Cardamine hirsuta aka Common Bittercress
Taxonomy
Cardamine hirsuta, also known as hairy bittercress, is a plant species in the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual or biennial plant that is commonly found in moist areas around the world, including throughout the British Isles. It can grow on bare ground, path-sides, and walls, and may also be found growing on the surface of containers in nurseries and garden centers. Hairy bittercress is edible as a salad green and can be introduced into gardens unwittingly with container-grown plants. To control its spread, it is recommended to remove young plants before they flower and set seed. Hairy bittercress is a super rare houseplant that is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. Hairy bittercress belongs to the Cardamine genus and is native to Eurasia.
Common names
Common Bittercress, Hairy Bittercress, BittercressHow to care for Common Bittercress
Difficulty
Common Bittercress presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Common Bittercress should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Common Bittercress requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Bittercress, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Common Bittercress will bloom beautifully in your home.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Common 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 wintertime, it's common for Common Bittercress to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Common Bittercress is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Common Bittercress’s native range is Throughout most of the northern Hemisphere, including Britain.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Cardamine Genus
Cardamine glacialis
Cardamine trifolia Three Leaved Bittercress
Cardamine occulta Hidden Bittercress
Cardamine fauriei
Cardamine raphanifolia Greater Cuckooflower
Cardamine cordifolia Heart Leaf Bittercress
Cardamine heptaphylla Pinnate Coralroot
Cardamine flexuosa Greater Bittercress
Cardamine asarifolia Asarum Leaved Bittercress
