Lakecress, Water cabbage, Armoracia aquatica, Armoracia lacustris, Neobeckia aquatica
Family
Brassicaceae (cabbage family)
Origin
Eastern and central North America, mainly the Great Lakes and Mississippi basins
Water
freshwater
Temperature
15–25°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 helpful
Flow
Slow flow
Care
Lake cress is a perennial water plant of the cabbage family that grows submerged in slow-moving water such as oxbow lakes, sending flowering branches above the surface. It has been sold under the older names Armoracia aquatica and Neobeckia aquatica, and sometimes as water cabbage. Underwater it makes a rosette of very finely divided, feathery leaves; out of water its leaves are broader and lobed. Wikipedia notes that it is used as a foreground plant because it is undemanding and grows very slowly. Plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate and be patient. It comes from a temperate climate, so it prefers moderate rather than very warm temperatures. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorippaaquatica); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
New plantlets form on detached leaves: float or lay a mature leaf on the substrate and let young plants grow from it.
Compatibility and tank mates
Fine leaves may be grazed by plant-eating fish. Suits cooler community tanks and shrimp tanks.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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