Photo: mark-groeneveldCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Roundfruit yellowcress Plant Care
Rorippa sphaerocarpa Britton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique rounded leaves that give it a distinctive appearance. Originally from North America, Rorippa sphaerocarpa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in wetland environments.
Every 2–3 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Roundfruit yellowcress?
Water Roundfruit yellowcress every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Roundfruit yellowcress Native To?
What Is the Roundfruit yellowcress?
Roundfruit yellowcress (Rorippa sphaerocarpa) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Rorippa genus. Roundfruit yellowcress is native to North America, including the western United States and northern Mexico. Roundfruit yellowcress is also known as round-fruited yellowcress, globe-podded yellow cress.
Roundfruit yellowcress displays an upright, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Roundfruit yellowcress produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Roundfruit yellowcress?
Rorippa sphaerocarpa requires watering every 2–3 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 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Roundfruit yellowcress Need?
Roundfruit yellowcress thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Roundfruit yellowcress Prefer?
Rorippa sphaerocarpa grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Roundfruit yellowcress prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Roundfruit yellowcress?
Moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Roundfruit yellowcress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Roundfruit yellowcress?
Feed Roundfruit yellowcress 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 Roundfruit yellowcress?
Divide clumps 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 Roundfruit yellowcress?
Roundfruit yellowcress can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to great yellowcress plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Roundfruit yellowcress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Roundfruit yellowcress, 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 Roundfruit yellowcress?
Roundfruit yellowcress 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 Roundfruit yellowcress Need?
Roundfruit yellowcress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Roundfruit yellowcress is native to North America, including the western United States and northern Mexico.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Roundfruit yellowcress 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 Rorippa genus — compare its care with other Rorippa species on PlantoScan.
Rorippa is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Roundfruit yellowcress thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rorippa Species
Other Rorippa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rorippa sphaerocarpa Britton, family Brassicaceae (first published in Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 5: 170. 1894) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Roundfruit yellowcress, 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: mark-groeneveld, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 9b, 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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