What's eating my marsilea quadrifolia?

Marsilea quadrifolia, the four-leaf water clover, faces snail grazing and aphid attacks on its clover-like fronds, both in aquariums and outdoor water gardens. In ponds, waterfowl and aquatic invertebrates nibble the delicate leaflets. Keeping water clean and nutrient-balanced discourages the algae overgrowth that can also smother low-growing fronds.

Holes and ragged edges bitten into the small, four-part fronds; young leaflets eaten entirely Reduce snail populations by hand-picking; introduce assassin snails; quarantine new plants before adding to tank or pond

Sticky colonies on emerging fronds above the waterline; yellowing and curling of leaflets Spray off with water; introduce natural predators (ladybirds); remove heavily infested fronds promptly

Fronds uprooted or stripped; rhizomes disturbed and exposed in shallow pond margins Protect with mesh or pond plant baskets; choose non-herbivorous fish companions