Watercress Nasturtium officinale

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Watercress is a semi-aquatic perennial plant that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has small, round leaves that are about 2-3 inches in diameter and grow in clusters. The stems are thin and delicate, and it produces small white flowers in the summer months.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Brassicaceae
- Synonyms
  Yellowcress, Common watercress, Bank cress, Brooklime, Craches, Flixweed, Fluxweed, Water grass, Water radish, Watercress, Well cress
- Common names
  Cardamine fontanum, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Rorippa nasturtium, Nasturtium aquaticum
Toxicity
- To humans
  Watercress is generally safe for human consumption in moderate amounts. However, excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions.
- To pets
  As for animals, watercress can be toxic to some species, such as horses, if consumed in large quantities. The high levels of compounds called isothiocyanates in watercress can cause hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian before feeding watercress to pets or livestock.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  Up to 2 feet
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  1
- Native area
  Europe and Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
High in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Low in calories, making it a great addition to a weight-loss diet.

Contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and disease.

High in fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.

Contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Medical Properties
Antioxidant properties: Watercress contains various antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lutein, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Watercress contains phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Cancer-fighting properties: Studies have suggested that watercress may help prevent certain types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and colon cancer, due to its high content of phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Immune-boosting properties: Watercress is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that support a healthy immune system.

Cardiovascular health: Watercress has been shown to have potential benefits for heart health, including reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.

Bone health: Watercress contains calcium, vitamin K, and other nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy bones.
Air-purifying Qualities
Watercress is known to have air-purifying qualities as it is able to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the surrounding air. This makes it a great natural air purifier that can improve the air quality in indoor spaces. Additionally, its presence can add some natural freshness and greenery to a room.
Other Uses
Natural dye: Watercress can be used to make a natural green dye for fabrics and textiles.

Skin care: Watercress is believed to have skin-nourishing properties and can be used in face masks, creams, and other skincare products.

Natural medicine: Watercress has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive problems.

Cooking: Watercress can be used to flavor soups, sauces, and other dishes.

Pest control: Watercress can be used to naturally repel pests from gardens and crops.

Composting: Watercress can be added to compost piles to help speed up the decomposition process.

Animal feed: Watercress can be fed to certain animals, such as chickens and rabbits, as a source of nutrients.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Watercress is not commonly associated with feng shui
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Watercress is not commonly associated with astrology
Plant Symbolism
Some cultures have used watercress for medicinal purposes, and it has been associated with healing and purification. In terms of feng shui, watercress can be grown in the home to improve air quality and create a peaceful atmosphere.

💧

Every day

Water

☀️

20000 - 50000 Lux

Light

💦️

80%

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

March - September

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant and requires consistent moisture. It should be watered daily or every other day to keep the soil moist.
Light
Watercress prefers partial to full sun exposure, meaning it needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. However, it can also grow in shaded areas as long as it gets enough light. In general, the more sunlight watercress receives, the faster it will grow and the more flavorful its leaves will be.
Temperature
It grows best in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for watercress.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
Watercress prefers a consistently moist growing environment with soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is usually grown hydroponically, but if grown in soil, it should be in well-draining soil that retains moisture.
Repotting
Watercress does not require repotting.
Humidity & Misting
As for humidity, watercress can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, but it prefers high humidity around 80%.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  All year round
- Outdoor
  Cultivated almost all over the world during the growing season
- Hardiness zone
  USDA 2 and higher
Life cycle
Watercress is a fast-growing plant with a relatively short life cycle. It can be grown as a perennial or an annual depending on the climate and growing conditions. Here are the stages of the life cycle of watercress:

Germination: Watercress seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days after planting. The seeds need moisture and a temperature range of 45-75°F to germinate.

Seedling stage: Once the seeds have germinated, the watercress seedlings will begin to grow. At this stage, the plants require a lot of water and a temperature range of 60-70°F.

Vegetative growth: As the watercress plants mature, they will develop more leaves and stems. The plants will require regular watering and a temperature range of 60-70°F.

Flowering: Watercress plants will begin to produce small white flowers in the late spring or early summer. The flowers are edible and have a peppery flavor.

Harvest: Depending on the growing conditions, watercress can be harvested as early as 40 days after planting. The leaves and stems are typically harvested by cutting them close to the base of the plant. Watercress can be harvested throughout the growing season.

Dormancy: In colder climates, watercress may go dormant during the winter months. However, in warmer climates, watercress can continue to grow year-round.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  March - September
- Watercress can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, watercress seeds can be sown directly into a pot or a garden bed from March to September. Cuttings can be taken from established watercress plants and planted in soil or placed in water to grow roots. This can be done throughout the growing season, from spring to autumn. The plants can be harvested when they are mature enough, usually in about 60-70 days after planting.