Watercress is a natural fit for hydroponics because it prefers cool, clean, moving water; it grows quickly in NFT, raft, or deep water systems when the solution.
Identification
Growth habit: Fast-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial herb with trailing or floating stems that root at the nodes.
Leaves: Glossy green, pinnate leaves with rounded to oval leaflets; young leaves are tender and peppery.
Flowers: Small white four-petaled flowers appear when plants mature or bolt.
Edible Parts
Leaves and tender stems: Peppery, nutrient-dense shoots are harvested repeatedly from clean, actively growing plants.
Propagation
Stem cuttings: Cut healthy stems with several nodes and place them in clean water or wet substrate until roots develop.
Seed: Sow seed on a consistently moist germination surface; keep cool and wet until seedlings are established.
Cultivation
Deep water culture: Well suited because roots can remain constantly wet and oxygenated; maintain cool, clean, moving water.
Nutrient film technique: Works well with steady flow and cool nutrient solution.
Ebb and flow: Can be grown if flood cycles keep the root zone consistently moist.
Lookalikes
Fool's watercress: Similar aquatic habitat and leaf shape, but belongs to the carrot family and has different flower structure.