Troubleshooting
Nardoo problems — and how to fix them
Nardoo (Marsilea mutica) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Invasive spread
Marsilea mutica spreads aggressively by rhizomes and can rapidly take over a small pond or escape into nearby waterways — always grow in a submerged lattice basket and thin the root mass weekly during the growing season.
Leaf drop in cold water
In USDA zones 7–8 or during cold snaps, the plant will die back to the rhizome in cold water; the rhizome usually survives mild winters but in zone 7 it benefits from a layer of gravel mulch over the basket to insulate the roots.
Prevent nardoo problems before they start
Most nardoo issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Nardoo problems — FAQ
Why is my nardoo invasive spread?
Marsilea mutica spreads aggressively by rhizomes and can rapidly take over a small pond or escape into nearby waterways — always grow in a submerged lattice basket and thin the root mass weekly during the growing season.
Why is my nardoo leaf drop in cold water?
In USDA zones 7–8 or during cold snaps, the plant will die back to the rhizome in cold water; the rhizome usually survives mild winters but in zone 7 it benefits from a layer of gravel mulch over the basket to insulate the roots.