Common mermaidweed (Proserpinaca palustris) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Marsh mermaidweed, Proserpinaca palustris 'Cuba'
Family
Haloragaceae (watermilfoil family)
Origin
The Americas; Tropica's 'Cuba' form comes from Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
expert
Lighting
High light; CO2 injection needed

Care

Common mermaidweed is a marsh and shallow-water stem plant of the Americas, related to the watermilfoils. Its leaf shape changes with conditions: shop plants usually have saw-toothed leaves, which after a settling-in period underwater give way to long, needle-like leaves with fine teeth. The form also varies with where the plant came from. Tropica sells the variety 'Cuba', from Isla de la Juventud, raised from tissue culture. It reaches about 10–30 cm in two months and grows 10–40 cm tall and 5–10 cm wide. Plant it in groups in the midground. Tropica rates it advanced, with high light and high CO2 needs; in strong light it turns a rich copper-orange colour. Tropica does not give water figures. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Cut off the tops and replant them; trimmed stems produce side shoots.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fine leaves may be grazed by goldfish and plant-eating fish. Best in high-tech planted tanks with small fish and shrimp.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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