Eleocharis parvula (Hairgrass) – ADA Tissue Culture

Eleocharis parvula, commonly known as Hairgrass, is a popular carpeting plant perfect for creating a natural, grassy look in freshwater aquariums. Its fine, bright green blades create a lush underwater lawn, adding texture and depth to aquascapes. Hairgrass is versatile, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. Its fast growth under the right conditions allows for the formation of a dense carpet, making it a perfect plant for nano tanks, nature-style aquariums, or Iwagumi layouts.

This product is provided in an ADA Tissue Culture, ensuring that the plant is free from pests, algae, and contaminants, providing you with a clean and healthy start for your aquascaping project.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Medium to high lighting is recommended for Eleocharis parvula. Under strong lighting, this plant will grow faster and maintain a compact and dense growth pattern. Lower lighting can result in slower growth and reduced carpeting.
• Substrate: Eleocharis parvula thrives in nutrient-rich substrates but will also do well in inert substrates with the addition of root tabs. A fine-grain substrate is ideal to anchor the plant’s delicate root system.
• CO2: While CO2 injection is not absolutely necessary, it is highly recommended for optimal growth. With added CO2, Hairgrass will spread more quickly and form a denser carpet. Without CO2, growth will be slower, and the plant may grow taller and less compact.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2 – 12 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture: Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container. The plant is grown in a nutrient-rich gel that provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth during transport and storage.
2. Rinsing the Plant: Gently remove the plant from the container and thoroughly rinse it under lukewarm water to remove the nutrient gel. Make sure to remove all the gel to prevent water contamination in the aquarium.
3. Dividing the Plant: Once rinsed, divide the plant into small clumps. Eleocharis parvula has a fine, hair-like structure, so dividing it into smaller portions will help the plant establish itself faster and spread more easily in your aquarium.
4. Planting: Use aquascaping tweezers to insert the small clumps into the substrate. Plant each clump a few centimeters apart to allow room for lateral spread and carpeting. Ensure that the roots are properly anchored, and the green blades are exposed above the substrate.
5. Initial Care: After planting, it is recommended to reduce the lighting period for the first week to avoid algae growth while the plant establishes itself. Gradually increase the photoperiod to 6-8 hours per day as the plant starts growing and spreading.

Maintenance:

• Trimming: Hairgrass grows by sending out runners that create a carpet over time. Regular trimming encourages the plant to grow more densely and keeps the carpet neat. Trim the blades of the grass every few weeks to maintain the desired height.
• Fertilization: Supplementing with liquid fertilizers and root tabs will promote healthy growth, especially if you are not using nutrient-rich substrates. Dosing with a complete liquid fertilizer containing macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients is essential in high-tech setups.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) help maintain water quality and prevent nutrient imbalances, which is especially important in high-light setups where algae can be a concern.

Growth and Propagation:

Eleocharis parvula spreads through runners. Once established, it will quickly propagate itself and cover the aquarium substrate. You can easily propagate it by trimming and replanting the runners in other areas of the tank.

Ideal Tank Setup:

Hairgrass is perfect for creating a natural, grassy carpet in aquascapes. It works well in Iwagumi-style aquariums, where the focus is on rocks and plants, as well as in nature-style layouts. It is particularly suited for nano tanks and smaller setups but can be used in larger tanks to create an expansive grassland effect.

Summary:

Eleocharis parvula is one of the best carpeting plants for creating a lush, green underwater lawn in your aquarium. With its fine, hair-like leaves and fast-spreading nature, this plant adds texture and depth to aquascapes, making it a popular choice among aquarists. The ADA Tissue Culture guarantees a pest-free and algae-free start for your aquascaping project. Whether you are looking to create a simple Iwagumi layout or a nature-style aquascape, Eleocharis parvula will provide the perfect finishing touch.

Add Eleocharis parvula to your aquarium and transform your aquascape with a beautiful green carpet today!