Watercress.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Fácil

Tipo de planta

Aquatic perennial

Luz

Partial shade to full sun

Luz en interior

Luz indirecta brillante

Riego

Cada día

Tamaño adulto

1 to 2 feet

Ritmo de crecimiento

Rápido

Rusticidad

USDA 4 a 9

Floración

Late spring to early autumn

Cuidados

Keep the soil or growing medium constantly saturated to mimic its natural stream habitat. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the water is not fresh enough or the plant is too dry. Ensure the water remains cool and clean to prevent rot.

Riego

The roots must remain submerged or in waterlogged soil at all times.

Abonado

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer sparingly if the plants appear stunted.

Poda

Regularly harvest the stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.

Trasplante

Refresh the growing medium or move to a larger container if the roots become too crowded.

Suelo

Aquatic or very moist soil

pH del suelo

6.5 to 7.5

Temperatura

0 a 25°C

Humedad

60 a 90%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Baja

Longevidad

Perennial, typically 2 to 3 years.

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Moderada

Seguridad

Personas

It is generally safe to eat, but excessive consumption may cause stomach irritation.

Niños

There are no specific safety concerns for children, though they should be supervised near water sources.

Alérgenos por contacto

The sap can occasionally cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Alérgenos en el aire

Pollen is not typically a significant airborne allergen.

Comestibilidad

Watercress must be harvested from clean, flowing water to avoid contamination by liver flukes or harmful bacteria.

Cómo identificarla

• Small, rounded, dark green leaves
• Hollow, succulent, branching stems
• Tiny, four petaled white flowers
• Peppery, mustard like flavor profile

Altura

0,1 a 0,3m

Anchura

0,3 a 1m

Hojas

green, semi-evergreen

Flores

white, 0,5 a 1cm

Frutos

green, Summer to autumn

Problemas frecuentes

• Whitefly — Small white insects that feed on the undersides of leaves.
• Leaf spot — Fungal infection causing dark spots on foliage.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

seed, cuttings

Cuándo plantar

spring, autumn

Cuidados en invierno

In cold climates, move containers indoors to a bright, cool spot or ensure the water does not freeze solid.

En maceta

It grows well in containers if kept constantly wet in a deep saucer of water.

Group watercress with other moisture loving herbs to simplify your watering routine.

Buenas compañeras

• Menta — Both plants enjoy consistent moisture and similar growing conditions.

Especies parecidas

• Cardamine hirsuta — It shares a similar peppery flavor and appearance but prefers drier soil.

Ciencia

Familia

Brassicaceae

Género

Nasturtium

Orden

Brassicales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Europe and parts of Asia.

Conservación

It is a common plant and not of conservation concern.

It grows in shallow, cool, flowing water where it filters nutrients through its roots.

Valor para la fauna

larval host plant, nectar source

Polinizadores

abejas, mariposas

Usos

culinary herb, garnish, salad green

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, keep the pot sitting in a tray of water to mimic its natural habitat.

How do I harvest it?

Snip the stems just above the water line, leaving the roots to regrow.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Nasturtium comes from the Latin nasus tortus, meaning twisted nose, referring to the pungent reaction to its peppery leaves.

Bueno saberlo

• Watercress is a member of the mustard family.
• It was once used as a remedy for scurvy due to high vitamin C content.
• The plant grows best in cold, clear, running water.