Proserpinaca palustris

Proserpinaca palustris (Mermaid Weed)

Add unique texture and beautiful colour contrast to your planted aquarium with Proserpinaca palustris, commonly known as Mermaid Weed. This distinctive aquatic stem plant is prized for its finely serrated foliage, which can transform from green to copper, orange and reddish tones under strong lighting.

Native to North and Central America, Mermaid Weed is an attractive midground or background plant that brings an unusual leaf shape and natural colour variation to planted aquascapes.

Care at a Glance:

• Scientific Name: Proserpinaca palustris

• Common Name: Mermaid Weed

• Plant Type: Stem plant

• Placement: Middleground / Background

• Growth: Moderate

• Lighting: Medium to High

• CO₂: Recommended

• Difficulty: Intermediate

• Best For: Planted aquariums, nature aquascapes and high-tech tanks

Why Choose Proserpinaca palustris?

• Distinctive finely serrated, feather-like foliage

• Can develop beautiful copper, orange and reddish colours

• Adds unique texture and contrast to aquascapes

• Excellent midground or background feature plant

• Provides attractive vertical growth and structure

• Responds well to strong lighting and CO₂ supplementation

• Can be trimmed to encourage bushier growth

For best results, provide moderate to strong lighting, nutrient-rich conditions and consistent fertilisation. CO₂ supplementation is recommended to encourage healthy growth and more intense colouration. Regular trimming will help maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

Please note: Aquarium plants are living products and may vary slightly in size, density and appearance depending on their growth stage and growing conditions.