Proserpinaca Palustris, or Mermaid Weed, is an aquatic stem plant native to the swamps, marshes, and slow-moving waterways of North America. Renowned for its distinctly serrated, comb-like, saw-toothed leaves, this species provides an unmatched visual texture in planted aquariums. Depending on light intensity and nutrient levels, its coloration shifts dynamically from a soft golden-green to fiery copper, amber, and deep ruby-red. Reaching 4 to 12 inches in height, Mermaid Weed is an exceptional choice for midground focal points and Dutch-style plant streets, where its saw-toothed leaf geometry creates a high-contrast backdrop against fine-leaved or broad-leaved neighbors.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
Key Features & Benefits
Intricate, saw-toothed, comb-like leaf structure provides striking visual contrast and texture in midground and background zones.
Displays a dynamic color gradient from golden-green to brilliant orange and deep ruby-red under high-tech conditions.
Use fine-tip pinsettes to plant small stem clusters 1 inch apart into aquarium soil.
Provide medium-to-high lighting and pressurized CO2 injection; consistent liquid fertilization rich in iron and micronutrients intensifies leaf serration and ruby-red pigmentation. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden parameter swings to prevent stem melting or leaf shedding.
To propagate, trim main stem tops with sharp straight shears and replant the trimmings directly into the substrate. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Required (Essential for vibrant red/orange tones and deep leaf serration)
Placement / Usage
Midground / Background Accent & Dutch Streets
Height / Size
4–12”+ (Cup portion size: 2–3”)
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Water Parameters
pH 6.5–7.5
Propagation Method
Cuttings (Cut stem tops or lateral shoots and replant)
Origin
North America
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the leaves on my Mermaid Weed changing shape?
Proserpinaca Palustris exhibits significant leaf morphology changes between emersed and submerged forms. Under high light and pressurized CO2 submerged in the aquarium, new leaves will transform from broad, slightly toothy shapes into deeply pinnatifid, comb-like, saw-toothed foliage.
2. How do I turn Proserpinaca Palustris deep red?
Achieving deep ruby-red and copper tones on Mermaid Weed requires high-intensity lighting, pressurized CO2 injection, and regular dosing of a trace fertilizer that supplies iron and essential micronutrients.
3. How do I prepare Proserpinaca Palustris Tissue Culture before planting?
Carefully remove the gel from the roots by washing the plant in a bowl of room-temperature water or gently rinsing it under a tap. Once the gel is removed, separate the cluster into smaller clumps or individual stems and plant them into substrate using fine pinsettes.
"The plants were strong and they're coming along nicely."
— Arnold D. (5/5)
Complete melt
"Was so excited for this one! It arrived with only a few stems and they were very weak. I got them planted with high light, high CO2, and within a week they proceeded to melt. One new pair of leaves came up but the stem had completely melted. The all eventually turned to mush."
— Jonathan B. (1/5)
Came in perfect shape converting
"Came in perfect shape converting very fast"
— Briauna L. (5/5)
The plants I received were
"The plants I received were alive upon arrival but have already died but the rest of the plants in my tank are doing great."
— Joshua L. (1/5)
Proserinaca Palustris
"It lasted three days, then died."
— Odel C. (1/5)
Great plant for the aquarium!
"This is an absolutely beautiful aquatic plant! It came in a large bunch and I was able to put it in several of my tanks. I planted them individually and they stayed in the substrate without floating back to the top! It’s been about a week and they’re looking healthy and amazing, I even see new growth in some of them!"
— Jenifer M. (4/5)
didn't make it in the mail
"was shipped on tuesday and there was a delay, and recieved on friday. if you are buying it make sure the carrier doesn't have delays, this plant melts quite easily."
— Jonathan C. (3/5)
Melted away immediately.
"I received in somewhat rough shape. I was hoping it would recover quickly under high light and CO2, but the entire thing was melted away within 2 days. There's literally no plant left to recover, so this was a total loss."
