Lake Cress

Lake Cress

Lake Cress, botanically Ottelia alismoides or a related Southeast Asian floating aquatic, is a common floating and emersed aquatic plant of considerable ornamental value when grown as a surface plant in ponds, large aquariums, and paludarium setups. Not suitable for submerged growth — this plant performs best at the surface with leaves floating or growing above the waterline, where it provides natural shading, nutrient uptake, and decorative surface coverage.

Care tip: Lake Cress is a floating plant that grows on the water surface without substrate. Avoid strong surface agitation and thin regularly to prevent complete surface coverage. Temperatures between 70–85°F support healthy growth.

Lake Cress grows as a floating surface plant in calm to gently moving water. In outdoor pond use it spreads across the surface providing natural shade and nutrient management. In aquarium use it is most appropriate for large open-top setups where surface space is available for the floating leaves. Regular thinning prevents complete surface coverage.

This easy plant grows in moderate to high lighting without CO₂ supplementation. Temperatures between 70 and 85°F reflect a warm-water preference suitable for tropical aquariums. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provides comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization is not typically required — the plant absorbs nutrients directly from the water column through its floating leaves.

In the aquascape and paludarium, Lake Cress provides natural surface coverage and shading in large open-top aquariums and outdoor water features. The floating leaves create a natural, pond-like surface atmosphere. As the chart notes it is great for nutrient control — a practical benefit alongside its surface decorative appeal.

Lake Cress is a practical floating plant for large open-top aquariums and outdoor water features where its surface coverage provides natural shading and nutrient management. Its ease of care and floating habit make it a practical and naturally attractive surface plant for appropriate aquatic setups.

Care & Specifications