Cardamine lyrata

Description

Cardamine lyrata is an aquatic plant native to East Asia, thriving in moist environments and rivulets. It's suitable for both coldwater and tropical aquariums with moderate temperatures. The plant features light green kidney-shaped leaves on creeping stems that grow well without CO2 supplementation, although fertilization enhances growth. Leaf size depends on temperature, with larger leaves forming at 20°C and smaller ones at higher temperatures. Cardamine lyrata grows by climbing between neighboring plants, producing roots on its nodes that are often difficult to spot due to dense foliage. Propagation is easy through stem or lateral shoot cuttings, which quickly develop new roots and begin growing. This plant is ideal for creating visual contrast in an aquarium or as a focal point. Its climbing growth can be trained over driftwood or decorations, making it suitable for nature aquaria. Alternatively, it can be grown as a bush in the mid-ground, requiring regular trimming to maintain its shape. As Cardamine lyrata matures, it produces upright stems with pinnate leaves and forms white flowers followed by seed pods.