DWARF HAIR GRASS

Dwarf hair grass (Eleocharis acicularis) is a popular aquatic plant, often used in aquariums due to its small, grassy appearance. It’s known for its fine, needle-like leaves that resemble grass and form lush, green carpets when grown in the right conditions.

Here are a few key things to know about it:

Care and Growing Tips:

1. Lighting: Dwarf hair grass thrives in moderate to high lighting. If you’re growing it in an aquarium, aim for around 8–10 hours of light per day.

2. Substrate: It does best in a nutrient-rich substrate, especially one that’s designed for aquariums. It can grow in standard aquarium gravel, but the growth will be slower.

3. Water Parameters: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (pH around 6.0 to 7.5). It also enjoys soft to moderately hard water.

4. CO2: While it can grow without additional CO2, the addition of CO2 will help it flourish and produce a denser carpet. If you’re aiming for a lush aquascape, CO2 supplementation is recommended.

5. Maintenance: Regular trimming is required to keep the grass tidy and prevent it from overtaking other plants. You can trim it with aquarium scissors, cutting back to about 2–3 cm above the substrate.

6. Propagation: It spreads by runners (like stolons), so once it establishes a good carpet, you may notice new shoots popping up from the roots. If you want to propagate, you can gently pull the runners and replant them elsewhere.

7. Companion Plants: Dwarf hair grass pairs well with other low-growing plants like mosses or smaller aquatic plants, creating a nice balance in aquascapes.