Growli

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:

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