Dwarf Hairgrass - Potted (Eleocharis parvula)

Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula) is the classic carpeting plant for freshwater planted aquariums. Its bright green, grass-like blades spread quickly across the substrate via runners and form a dense, meadow-like foreground that mimics natural riverbeds. Pair it with our other live freshwater plants for a layered aquascape, and feed the substrate with Seachem Flourish Tabs for fast, dense growth.

Care Guide

• Care level: Beginner to Intermediate. Hardy under good light, faster with CO2.
• Light: Medium to high. Carpets stay dense and tight under stronger PAR; under low light it tends to grow taller and thinner.
• CO2: Not required but strongly recommended for a dense, low-profile carpet. Without CO2, growth is slower and blades stretch toward the light.
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich planted-tank soil is ideal. Inert sand or gravel works if you supplement with root tabs.
• Water: 68 to 82 F, pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tolerates a wide range once established.
• Planting: Separate the potted plug into small bundles of 4 to 6 blades and plant each bundle 1 to 2 inches apart in the substrate. It will fill in between via runners.

Specifications

Best For

• Foreground carpets in planted nanos, betta tanks, and aquascaped community setups.
• Iwagumi-style aquascapes where you want a soft, grassy field around rockwork.
• Shrimp and small fish tanks where the carpet provides cover, grazing surface, and natural look.
• Riverbed and biotope setups recreating shallow stream environments.

Recommended Pairings

• Seachem Flourish Tabs for slow-release root nutrients under the carpet.
• CaribSea PyroFlora Volcanic Substrate for a nutrient-rich planted base.
• TOM Aquatic Gardener Multi-Tool for clean planting of small bundles.
• Browse our full freshwater plant collection for taller midground and background companions.

FAQ

Will it carpet without CO2?
Yes, but slower and looser. Without CO2 the blades stretch and the carpet stays sparser. With CO2 plus medium-to-high light, a tight low-profile lawn fills in within a few weeks.

How do I plant it?
Remove the rock-wool pad from the pot, gently separate the plug into small bundles of 4 to 6 blades, then plant each bundle 1 to 2 inches apart in the substrate. Runners will fill the gaps.

Is it shrimp safe?
Yes. Dwarf Hairgrass is shrimp safe and gives neocaridina and amano shrimp excellent foraging cover. The plug arrives free of pesticides.

Will fish eat it?
Most community fish leave it alone. Goldfish, large cichlids, and known plant-eaters (silver dollars, some plecos) will graze on or uproot it.

How do I trim it?
Use sharp curved scissors to clip the blades to even height once the carpet is established. Trimming actually encourages denser side growth and stronger runners.