





Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba'
Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba' - A Unique Red Stem Plant with Colour-changing Foliage for Aquascaping
Proserpinaca palustris, commonly called Mermaid Weed, is a rare and eye-catching midground aquarium stem plant known for its serrated, saw-toothed leaves and dynamic colouration. Its foliage ranges from lime green to deep red depending on lighting, nutrients, and CO₂ availability, making it an ideal focal contrast plant in planted aquariums.
This plant originates from North and Central America and adapts to submerged life in aquascaping conditions. Under high light and CO₂ injection, it transforms dramatically—its leaves become more narrow, finely textured, and shift to vibrant shades of orange, copper, or red.
Proserpinaca palustris grows upright and is best used in the midground or as a vertical accent, especially in Dutch-style aquascapes where leaf shape and colour diversity are key. It requires stable conditions, liquid fertilisation, and iron supplementation to maintain its best form.
Due to its slower growth and unique texture, it pairs beautifully with bushy greens and fine-leaved plants. It should be trimmed regularly and re-planted to maintain density and shape.
Key Benefits
- Striking Serrated Leaves: Creates a bold, exotic look in aquascapes.
- Vibrant Color Transformation: Turns red-orange under strong lighting.
- Perfect for Midground & Background: Adds contrast, texture, and height.
For aquascapers looking to introduce a rare and unique plant with stunning foliage and rich coloration, Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba' is an excellent choice. Its exotic appearance, adaptability, and captivating color shifts make it a top-tier plant for high-tech aquariums and aquascaping enthusiasts.
Why is it called Mermaid Weed?
Due to its serrated, almost fantasy-like leaf edges and colour-changing foliage, which give it an aquatic, mythical appearance.
Does it really turn red?
Yes - under high light, CO₂, and iron-rich fertilisation, it shifts from green to copper and deep red.
Is it hard to grow?
It’s moderately demanding. Stable lighting, CO₂, and nutrient levels are key.
How tall does it get?
It typically reaches 20-40 cm and can be trimmed to shape or re-planted for bushier growth.

Plant Profile
Read about what makes the best conditions for your plant as well as giving you interesting information about where the plant is originally from.
Learn how to keep an aquariumProserpinaca
palustris
Haloragaceae
America
High - medium
10-28°C
Moderate
Middleground
up to 30 cm
5-8
Very soft to moderate
20-30 mg/l
Side shoots

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