Troubleshooting
Common Nardoo problems — and how to fix them
Common Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Algae smothering fronds
In still, nutrient-rich water, filamentous algae can blanket the surface and outcompete Nardoo fronds. Reduce nutrients, introduce oxygenating plants, and remove algae manually by twirling on a cane.
Frost damage
Fronds blacken and collapse below 5°C (41°F). In frost-prone regions, move container indoors before first frost and keep the substrate moist; rhizomes and sporocarps may survive mild frost but regrowth is slow.
Failure to spread
In poor, sandy substrate or overly deep water (>40 cm), rhizomes fail to anchor and the plant drifts rather than carpets. Re-plant into a weighted basket of firm clay-loam at a depth of 5–15 cm of water.
Prevent common nardoo problems before they start
Most common nardoo issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Common Nardoo problems — FAQ
Why is my common nardoo algae smothering fronds?
In still, nutrient-rich water, filamentous algae can blanket the surface and outcompete Nardoo fronds. Reduce nutrients, introduce oxygenating plants, and remove algae manually by twirling on a cane.
Why is my common nardoo frost damage?
Fronds blacken and collapse below 5°C (41°F). In frost-prone regions, move container indoors before first frost and keep the substrate moist; rhizomes and sporocarps may survive mild frost but regrowth is slow.
Why is my common nardoo failure to spread?
In poor, sandy substrate or overly deep water (>40 cm), rhizomes fail to anchor and the plant drifts rather than carpets. Re-plant into a weighted basket of firm clay-loam at a depth of 5–15 cm of water.