ADA Proserpinaca palustris

Mermaid Weed

Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba', commonly known as Mermaid Weed, is a striking stem plant admired for its unique, finely serrated foliage and vibrant coloration. Native to the Isla de la Juventud off the coast of Cuba, this cultivated variety develops needle-like, copper-toned leaves under optimal lighting, offering a beautiful contrast to green aquarium plants. It grows to a height of 10–40 cm and spreads approximately 5–10 cm wide, making it an excellent midground to background plant for aquascaping.

How to Use in the Aquarium

To showcase Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba' in its full glory, plant it in groups towards the middle or rear of the aquarium. Its delicate, textured leaves create a feathery visual effect that adds depth and movement to aquascapes. Ideal for both natural-style layouts and high-tech planted tanks, it pairs beautifully with mosses, carpeting plants, or bold-leaved species. For best results, provide moderate to high light intensity and stable CO₂ supplementation to encourage strong colouration and growth.

Maintenance

This plant is moderately demanding. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain its shape and prevent overcrowding, as it can grow rapidly in nutrient-rich environments. Ensure a consistent nutrient supply, especially iron, to support its copper hues. It prefers soft to moderately hard water and benefits from stable conditions. If light or nutrients are lacking, the plant may lose its vivid coloration and become leggy.

Emersed Growth

In emersed (above-water) conditions, Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba' displays broader, saw-toothed leaves that differ significantly from its submerged form. It thrives in humid environments such as paludariums or ripariums and can even flower under the right conditions. Transitioning between emersed and submerged states may take some time, with a noticeable change in leaf shape and texture during the adaptation period.

Proserpinaca palustris Growth Information