Umbrella Hairgrass care guide
Umbrella Hairgrass (Eleocharis vivipara) — medium light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Umbrella Hairgrass (Eleocharis vivipara) is an aquatic plant of the family Cyperaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. Larger Eleocharis with arching stems that produce plantlets at the tips, creating a fountain effect. Good background-to-midground plant in low-tech setups; tolerates medium light.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Eleocharis
- Scientific name: Eleocharis vivipara
Habitat
Eleocharis is a cosmopolitan genus of spikerushes (Cyperaceae) of marshes, pond margins and seasonally flooded ground. Small species form grass-like submersed lawns in aquariums. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from North America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
A foreground carpet plant planted in small bundles a few centimetres apart; bright light and added CO2 speed the spread of runners into a dense lawn. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Spreads by runners that throw daughter plants across the substrate, quickly knitting separate plugs into a continuous carpet. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets on flower stalks.
Common issues
Under low light the blades stretch tall and the carpet thins; trapped detritus and surface algae are reduced by good flow and periodic trimming.