Eleocharis vivipara – ADA Tissue Culture

Eleocharis vivipara, also known as the “Tall Hairgrass,” is a beautiful and graceful aquatic plant with fine, grass-like leaves that sway elegantly with water movement. It is often used to create a natural, flowing aesthetic in aquascapes and is a perfect background plant due to its height. With its ability to grow in dense clusters, Eleocharis vivipara can create a stunning contrast in planted tanks, especially when paired with shorter foreground plants.

This plant is provided in a premium ADA Tissue Culture, ensuring that it is free from pests, algae, and other contaminants. Tissue cultures are carefully cultivated to offer healthy, robust plants that are ready to thrive in your aquarium setup.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Medium to high lighting is recommended for Eleocharis vivipara. Under strong lighting, the plant will grow faster and more densely, creating a lush background or midground.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is recommended, as Eleocharis vivipara has a delicate root structure that absorbs nutrients through the substrate. Using root tabs or nutrient-rich substrates such as ADA Aqua Soil will enhance growth.
• CO2: CO2 injection is highly beneficial for Eleocharis vivipara, promoting faster growth and a healthier appearance. While it can survive in low-tech setups without CO2, it will grow slower, and the grass may not be as dense.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2 – 10 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture: Gently open the ADA Tissue Culture container. Inside, the plant is embedded in a nutrient-rich gel medium that has helped it grow in sterile conditions.
2. Rinsing the Plant: Carefully remove the plant from the container and thoroughly rinse it under lukewarm water to remove all traces of the nutrient gel. It’s essential to ensure that no gel remains, as it can break down in the aquarium and cause water quality issues.
3. Dividing the Plant: Once the gel is removed, divide the plant into small portions. Eleocharis vivipara naturally grows in clumps, and breaking it into smaller portions will help it establish quickly in the tank.
4. Planting: Using aquascaping tweezers, insert the small portions into the substrate. Be sure to space the portions slightly apart to allow room for the plant to spread as it grows. The plant can be placed in the background or midground depending on your aquascaping design, as it grows taller than other Eleocharis species.
5. Initial Care: For the first few days after planting, reduce the lighting intensity or photoperiod slightly to prevent algae growth and give the plant time to establish. Once new growth is visible, return the lighting to regular levels.

Maintenance:

• Trimming: Regular trimming is essential for maintaining the desired height and preventing overgrowth. Eleocharis vivipara can grow quite tall, so trimming the tips occasionally will help keep it at a manageable height while promoting bushier growth.
• Fertilization: Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers that contain macro and micronutrients will keep Eleocharis vivipara lush and healthy. Supplementing with root tabs in nutrient-poor substrates will further support strong root growth.
• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes (20-30%) to maintain water quality and prevent nutrient imbalances. This will also help reduce the risk of algae formation, especially in high-tech setups.

Growth and Propagation:

Eleocharis vivipara propagates by sending out runners, or stolons, that will spread across the substrate, forming a dense lawn-like growth over time. In a well-maintained tank with adequate light and CO2, this plant will spread quickly and fill out the background or midground areas. Propagation can be encouraged by separating the runners and replanting them in new areas of the tank.

Ideal Tank Setup:

Eleocharis vivipara is best used in the background of an aquascape due to its tall, slender blades that can reach heights of 12 inches or more. It works well in nature-style aquariums, jungle-style aquascapes, or even in large planted tanks where it can create a soft, flowing wall of greenery. It pairs beautifully with carpeting plants like Eleocharis parvula or Monte Carlo, providing a contrast between the tall grasses and shorter, denser carpets.

Summary:

Eleocharis vivipara, or Tall Hairgrass, is an ideal background plant for aquascapes where you want to create a flowing, natural look. Its fine, grass-like appearance brings movement and depth to the aquarium, making it a favorite among aquascapers. Provided in an ADA Tissue Culture, this plant is guaranteed to be pest-free and healthy from the start. It thrives in medium to high light and benefits from CO2 injection, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced aquascapers.

Transform your aquascape with the elegant sway of Eleocharis vivipara and enjoy the lush, natural beauty it brings to your underwater garden.