Eleocharis acicularis (5cm Pot) Care Guide

Eleocharis acicularis, commonly known as Hairgrass, is a popular aquatic plant used in aquascaping for its fine, grass-like appearance and ability to create a lush, carpeted effect in aquariums. It’s often used in the foreground of tanks and is relatively easy to care for. Here’s a detailed care guide to ensure your Eleocharis acicularis thrives:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Best suited for small to medium-sized aquariums (10 gallons or larger). This plant can be kept in smaller tanks, but make sure there is enough space for it to spread and form a carpet.
• Lighting: Moderate to high light. Eleocharis acicularis thrives with plenty of light, and with the right intensity, it will grow densely and spread across the substrate. In low light, it will struggle to grow properly and may become sparse and weak.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F); prefers tropical water conditions.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (4–12 dGH). It can tolerate a variety of water hardness levels, but it does best in softer water.
• Substrate: Prefers a fine, nutrient-rich substrate. Aquasoil, aquarium soil, or fine gravel works well. A deep substrate (2–3 inches) is recommended to allow the plant to root and spread. It can also thrive in aquariums with well-fertilized substrates.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, especially in high-light conditions. The plant will spread rapidly by sending out runners across the substrate, forming a dense carpet.
• CO2 Requirement: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended for optimal growth, as it helps the plant to grow more quickly and remain healthy. While Eleocharis acicularis can grow without CO2, it will benefit from added carbon and perform better in high-light setups.

Key Tips

• Pruning: Eleocharis acicularis tends to spread quickly by sending out runners. Trim back any overly long or unwanted growth to maintain a neat appearance. Regular trimming will also encourage more dense growth, creating a more compact carpet effect.
• Fertilization: Fertilizing is essential for healthy growth. Use a complete liquid fertilizer with macro- and micronutrients. Root tabs can also be used to provide nutrients directly to the roots if you’re using a non-nutrient-rich substrate.
• Water Flow: This plant prefers moderate to high water flow, as it helps nutrients circulate and keeps the grass blades upright. However, avoid very strong currents that could uproot the plant or cause it to break apart.
• Placement: Eleocharis acicularis is typically planted in the foreground of aquariums as a carpeting plant. To plant it, gently insert small clumps of the grass into the substrate. You can also plant them in clusters to create a denser carpet.
• Propagation: This plant propagates easily through runners. As it grows, it sends out horizontal shoots that root into the substrate, creating new plants. You can trim the runners and replant them to propagate further or spread the carpet.

Additional Notes

• Water Quality: Eleocharis acicularis helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, making it an excellent addition to reduce algae growth. However, high nutrient levels can cause algae problems, so ensure your tank is well-maintained.
• Leaf Care: The plant has thin, delicate grass-like leaves that can collect debris or algae. Clean the leaves gently if necessary to avoid blocking light or promoting algae buildup.
• Tank Mates: Eleocharis acicularis is generally peaceful and won’t harm other tank inhabitants. However, it may be uprooted by larger fish or aggressive species, so consider the tank’s overall ecosystem when choosing tank mates.

Common Problems

• Sparse Growth or Yellowing: This could be a sign of nutrient deficiency or insufficient lighting. Increase the light intensity and consider adding a complete liquid fertilizer with trace elements to address nutrient shortages.
• Leggy or Stretched Growth: Insufficient light or lack of CO2 can cause the plant to grow tall and spindly, trying to reach the surface for more light. Increasing the light intensity and adding CO2 will help the plant grow more compactly.
• Algae Buildup: Hairgrass is sensitive to algae growth, especially if nutrient levels are too high. Regular water changes, proper fertilization, and ensuring the plant has enough light will reduce algae issues.

Eleocharis acicularis is a versatile and beautiful plant that can quickly transform the look of your aquarium with its fine grass-like texture. With proper care, including bright light, nutrient-rich substrate, regular pruning, and CO2 supplementation, it will thrive and create a lush carpet in your aquarium.