercress produces bright, showy flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a Watercress?
Nasturtium officinale requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Watercress Need?
Watercress thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Watercress Prefer?
Nasturtium officinale grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Watercress prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Watercress?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Watercress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Watercress?
Feed Watercress every 2 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 2 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 Watercress?
Does not transplant well, sow seeds directly. 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 Watercress?
Watercress can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Watercress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
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 Watercress?
Watercress is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms. 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 Watercress Need?
Watercress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Watercress is native to Europe, Asia, North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Watercress 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 Nasturtium genus — compare its care with other Nasturtium species on PlantoScan.
Nasturtium is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Watercress 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: Nasturtium officinale R.Br., family Brassicaceae (first published in Hortus Kew. 4: 110 1812) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Watercress as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Dmitriy Bochkov, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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