Kaiser Aquatics Proserpinaca Palustrus

🌿 Proserpinaca Palustris (Mermaid Weed) Care Guide

🔍 Overview

• Common Name: Mermaid Weed

• Scientific Name: Proserpinaca palustris

• Origin: North and Central America

• Difficulty: Moderate to advanced

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Placement: Midground to background

• Light Requirements: Medium to high

• CO₂ Requirements: Recommended for vibrant color and form

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🌱 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 10 gallons and up

• Water Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH)

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💡 Lighting

• Requires moderate to high light for optimal growth and coloration.

• Under strong light, leaves shift from green to bronze, copper, or even pinkish-red.

• Lower light will result in greener, more subdued tones and leggier growth.

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🧪 CO₂ & Fertilization

• CO₂ injection is highly recommended to enhance coloration and leaf shape.

• Needs consistent fertilization, particularly:

  • Iron for color

  • Macronutrients like nitrate and phosphate for growth

• A nutrient-rich substrate or dosing regimen will prevent leaf loss and transparency.

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✂️ Maintenance

• Trimming: Cut stems and replant the tops for propagation; encourages bushier growth.

• Spacing: Give space between stems to allow light to reach lower leaves.

• Can be fragile when transitioning between tank conditions — acclimate slowly.

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🌾 Growth Behavior

• Feathery, serrated leaves that look finely toothed or “mermaid tail” shaped.

• Changes appearance significantly based on conditions — more delicate and red under ideal care.

• Can reach 12–16 inches tall, with vibrant top growth.

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⚠️ Important Notes

• Very sensitive to poor lighting or nutrient deficiencies — watch for melting or transparency.

• Not ideal for low-tech tanks unless it’s already adapted.

• Great showpiece in Dutch-style aquascapes or high-tech setups with strong color contrast