Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis) Care Guide
A grass-like carpeting plant with thin needle leaves that forms a lush lawn when given proper conditions.
Overview
Eleocharis acicularis is an aquatic plant in the family Cyperaceae. A grass-like carpeting plant with thin needle leaves that forms a lush lawn when given proper conditions. Spreads via runners and benefits from CO2 injection and nutrient-rich substrate to achieve a dense carpet.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Eleocharis
- Scientific name: Eleocharis acicularis
- Other names: Needle Spikerush
Habitat
A cosmopolitan needle spikerush distributed across North America, Europe and Asia. Grows on muddy banks and in shallow ponds; spreads aggressively via runners and forms a low grass-like lawn when submerged.
Growth requirements
- Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
- Temperature: 18-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Growth rate: medium
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: foreground
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Trim every: 14 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by runners (daughter plants on horizontal stolons).