Dwarf Hairgrass
Eleocharis parvula
Cyperaceae
PlantsDifficulty: ●●●○○Data: well-established
About
Dwarf hairgrass is a fine, grass-like carpeting plant that spreads by runners to form a lush green lawn across the foreground. Achieving a dense, low carpet reliably requires bright light and CO2 injection; under low light it grows leggy and thin. It is a rewarding but demanding aquascaping plant popular for nature-style layouts.
Care
Plant small clumps a few centimetres apart in nutrient substrate, give bright light and CO2, and let runners fill in. Trim to keep it low.
Diet
Feeds from substrate and water column; enriched substrate plus balanced dosing drives the fast runner spread needed to carpet.
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Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does a Dwarf Hairgrass need?
- Dwarf Hairgrass does best at 18–28 °C (64.4–82.4 °F), pH 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–16 °dGH.
- Where should Dwarf Hairgrass be placed in the aquarium?
- Dwarf Hairgrass works best in the foreground and reaches around 10 cm.
- Is the Dwarf Hairgrass suitable for beginners?
- Dwarf Hairgrass sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.
Sources
Water & tank
Temperature18–28°C
Optimal temp.21–26°C
pH6–7.5
Hardness (GH)2–16°d
Carbonate (KH)2–12°d
Water typeFreshwater
FlowModerate
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