PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial sun to full sun; tolerate light shade during intense midday summer heat to prevent leaf scorching
Watering
Maintain in 5–15 cm of clean, cool freshwater; replace stagnant water every 2–3 days to reduce algae growth
Temperature
Thrives in cool, consistent temperatures; avoid prolonged exposure above 25°C to prevent wilting and reduced flavor
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, bright green compound pinnate leaves with a distinct peppery taste
- Flower: Tiny four-petaled white flowers arranged in terminal racemes
- Stem: Hollow, succulent stems that float or trail along shallow water surfaces
Care Guide
Watering
Keep water level consistent; top up with dechlorinated water as needed
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Use a low-nitrogen feed to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flavor
Dechlorinated aquarium water runoff：Use aquarium water changes to top up growing containers; avoid overapplication to prevent algae bloomsPruning
- Harvest young, tender leaves regularly to promote new growth and maintain plant vigor
- Remove yellowing or decaying foliage promptly to preserve water quality
- Trim overgrown trailing stems to prevent overcrowding in shallow water setups
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion
Humans: No known toxicity; edible and widely consumed as a culinary herb
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Culinary herb for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes; traditional medicinal use for mild respiratory and digestive support
