Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis) care guide
Eleocharis pusilla (sold as E. parvula / 'Mini') / E. acicularis · Cyperaceae
Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis) (Eleocharis pusilla (sold as E. parvula / 'Mini') / E. acicularis) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Cyperaceae family. It is native to Trade dwarf hairgrass (E. pusilla): Australia & New Zealand; E. acicularis: the temperate Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, temperate Asia) plus Central & South American mountains. It needs medium light. Water temperature: 18°C – 27°C. pH: 5.5 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Easy. Growth rate: moderate (spreads by runners).
How do you care for Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis)?
| Light | Medium (grows in low light, but only carpets densely and stays short under medium–high light) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Helpful (speeds up carpeting; recommended for the 'Mini' form) |
| Temperature | 18°C – 27°C |
| pH | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Foreground grass carpet – plant small tufts 1–2 cm apart (the taller E. acicularis also suits the midground) |
| Growth | Moderate (spreads by runners) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis)?
Mow with long or curved scissors every few weeks to keep it low and push runners; pull runners out where you don’t want it to spread. Whole mats can be lifted and replanted; propagate by splitting tufts or runners.
What problems affect Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis)?
Algae and stalled growth from organic debris trapped in the mat; tall, thin, slow-spreading tufts in low light or without CO₂.
How do you fix Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis) problems?
Vacuum the carpet during water changes; raise light, add CO₂ and mow regularly.
Where does Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis) come from?
Trade dwarf hairgrass (E. pusilla): Australia & New Zealand; E. acicularis: the temperate Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, temperate Asia) plus Central & South American mountains · Biotope regions: North America, Europe, East Asia, Australia.
Sources
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants: Eleocharis parvula, E. pusilla, E. acicularis, E. yokoscensis — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew / GBIF
- Eleocharis pusilla ('E. parvula') — Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
- Eleocharis acicularis — Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
- Eleocharis parvula (plant details) — Tropica
- Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini' — Tropica
- Eleocharis pusilla 'Mini' (plant details) — Tropica
- Eleocharis acicularis (plant details) — Tropica
- Dwarf Hair Grass (Eleocharis Parvula) — Buce Plant
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis)?
- Iwagumi aquascape: stones, plants and setup
- Nature Aquarium style: layout rules and setup
- Riparium: a riverbank tank with plants above the water
- Wabi-kusa: how to make and grow an emersed plant ball
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