Water parameters
Temperature18–28°C
pH6–7.5
General hardness (GH)2–12 dGH
Recommended range
Overview
Proserpinaca palustris is a stem plant from the marshes of eastern North America that grows narrow, deeply incised leaves like the teeth of a comb when submerged. Above water, its leaves are lance-shaped with toothed edges. Under strong light the shoot tips turn from green to orange and reddish tones; this color and the incised texture make the plant eye-catching in the midground. There is also a form sold in the trade under the name 'Cuba'.
Planting and Placement
- Plant the stems in groups of 3–5, 3 cm apart, 3 cm deep.
- In the midground it creates a textural contrast next to plants with flat leaves.
Care and Fertilization
- Light: High; in weak light it stays green and becomes sparse.
- CO₂: Not required but beneficial.
- Fertilizer: Iron supplementation is important for color; very high nitrate can make the color fade.
- Trimming: Cut from the top; side shoots grow from the cut point and the group becomes bushier.
Propagation
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Common Problems
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Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
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Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026