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Dwarf Hairgrass — photograph (Wikimedia Commons; see site attributions)

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

mediummedium lightNo CO2 neededslow growthcarpet

Dwarf Hairgrass

Eleocharis parvula

Also: Hair Grass, Mini Hairgrass

Dwarf Hairgrass forms a dense grass-like carpet in the foreground given adequate light and nutrients. It spreads via runners. CO2 injection significantly speeds establishment; without it, growth is slow and sparse, and algae may outcompete it before it covers the substrate.

Substrate mattersCarpet plants establish best in fine nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs — plan this before filling the tank.

Care at a glance

Difficultymedium
Lightmedium
CO2Beneficial
FertiliserNeeded
Growth rateslow
Max height10cm
Placementforeground
Min tank40L

Water parameters

Temperature18–28°C
pH6.5–7.5
Shrimp safeYes
Herbivore risklow
Propagationrunners

Beginner guidance

Plant individual plugs in fine substrate; it will take several weeks to spread. Without CO2, lower expectations on coverage speed. Trim to a few centimetres to encourage lateral growth. Compatible with shrimp, which help clean detritus from the carpet.

Cautions

  • Slow establishment without CO2; algae can smother it early on.

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