Eleocharis pusilla

Eleocharis pusilla is an excellent aquarium plant for the foreground areas.  There are many different varieties of Eleocharis that are sold as dwarf hairgrass and Eleocharis pusilla is one of the shortest growing varieties.  Plant several pots of Eleocharis pusilla in the desired areas and then watch them expand by spreading runners to create a dense carpet.  Eleocharis pusilla can also be purchased on cocofiber mats in 2 different sizes if you need larger amounts.  Cocofiber mats make it easy to pull the fine roots out of the backing matieral for easier planting.  For quickest spreading, divide your Eleocharis plants up into small bunches and plant them separately. Your lawn will fill in much faster this way!  

This plant has been sold in the trade for some time as E. parvula, but that plant is probably not in the hobby, as it is a brackish water species.

Common Name:     Hair Grass

Family Name:          Cyperaceae

Native To:                Australia and New Zealand

Lighting:                  Moderate

Requirements:          Easy, but grows thickest with good light and supplemental CO2

Growth Form:           Upright and spreading through rhizomes

Growth Rate:            Moderate

True Aquatic:            Yes

Placement in Tank:   Foreground

Available As:             Potted, mats