{"product_id":"mermaid-weed","title":"Mermaid Weed","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Mermaid Weed\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMermaid Weed is a distinctive and highly sought-after aquarium stem plant known for its unusual serrated leaves and ability to transform dramatically when grown underwater. Its foliage can range from green to orange, bronze, and deep red depending on lighting, CO₂, and growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen grown emersed, Mermaid Weed develops broader, relatively simple leaves. Once fully submerged, the leaves become finely serrated and feather-like, giving the plant its distinctive \"mermaid\" appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is an excellent choice for adding texture and colour to the midground or background of a planted aquarium. The fine, deeply cut leaves create a unique contrast against broader-leaved plants and simple green carpeting plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMermaid Weed performs best under \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to high lighting with consistent CO₂ and good nutrient availability\u003c\/strong\u003e. Strong lighting and stable CO₂ encourage compact growth and more intense red and orange colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular trimming encourages branching and allows the plant to form a dense, attractive bush. Healthy stem cuttings can easily be replanted to propagate the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its unusual foliage and dramatic colour changes, Mermaid Weed is an excellent choice for aquascapers wanting a distinctive feature plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eProserpinaca palustris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mermaid Weed\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e North and Central America\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stem Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to High\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂ Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midground to Background\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nature aquariums, Dutch aquascapes, high-tech planted tanks, and freshwater community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Mermaid Weed require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can survive without CO₂, but stable CO₂ supplementation is strongly recommended for healthy submerged growth, compact form, and stronger colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy does Mermaid Weed have different shaped leaves?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMermaid Weed changes its leaf shape depending on whether it is grown above or below water. Underwater growth develops the characteristic finely serrated, feather-like foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I get Mermaid Weed to turn red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong lighting, stable CO₂, and balanced nutrients encourage the development of orange, bronze, and red tones. Colour intensity can also vary naturally between individual plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I propagate Mermaid Weed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut healthy stems above a leaf node and replant the cuttings into the substrate. The remaining stem can produce new side shoots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Mermaid Weed suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is better suited to intermediate aquarists, particularly if you want to achieve its strongest submerged form and vibrant colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow light can result in greener foliage and less compact growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnstable CO₂\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFluctuating CO₂ can stunt growth and contribute to algae issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoor nutrient availability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConsistent macro- and micronutrients are important for healthy growth and strong colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting stems too closely\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive individual stems enough space for light to reach the lower foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpecting emersed leaves to remain the same\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe plant undergoes a natural transition when adapting to submerged growth. New underwater leaves will develop the characteristic serrated appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856340627595,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/l_kJzd_12y8Gjwaxbf37eVR_vdwP2HTzrZaqfI3YjKc9zgT2q9dfyEmKRWdoOwTwnAHAo6K3GT45ULz6LG2q2HyiNx33B70VdNpIdW0c0W8BtYNnl19dwrwfgT3oxD_OyA4LluBZC_1CVGWbbfeRKKvTATEDu3lPJ1v29hFfJgqLpH-9yQNOYUa.jpg?v=1786334868","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/mermaid-weed","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}