Pest identification
What's eating my microsorum pteropus 'narrow'?
Black beard algae (Audouinella sp.)
Signs: Dark tufts on leaf edges and tips, particularly in areas with fluctuating CO2
Control: Spot treat with Excel; improve flow; add Siamese algae eaters or Florida flag fish
Green spot algae
Signs: Hard green discs scattered across the narrow blade surface in bright light
Control: Shorten photoperiod; raise phosphate slightly; use nerite snails
Aquarium snails
Signs: Very minor pitting on aged or decaying leaves; healthy tissue is unpalatable
Control: Manual removal; assassin snails if population is large
Keep microsorum pteropus 'narrow' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats green wave fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common microsorum pteropus 'narrow' problems & fixes
- Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' watering schedule
- Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' light requirements
- Full microsorum pteropus 'narrow' care guide
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' pests — FAQ
What is eating my microsorum pteropus 'narrow'?
Java fern 'Narrow' is as herbivore-resistant as the species type, with its elongated strap leaves rarely touched by fish or snails. Algae — principally black beard and green spot — remains the main threat. Poor water circulation along its long narrow blades creates algae hotspots. Keep flow moderate and nutrients balanced.
How do I get rid of black beard algae (audouinella sp.) on microsorum pteropus 'narrow'?
Dark tufts on leaf edges and tips, particularly in areas with fluctuating CO2 Spot treat with Excel; improve flow; add Siamese algae eaters or Florida flag fish
How do I get rid of green spot algae on microsorum pteropus 'narrow'?
Hard green discs scattered across the narrow blade surface in bright light Shorten photoperiod; raise phosphate slightly; use nerite snails
How do I get rid of aquarium snails on microsorum pteropus 'narrow'?
Very minor pitting on aged or decaying leaves; healthy tissue is unpalatable Manual removal; assassin snails if population is large