Cardamine pentaphyllos aka Five Leaflet Bitter Cress

Taxonomy

Cardamine pentaphyllos, also known as the five-leaflet bitter-cress or showy toothwort, is a flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Western and Central Europe, specifically in Slovenia and Croatia. This herbaceous perennial can grow up to 30-50 cm (12-20 in) and has palmate leaves with five-lobes. It produces racemes of purple, pink, or white flowers in late spring and early summer. The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Five-Leaflet Bitter-Cress is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and long-lasting direct light, best placed less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Five Leaflet Bitter Cress

How to care for Five Leaflet Bitter Cress

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Five Leaflet Bitter Cress due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Five Leaflet Bitter Cress should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Five Leaflet Bitter Cress, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Five Leaflet Bitter Cress with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Five Leaflet Bitter Cress from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Five Leaflet Bitter Cress regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Five Leaflet Bitter Cress will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Five Leaflet Bitter Cress 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 Five Leaflet Bitter Cress to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Five Leaflet Bitter Cress is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Five Leaflet Bitter Cress’s native range is Western and Central Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia