Cardamine flexuosa aka Greater Bittercress
Taxonomy
Cardamine flexuosa, commonly known as wavy bittercress or wood bitter-cress, is an herbaceous annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial plant in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). It is a hardy plant that prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in semi-shade or no shade. The plant is self-fertile and is in flower from April to September, with seeds ripening from May to September. Wavy Bittercress is an incredibly rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. The soil should be good at retaining moisture, and it should be less than 1 foot from a window. No additional fertilizers should be necessary for proper growth, just be sure to repot it each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Greater Bittercress, Wood Bittercress, Woodland BittercressHow to care for Greater Bittercress
Difficulty
Greater Bittercress requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Greater Bittercress should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Greater Bittercress is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Greater Bittercress prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Greater Bittercress to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Greater Bittercress is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Greater Bittercress’s native range is Much of Europe, including Britain, east through Asia to China and Japan.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Cardamine Genus
Cardamine amaraeformis
Cardamine impatiens Narrow Leaf Bittercress
Cardamine californica Milkmaids
Cardamine flexuosa Greater Bittercress
Cardamine dentata Toothed Bittercress
Cardamine cordifolia Heart Leaf Bittercress
Cardamine resedifolia Mignonette Leaved Bittercress
Cardamine raphanifolia Greater Cuckooflower
