Eleocharis montevidensis Care Guide
Eleocharis montevidensis, or giant hairgrass, is a tall spikerush with upright blades used for background hairgrass meadows.
Overview
Eleocharis montevidensis, known as giant hairgrass or sand spikerush, is a tall, slender grass-like plant of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Its long upright blades make it well suited to tall background hairgrass meadows.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Eleocharis
- Scientific name: Eleocharis montevidensis
- Common name: giant hairgrass, sand spikerush
Habitat
Giant hairgrass is native to North and South America, where it thrives in shallow wetlands and along marshy shorelines. It tolerates tannin-rich water typical of blackwater environments and can grow both emersed and submersed.
Aquarium requirements
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.8
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Placement: background
- Maximum height: about 30 cm
The plant is undemanding, thriving under moderate light with or without CO2. In brighter light it tends to stay shorter and tighter, while moderate light encourages taller, more open growth. It is a root-feeding species that benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
Care and growth
Growth rate is fast. It can be trimmed without harming the plant, allowing it to be kept contained. As it spreads it forms a dense thicket that provides shelter for small fish and fry while taking up nutrients.
Propagation
Eleocharis montevidensis propagates by runners in the substrate, gradually forming a dense stand. Runners and divisions can be replanted to spread the meadow across the background.