Resedaflea Cress
cardamine resedifolia
Also known as: ["Resedaflea Cress"]
Overview
A small herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family, known for its delicate foliage and small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Cardamine |
| Botanical Name: | Cardamine resedifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a cool, moist environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile potting mix with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid direct sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid compacted soil; refresh topsoil annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates mild warmth but thrives in cooler conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from heating/cooling vents; maintain consistent cool conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply hormone (if used), place in medium, maintain humidity, transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (60–70°F or 15–21°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or trim selectively to shape the plant; remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune selectively, remove dead growth, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in fresh soil with good drainage, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure proper drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become leggy in excessive heat.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during active season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCardamine resedifolia is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not produce known toxic effects when ingested or handled by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicThere is no evidence to suggest that Cardamine resedifolia is toxic to dogs. It does not appear to cause adverse effects when ingested or handled by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicCardamine resedifolia is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal circumstances. It is not documented as a source of significant physiological effects or toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cardamine resedifolia toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data to determine toxicity to pets.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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