Pest identification
What's eating my microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf'?
Black beard algae (Audouinella sp.)
Signs: Dark bristly growth on needle tips; highly visible on fine foliage; impedes photosynthesis
Control: Spot-dose Excel/glutaraldehyde carefully to avoid overdose; improve CO2 stability; add Siamese algae eaters
Green spot algae
Signs: Hard green dots on broader sections of older needle leaves
Control: Reduce photoperiod; dose phosphate; deploy nerite snails
Aquarium snails
Signs: Minor surface grazing only on deteriorating fronds
Control: Hand-pick; assassin snails for larger infestations
Keep microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf' 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 'needle leaf' problems & fixes
- Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf' watering schedule
- Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf' light requirements
- Full microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf' care guide
Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf' pests — FAQ
What is eating my microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf'?
Java fern 'Needle Leaf' produces very fine, thread-like fronds that are just as unpalatable to fish and snails as the broader-leaved varieties. Black beard algae can cling to the wispy leaf tips and be particularly visible given the delicate texture. Green spot algae follows in phosphate-deficient, brightly lit tanks.
How do I get rid of black beard algae (audouinella sp.) on microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf'?
Dark bristly growth on needle tips; highly visible on fine foliage; impedes photosynthesis Spot-dose Excel/glutaraldehyde carefully to avoid overdose; improve CO2 stability; add Siamese algae eaters
How do I get rid of green spot algae on microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf'?
Hard green dots on broader sections of older needle leaves Reduce photoperiod; dose phosphate; deploy nerite snails
How do I get rid of aquarium snails on microsorum pteropus 'needle leaf'?
Minor surface grazing only on deteriorating fronds Hand-pick; assassin snails for larger infestations