Swamp Mermaid Grass (Proserpinaca palustris): original amphibious plant for aquarium, nano, and paludarium
A finely cut, colorful... and ultra-tolerant plant
The Swamp Mermaid Grass (Proserpinaca palustris) is a true amphibious plant: it grows equally well submerged or emerged. Its finely cut leaves take on orange to red hues underwater, while when emerged they become a bit less toothed. Native to North America (from Canada to Florida), it adapts to tap water, optional heating, and simple substrate.
It is therefore ideal for natural or low-tech aquariums as well as for a paludarium, and also highly appreciated in nano tanks for its silhouette.
Why choose Proserpinaca palustris?
- Amphibious: stunning both submerged and emerged (paludarium, open tank).
- Colors: reddish-orange reflections under strong light.
- Low-tech compatible: no CO2 required, tap water, simple sand.
- Manageable size: rather slow growth, easy to prune.
- Easy propagation: stem cuttings (tips or segments).
- Versatile: nano aquariums (cut short) or taller tanks (can exceed 40 cm if allowed to grow).
Planting and cultivation tips
- Light: strong to very strong (intensifies color and compactness).
- Water: low current, clear water. Tap water suits it very well.
- Substrate: simple sand or gravel is sufficient. Rooting is gradual and rather weak.
- Maintenance: allow for an acclimation phase: the clump restarts after a few weeks needed for adaptation. Our plants grow in natural sand and may have developed their microbiota, so regrowth is easier.
- Pruning: cut above a node and replant the tip to thicken. Also possible in segments. The older part left in the sand will thicken through lateral shoots.
- Open tank or paludarium: flowering is possible when emerged.
Possible uses of Proserpinaca palustris
- Low-tech aquarium: middle mass (or foreground if trimmed short). It appreciates the calm waters of a tank without filter or pump.
- Nano-aquarium: ideal due to its small size and original shape. Its growth is slow and it is therefore not invasive.
- Paludarium or open tank: very nice emerged effect, the leaves are then different and it can become quite large if desired.
- Trash aquarium or summer pond: calm and sunny areas (bring indoors in winter if it freezes).
FAQ - Proserpinaca palustris
Is CO2 needed?
No. Good lighting is enough to tint it red-orange; CO2 may speed up growth, but it is completely unnecessary in a natural aquarium.
Why do my leaves have different shapes?
The leaves can have two different appearances: submerged they are more toothed and colored, emerged they are a bit smoother. Even temperature can change the shape of the leaves!
How tall can it grow?
Often 15 to 40 cm. It can break the surface in an open tank. In a small aquarium, it is trimmed and stays small.
Can it live without heating?
Yes, the ambient temperature of an apartment suits it very well. It does not like aquariums that are too warm.
How to propagate it?
By cuttings. When trimming, replant the tip or stem segments (respect the orientation). Leave the old part in the soil: it will produce new lateral shoots, which will thicken it.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Proserpinaca palustris
- Plant type: amphibious tufted plant
- Light: medium to strong
- Temperature: 8 to 28°C. In an aquarium, or in a pond if it can be brought indoors during winter.
- Water: it prefers calm waters and is not at all bothered by moderately hard water.
- Size: approximately 10 to 40 cm
- Packaging: 1 tuft with roots (indicative weight: 20 g).
- Guarantee: without rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind.
- Recommendation: as a precautionary principle, please never release this plant into the wild. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be preserved.
