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Dwarf Hairgrass Carpet Plant Guide

Eleocharis parvula

Create a lush green lawn with Dwarf Hairgrass, a popular foreground carpet plant that needs good light and CO2 to spread thick and stay low.

Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) plant care reference image
Medium Care
Light
High
Growth Rate
Moderate
Difficulty
Medium
Placement
Foreground

Overview

Dwarf Hairgrass is a classic carpeting plant that creates the appearance of a manicured lawn across the aquarium floor. It spreads via runners and forms a dense bright green mat that fish and shrimp enjoy exploring.

Care Guide

Plant small tufts in a grid pattern across the foreground to encourage even spreading. Provide CO2 injection and strong lighting for the best carpet density, and trim the blades to about one inch to promote horizontal runner growth. Root tabs help establish the plant quickly.

Taxonomy

Family
Cyperaceae
Origin
North America, Europe

Growth

Growth Rate
Moderate
Emersed Capable
Yes
Rhizome Plant
No
Floating Plant
No

Water Parameters

Temperature
Water pH

Lighting

Requirement
High
PAR Min
50 μmol/m²/s
PAR Max
150 μmol/m²/s

Nutrition & Fertilization

CO₂ Requirement
High
Nitrate Demand
Medium
Phosphate Demand
Medium
Potassium Demand
Medium

Algae Sensitivity

Black Beard Algae
Moderate
Green Spot Algae
Moderate
Diatoms
Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Dwarf Hairgrass take to carpet?
With CO2 and good lighting, a full carpet can develop in two to three months. Without CO2, it grows much slower and may never form a dense carpet.