Title: Dwarf Hair Grass
mango4jade - August 1, 2005 12:37 PM (GMT)
Common Name: Dwarf Hair Grass
Scientific Name: Eleocharis parvulus/Eleocharis accicularis
Light: High to Very High
Co2: Essential to growth
Level of Difficulty: Medium
There are many dozens of species of Eleocharis, many of which are nearly indiscernible from each other. The two most common names that get assigned are Eleocharis parvulus, being the name given to the taller of the two commonly available forms, and Eleocharis accicularis, the name given to the shorter form.
Hair grass has very thin, needle like leaves that are a medium green in color. They are very airy and whispy and have a soft look to them. They are grown from runners that grow very densely to form a thick, lush carpet of grass.
What is commonly passed as E. parvulus generally obtains heights of four to six inches, whereas the E. accicularis stays much shorter, around one and a half to two inches tall.
A nutrient rich substrate, as well as the presence of adequate Co2, translates into faster and more vibrant growth. Higher light encourages faster growth as well.
Propogation occurs by cutting the grass into smaller sections, even as small as one or two blades of grass per clump. Replanting results in new growth spreading out from this newly planted section.
To ensure an aesthetically pleasing height, the aquarist can trim the tips of the hair grass off using a pair of sharp scissors.
When planting initially, break into numerous small bunchings, of as few leaves of grass as possible per bunch. Plant in grid-like fashion, using tweezers, covering the entire intended area. When purchased, dwarf hair grass is almost assuredly emersed in form. It may take a few weeks for the plant to acclimate to submersed conditions and start new growth. Some hobbyists suggest trimming the leaves down very short, to almost one half an inch, in hopes of stimulating growth.
This plant can be difficult to deal with when uprooting and moving/replanting as the roots and blades become entangled and it can be hard to decipher which part of the plant one is working with.
It should be noted that, until the plant acclimates and begins growing, algae is prone to accumulating between the blades of grass.
To keep the grass clean and debris free, as well as to “comb out” for picture-taking purposes, a clean toothbrush or fine comb can be used to brush through the grass gently. This will remove any algae strands or detritus and tangles in the grass.
Photo 1: Dwarf Hair Grass
Scientific Name: Eleocharis parvulus/Eleocharis accicularis
Light: High to Very High
Co2: Essential to growth
Level of Difficulty: Medium
There are many dozens of species of Eleocharis, many of which are nearly indiscernible from each other. The two most common names that get assigned are Eleocharis parvulus, being the name given to the taller of the two commonly available forms, and Eleocharis accicularis, the name given to the shorter form.
Hair grass has very thin, needle like leaves that are a medium green in color. They are very airy and whispy and have a soft look to them. They are grown from runners that grow very densely to form a thick, lush carpet of grass.
What is commonly passed as E. parvulus generally obtains heights of four to six inches, whereas the E. accicularis stays much shorter, around one and a half to two inches tall.
A nutrient rich substrate, as well as the presence of adequate Co2, translates into faster and more vibrant growth. Higher light encourages faster growth as well.
Propogation occurs by cutting the grass into smaller sections, even as small as one or two blades of grass per clump. Replanting results in new growth spreading out from this newly planted section.
To ensure an aesthetically pleasing height, the aquarist can trim the tips of the hair grass off using a pair of sharp scissors.
When planting initially, break into numerous small bunchings, of as few leaves of grass as possible per bunch. Plant in grid-like fashion, using tweezers, covering the entire intended area. When purchased, dwarf hair grass is almost assuredly emersed in form. It may take a few weeks for the plant to acclimate to submersed conditions and start new growth. Some hobbyists suggest trimming the leaves down very short, to almost one half an inch, in hopes of stimulating growth.
This plant can be difficult to deal with when uprooting and moving/replanting as the roots and blades become entangled and it can be hard to decipher which part of the plant one is working with.
It should be noted that, until the plant acclimates and begins growing, algae is prone to accumulating between the blades of grass.
To keep the grass clean and debris free, as well as to “comb out” for picture-taking purposes, a clean toothbrush or fine comb can be used to brush through the grass gently. This will remove any algae strands or detritus and tangles in the grass.
Photo 1: Dwarf Hair Grass