Proserpinaca Palustris (Mermaid Weed)

Want a leaf shape nothing else has? Mermaid Weed grows finely saw-toothed, almost lace-like foliage that shifts from bright green to deep copper-red under strong light. The serration is the draw — no other stem plant in the catalog has that texture.

What You’ll Receive

• Fresh-Cut Plants: Approximately 6 loose, freshly cut stems — unrooted and ready to plant directly into your substrate.
• Bunched Plants: Approximately 6 unrooted, fresh-cut stems bundled together with foam and secured with a weight for easy placement.
• Potted Plants: Approximately 6 unrooted, fresh-cut stems nestled in rockwool and housed in a net pot — ideal for stable planting and easy transfer.

Plant Profile

• Common name — Mermaid Weed
• Scientific name — Proserpinaca palustris
• Origin — North America, in marshes and slow-moving water
• Placement — Midground to background
• Mature height — 6–14 in
• Growth rate — Medium

Care

• Difficulty — Intermediate
• Light — Medium to high. Intensity drives both the red and the leaf serration
• CO₂ — Recommended, not required
• Water — 65–78°F · pH 6.0–7.0. Prefers the cooler end, soft to moderately hard
• Substrate — Required. Root and water column feeder
• Growth habit — Amphibious. Suits paludariums and ripariums
• Propagation — Stem cuttings

Grower’s Notes

• Light changes the leaf shape, not just the color. Under strong light the serration becomes pronounced and the plant reddens; under moderate light the leaves come in smoother and green. You are choosing the texture through your lighting.
• It prefers cooler water than most. At 65–78°F it sits below the usual range, so it is a poor choice for a warm discus tank and does noticeably better in a room-temperature setup.
• Trim and replant the tops. Each cut branches the stem, and replanted cuttings root readily.
• It contrasts strongly with smooth-leaved plants — Anubias and Cryptocoryne are its natural companions.

Want to go deeper? Read our guide to the Best Background Plants for Your Planted Aquarium.

Notes

• Photos shown are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, and coloration depending on growing conditions. Aquatic plants may be shipped emersed or submersed, and while we inspect every shipment, we cannot guarantee plants are 100% free of snails or algae.
• Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.

At a glance

• Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
• Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
• Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
• USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
• UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
• Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
• We ship within the United States only.

Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.

The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.

How it works

• Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
• Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
• We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.

Good to know

• Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
• Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
• Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.

The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.