Feathery mermaidweed (Proserpinaca pectinata) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Combleaf mermaidweed, Comb-leaved mermaid-weed
Family
Haloragaceae (watermilfoil family)
Origin
Eastern North America (Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, Nova Scotia to Florida and Texas), south-eastern Mexico and Cuba
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
Soft
Care level
expert
Lighting
High light; CO2 injection recommended

Care

Feathery mermaidweed is a perennial wetland herb of stream margins, bogs, marshes, swamps and flooded ditches, especially in sandy coastal-plain wetlands of eastern North America. Its trailing stems rise towards the tips and reach about 50 cm. The leaves are deeply cut into narrow comb-like segments (blades about 1.3–2.3 cm); unlike its relative common mermaidweed, its submerged and emersed leaves look much alike. The sources say nothing about aquarium use. Treat it like Proserpinaca palustris: plant it in groups in the midground with strong light, CO2 and nutrients, and expect coppery tones in good light. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources, based on its soft, acidic coastal-plain habitat. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proserpinacapectinata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Take stem cuttings and replant them.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fine leaves may be grazed by plant-eating fish. Best with small fish and shrimp.

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

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