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Freshwater
Giant Cardmine
$15.00
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Description
About Giant Cardamine
Giant Cardamine is an attractive, fast-growing stem plant known for its delicate round to heart-shaped green leaves and branching growth habit. It adds a soft, natural texture to freshwater aquariums and works particularly well in Nature Aquarium-style layouts.
Unlike many fine-leaved stem plants, Giant Cardamine produces slightly larger leaves along slender stems, creating an airy appearance that allows light to pass through the plant. It can be grown as a submerged stem plant or allowed to develop longer trailing growth.
It is a relatively easy plant to grow and performs well under moderate lighting. CO₂ is not essential, although supplementation can encourage faster growth, stronger stems and denser foliage.
Giant Cardamine is a fast grower once established, making regular trimming useful for maintaining a compact shape. Cuttings can easily be replanted into the substrate to propagate the plant.
Its delicate foliage also provides useful cover for small fish and shrimp while adding movement and texture to the aquarium.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name: Cardamine lyrata
Common Name: Giant Cardamine / Japanese Cress
Plant Type: Stem Plant
Growth Rate: Fast
Difficulty: Easy
Lighting: Moderate
CO₂ Required: No — Recommended
Temperature: 18–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Placement: Midground to Background
Suitable For: Nature Aquariums, community tanks, shrimp tanks, planted aquariums and low-tech setups
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Giant Cardamine require CO₂?
No. It can grow successfully without CO₂, although supplementation encourages faster and denser growth.
How fast does Giant Cardamine grow?
It can grow quite quickly under good conditions and may require regular trimming to keep it compact.
How do I propagate Giant Cardamine?
Cut healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate. Roots will develop from the lower nodes and the new plant will continue growing.
Is Giant Cardamine suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is relatively easy to grow and adaptable to a range of freshwater aquarium conditions.
Can Giant Cardamine be used in a shrimp tank?
Yes. Its delicate foliage provides surfaces for biofilm and shelter for small shrimp and shrimplets.
Common Mistakes
Not trimming regularly
Giant Cardamine can become tall and unruly if left unchecked. Regular trimming encourages branching and compact growth.
Insufficient lighting
Very low light can cause elongated, sparse growth.
Planting too densely
Leave space between stems to improve light penetration and water circulation.
Poor nutrient availability
Fast-growing plants benefit from consistent access to macro- and micronutrients.
Allowing it to shade other plants
Regular pruning prevents it from blocking light from slower-growing foreground plants.
Shipping & delivery
This product is for in-store purchase only. Available for in-store pickup.
Returns
We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.
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