Dwarf Hairgrass Aquatic Plant (Eleocharis acicularis) Fine grass-like carpeting plant ideal for aquascaping foregrounds, nano tanks, and natural-style aquariums

Size: 2 inch pot

Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis) is one of the most iconic and versatile carpeting plants in the aquascaping world. Valued for its slender, grass-like blades and natural meadow appearance, this hardy aquatic plant creates lush green carpets that transform aquarium foregrounds into living landscapes. Native to wetlands and shallow waters across Europe, Asia, and North America, Dwarf Hairgrass adapts exceptionally well to fully submerged aquarium life.

Its fine, hair-thin leaves sway gently with water movement, adding realism and depth to aquascapes ranging from minimalist Iwagumi layouts to lush nature-style tanks.

🌱 Plant Overview

Eleocharis acicularis grows in dense clumps that spread via runners, forming an interconnected carpet across the substrate. Under favorable conditions, individual blades remain short and compact, making it ideal for foreground planting. The plant’s adaptability allows it to thrive in both low-tech and high-tech aquarium systems, though enhanced lighting and CO₂ will encourage faster growth and tighter carpets.

Dwarf Hairgrass is commonly used by beginners and advanced aquascapers alike due to its forgiving nature and dramatic visual impact.

🌿 Aquascaping Benefits

Dwarf Hairgrass offers numerous functional and aesthetic advantages:

• Creates a natural grassland or meadow effect

• Enhances depth and scale in aquascapes

• Stabilizes substrate and reduces debris buildup

• Provides grazing areas for shrimp and microfauna

• Safe for all freshwater fish and invertebrates

Its fine texture contrasts beautifully with stones, driftwood, and larger-leaved plants, making it a foundational species in professional aquascaping.

🐟 Ideal Aquarium Uses

This plant performs exceptionally well in:

• Nano aquariums and shrimp tanks

• Iwagumi and Nature-style aquascapes

• Community freshwater aquariums

• Breeding and fry-safe environments

• Low-flow planted systems

The dense carpet provides microhabitats that encourage natural behaviors in fish and shrimp while improving overall tank aesthetics.

☀️ Growing Conditions & Care

• Botanical Name: Eleocharis acicularis

• Plant Type: Rooted carpeting aquatic plant

• Placement: Foreground to midground

• Light: Medium to high (low light tolerated with slower growth)

• CO₂: Optional but recommended for dense carpets

• Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast with CO₂

For best results, plant small individual tufts spaced evenly across nutrient-rich substrate. Trim periodically to encourage horizontal spread and prevent excessive vertical growth.

🌱 Low-Tech Friendly, High-Tech Capable

While Dwarf Hairgrass thrives in high-light, CO₂-enriched aquariums, it remains surprisingly resilient in low-tech setups. Growth will be slower and blades slightly taller, but the plant will still spread and establish over time, making it a flexible choice for aquarists of all experience levels.

🌿 Why Choose Dwarf Hairgrass?

✔ Classic aquascaping carpet plant
✔ Fine, natural grass-like appearance
✔ Excellent for nano tanks and large aquariums
✔ Shrimp- and fry-safe
✔ Compatible with low-tech and high-tech setups

Dwarf Hairgrass Aquatic Plant is a timeless choice for aquarists seeking a clean, natural foreground that enhances both form and function. Whether you’re crafting a minimalist stone layout or a lush planted ecosystem, Eleocharis acicularis delivers unmatched versatility and beauty.