Mermaid Weed (Proserpinaca palustris) Care Guide
A unique stem plant with serrated saw-toothed leaves that transition from green to golden-orange and copper-red under high light.
Overview
Proserpinaca palustris is an aquatic plant in the family Haloragaceae. A unique stem plant with serrated saw-toothed leaves that transition from green to golden-orange and copper-red under high light. Its distinctive leaf shape makes it an eye-catching focal point in any planted aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Haloragaceae
- Genus: Proserpinaca
- Scientific name: Proserpinaca palustris
- Other names: Proserpinaca Palustris
Habitat
Native to the eastern United States, Cuba and parts of Central America. Grows in marshes, ditches and shallow ponds. Heterophyllous: emersed leaves are linear and entire, while submerged leaves are deeply serrated and develop orange to copper-red tones under high light and CO2.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
- Temperature: 20-26 °C
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: high
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: advanced
Placement
- Recommended placement: midground
- Maximum height: 25 cm
- Trim every: 14 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).