Subclass Rosidae ( Rosidae )
Order Haloragales ( Haloragales )
Family Haloragaceae ( Haloragaceae )
Bright lighting is required, water temperature should not exceed 23-25°C, and the water must be clean. They are prone to algae overgrowth, which can kill them. They enrich the water with oxygen well. When removing overgrown shoots, leave the stronger, well-leafed specimens.
Genus Proserpinaca — Proserpinaca.
Proserpinaca palustris — Proserpinaca palustris.
“1” (English – Mermaid Weed). Central America (Cuba and the Antilles) and the eastern part of North America. Currently, aquarists use several varieties of Proserpinaca, including a variety from Cuba called: — Proserpinaca palustris “Cuba”. Height 20-40 cm. Width 5-15 cm. Plants grown above water have saw-toothed leaves, which after planting in the aquarium during the acclimatization period become long, serrated, and needle-like. Under certain conditions, Proserpinaca palustris morphs and outwardly differs from the original. Leaf color can vary from yellow-green to orange, and from brown to dark red depending on light intensity, water composition, and nutrients. In addition, the size, shape of the leaves, and the length of the “teeth” also strongly depend on these factors.
“2” Lighting is strong. It loves light and dies in the shade. Proserpiniaca palustris grows juvenile (undeveloped) leaves with an 8-hour photoperiod, generative leaves with a 12-hour photoperiod, and generative leaves and flowers with a 14-hour photoperiod. If light does not reach the lower part of the stem, it sheds its lower leaves. Under good lighting, the leaves acquire a beautiful copper color, while the plant contrasts nicely with other plants. In poor maintenance conditions, Proserpinaca has an inconspicuous olive leaf color and an unsightly thick stem, which is about twice as thick as under optimal maintenance conditions for this plant. Under unfavorable conditions, it changes its growth point and begins to bush out. A CO2 system is recommended. Temperature 15-28°C; pH 5.5-7.5; dH up to 12°.
“4” The root system is well developed and requires a nutrient-rich substrate. It prefers to receive nutrition from the roots and therefore grows poorly in a “blank” substrate. It tolerates root trimming very poorly. If something is wrong with the substrate, the stem turns black and the plant perishes. To induce orange or red coloration on the leaves and the formation of dense foliage, nitrates (NO3), phosphates (PO4), iron, and potassium are necessary. Correct and regular fertilization, as well as proper selection of CO2 concentration, are important. High CO2 concentrations cause morphological leaf mutations, making them thinner and with very elongated teeth. Excessive concentration of NO3 and PO4 (especially NO3) causes leaves to become completely green or patchy. A lack of iron and/or potassium causes general discoloration and leaf loss.
“5” Plant in the background under direct bright light. This plant has a drawback — it easily loses its basal leaves if poorly lit and lacking nutrients. If Ludwigia grows well in your aquarium, then Proserpinaca will grow well too. It dislikes transplantation and tolerates top-cutting poorly. After planting, a Proserpinaca cutting takes a long time to grow roots and grows slowly. It gets sick and does not grow until it sprouts new roots. Its leaves become smaller at this time. It is not very demanding on water hardness. Growth rate is slow. Maintenance conditions are medium.
“6” When the top of the plant reaches the surface, it is necessary to cut it with very sharp scissors above one of the internodes of your choice. With sufficient lighting, the remaining lower part produces new shoots within a short time, which, when at least 10-15 cm long, can be planted in the substrate. Plant them at least 4-5 cm apart from each other.
Myriophyllum aquaticum, Myriophyllum tuberculatum.
Eleocharis acicularis, parvula, vivipara, Cyperus helferi. 
