Eleocharis Parvula

Eleocharis Parvula, commonly known as Dwarf Hairgrass, is a popular choice for aquarists seeking a lush, carpet-like effect in their aquascapes. This versatile and resilient plant is native to various regions worldwide, thriving in both temperate and tropical climates. Eleocharis Parvula is characterized by its thin, bright green, grass-like leaves that grow densely, creating a beautiful and natural-looking foreground in any aquarium. Its ability to spread quickly through runners makes it an ideal plant for covering substrate and establishing a vibrant, green lawn.

One of the appealing aspects of Eleocharis Parvula is its adaptability to different lighting conditions and water parameters. While it flourishes best under high light and with CO2 supplementation, it can also grow reasonably well in low to medium light settings, making it accessible to aquarists of all skill levels. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, but it benefits from nutrient-rich substrates and regular fertilization to maintain its lush appearance. Its growth rate is moderate to fast, and routine trimming helps to keep the carpet dense and prevent it from becoming overgrown.

In aquascaping, Eleocharis Parvula is commonly used as a foreground plant, creating a lush, green carpet that complements other plants and hardscape elements. It can also be used effectively in an Iwagumi setup, where its fine texture contrasts beautifully with larger rocks and stones. Additionally, Eleocharis Parvula can be utilized in Dutch-style aquariums to provide a cohesive, grassy foreground that enhances the overall aesthetics of the tank. Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions makes it a versatile choice for creating stunning, natural-looking aquascapes.

This tissue culture shown is from the Sreepadma GroWoW! series. 

Care Tips:

• Substrate: Use nutrient-rich substrate or aqua soil.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting to encourage dense growth.
• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 20-28°C (68-82°F).
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0-7.5.
• Nutrients: Medium; benefits from regular liquid fertilization and CO2 supplementation.
• Propagation: Spreads through runners; separate and replant to promote new growth.

Growth: Moderate to fast
Lighting: Moderate to high
Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Nutrients: Medium
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate