Photo: John BarklaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Watercress Plant Care
Nasturtium oleraceum Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant round leaves that resemble lily pads, this plant originates from South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Nasturtium oleraceum for its unique foliage and bright yellow flowers, making it a standout addition to any garden.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Watercress?
Water Watercress every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Watercress Native To?
What Is the Watercress?
Watercress (Nasturtium oleraceum) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Nasturtium genus. Watercress is native to New Zealand. Watercress is also known as Indian 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.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Watercress?
Nasturtium oleraceum requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 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 oleraceum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Watercress prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°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. Similar propagation techniques also apply to watercress plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Watercress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Watercress, 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 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 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Watercress is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
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 oleraceum Kuntze, family Brassicaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 937 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Watercress, 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.
- Photo: John Barkla, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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