Photo: Rudi77, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mermaid weed
Proserpinaca palustris L.
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Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
low
CO₂ needs
20–25 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- background, midground
- Propagation
- cuttings
- Uses
- colour accent
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
Its foliage changes clearly when it moves to life underwater: the green emersed form gives way to more finely cut leaves, often orange-red. Several American forms exist, including a Cuban strain circulated in the hobby. It makes a colour accent without the speed of some red stem plants.
- Scientific name
- Proserpinaca palustris L.
- Classification
- Saxifragales › Haloragaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
North America, Central America, Caribbean, southern South America
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
It takes time to acclimatise. Medium to strong light, CO₂ and balanced feeding bring out the colours; in particular keep up the iron supply. It forms few side shoots. After trimming, replant the top part to keep a presentable plant, possibly keeping the base to get new cuttings.
Sources:Flowgrow GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth