Eleocharis acicularis, also known as dwarf hairgrass, is a staple aquarium carpet plant loved by aquascapers for its fine texture and ability to create natural, flowing green lawns. This versatile Eleocharis acicularis aquarium plant spreads by runners and thrives in both low-tech and CO₂-injected tanks. Whether you’re planning a dense Iwagumi scape or looking for a reliable low tech carpeting plant, Eleocharis acicularis adapts easily to various conditions and is suitable for beginners and experts alike. Available in Tissue Culture and Emersed formats, this Plant Passport delivers a complete Eleocharis acicularis care guide, including planting tips, tank parameters, and propagation strategies for your planted aquarium.
1. Basic Information
- Trade Name: Dwarf Hairgrass
- Scientific Name: Eleocharis acicularis
- Common Names: Dwarf Hairgrass, Needle Spikerush, Hairgrass Aquarium Plant
2. Botanical Profile of Eleocharis acicularis
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Eleocharis
- Species: acicularis
- Etymology:
- Eleocharis = “grace of the marsh” in Greek
- Acicularis = Latin for “needle-like,” referencing its thin, upright blades
- Endemic Region / Origin: North America, Europe, and Asia
- Natural Habitat: Submerged in slow-moving freshwater zones, lake margins, and wetlands
- Growth Habit: Spreads via runners; upright, grass-like structure
- Leaf Description: Needle-thin bright green leaves, 6–12 cm tall
3. Aquarium Suitability of Eleocharis acicularis
- Ideal Placement in Aquascape: Foreground or low midground
- Compatible Aquascaping Styles:
- Iwagumi (open carpet scapes)
- Nature Aquarium (natural meadow effects)
- Dutch (foreground contrast)
- Biotope (wetland-themed tanks)
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- CO₂ Requirement: Beneficial but not essential (can grow without CO₂ in low-tech setups)
- Lighting Needs: Medium to high
- Nutrient Requirements: Grows best in enriched substrates with occasional water column dosing
- Temperature Range: 18°C – 26°C
- pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
- GH/KH Preference: GH 3–10, KH 2–6
- Substrate Requirement: Nutrient-rich, soft-grain substrate preferred
4. How to Plant Eleocharis acicularis
For Tissue Culture Format (Eleocharis acicularis tissue culture):
- Rinse gel medium thoroughly under dechlorinated water
- Separate into 10–15 tufts using fine scissors
- Plant each tuft deeply using aquascaping tweezers at ~1 inch spacing
- Minimize flow during the first 5–7 days to help establish roots
For Emersed Format:
- Trim older or yellowing leaves before planting
- Remove excess rockwool gently
- Insert clumps into the substrate with root base fully covered
- New shoots will emerge even if some leaves melt during transition
5. Care & Maintenance of Eleocharis acicularis
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular trimming helps encourage lateral spread and runner formation
- Remove dead blades to prevent algae buildup
- Avoid excess detritus by maintaining clean substrate conditions
Trimming Frequency:
Every 2–4 weeks depending on tank growth rate
Common Issues & Prevention:
- Algae on blades: Improve circulation and CO₂ stability
- Melting: Often occurs during transition; regrowth begins shortly
- Patchy carpeting: Space plugs evenly and use root nutrition for consistency
Tissue Culture Transition Tips:
- Introduce moderate light before increasing to high
- Add potassium to reduce melting risk
- Avoid burying plant crowns too deep
Melting Risk After Planting?:
Low to moderate, depending on tank stability
How Long Before Visible Growth?:
10–14 days in CO₂ tanks; 3–4 weeks in low light / no CO₂ setups
6. Compatibility & Use of Eleocharis acicularis in Aquascapes
- Safe for Shrimp? ✅ Yes
- Can be Used in Emersed Setups? ✅ Yes (paludariums, Wabi-Kusa)
- Can Be Grown in Terrariums/Paludariums? ✅ Yes
- Ideal for: Beginners to advanced aquascapers
- Plant Difficulty: Easy
- Best With Other Plants:
- Eleocharis parvula (shorter alternative)
- Hydrocotyle tripartita
- Staurogyne repens
- Best With Fish/Shrimp:
- Cherry shrimp
- Ember tetras
- Otocinclus
7. Eleocharis acicularis vs Parvula – Key Differences
| Feature | E. acicularis | E. parvula |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Height | Taller (6–12 cm) | Shorter (3–7 cm) |
| Growth Pattern | More upright | Slight arching |
| Ideal Use | Mid to foreground | Strictly foreground |
| Ease of Care | Easier in low light | Slightly more demanding |
8. Plant History & Interesting Facts about Eleocharis acicularis
- Known as one of the most reliable dwarf hairgrass aquarium species
- Used widely in aquascaping competitions for clean lawns
- A top choice in lists of aquarium grass for beginners
- Can grow fully submerged or in moist emersed setups
- Popular in nano aquariums due to vertical growth without clutter
9. Quality & Trust Emphasis (Aqua Matsya Signature Section)
What Makes This an Aqua Matsya Choice:
- Available in Eleocharis acicularis tissue culture and hardened formats
- Grown in Indian water conditions for reliability and minimal melt
- Tested across CO₂ and non-CO₂ setups before release
Hobbyist Trust Indicators:
💚 Pest- and algae-free
💧 Thrives in low light and CO₂-free aquariums
🌱 Great for nano tanks, beginner-friendly, fast propagation via runners