Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula)

Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) is a popular carpeting aquatic plant known for its fine, grass-like blades and natural lawn-like appearance. Widely used in aquascaping, it creates a soft, vibrant green carpet that brings a sense of scale and realism to aquarium layouts.

Native to freshwater environments across much of the world, this plant spreads through runners, gradually forming dense mats across the substrate. Its thin, upright blades sway gently with water flow, adding movement and a natural feel to any aquascape.

While Dwarf Hairgrass can thrive in a range of setups, it performs best with moderate to high lighting and benefits from CO₂ supplementation for faster, fuller growth. Once established, it creates a lush foreground carpet ideal for both nature-style and Iwagumi layouts.

Delicate in appearance yet rewarding to grow, Dwarf Hairgrass is a favorite among aquascapers aiming to achieve a clean, professional look.

Key Features

• Fine, grass-like blades
• Creates a dense, carpeted foreground
• Spreads via runners
• Adds natural movement to aquascapes
• Ideal for Iwagumi and nature-style layouts
• Vibrant green coloration

Care & Growing Conditions

• Lighting: Moderate to high (essential for compact carpeting)
• Temperature: 68–82°F
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Flow: Moderate
• CO₂: Recommended for best results
• Propagation: Runners (spreads naturally across substrate)

Tip: Plant in small clumps spaced slightly apart to encourage faster horizontal spread and even coverage.

Ideal Uses

• Foreground carpeting plant
• Iwagumi and minimalist aquascapes
• Creating a natural grass-like effect
• Filling open substrate areas
• High-tech planted tanks

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Eleocharis parvula
• Common Name: Dwarf Hairgrass
• Type: Carpet plant
• Origin: Cosmopolitan (found worldwide)
• Growth Rate: Moderate (fast with CO₂)
• Placement: Foreground
• Difficulty: Medium
• Max Height: 4-5 inches