Hair Grass

About Hair Grass

Hair Grass is a classic aquarium carpeting plant known for its fine, grass-like green leaves and natural meadow appearance. It creates a soft, flowing foreground that works beautifully in Nature Aquariums, Iwagumi layouts, nano tanks, and planted community aquariums.

Compared with Dwarf Hair Grass, Hair Grass can grow taller and produce a more flowing, meadow-like effect. When planted densely and maintained correctly, it can create a lush green carpet across the substrate.

Hair Grass spreads through underground runners, gradually producing new shoots that fill surrounding areas. Good lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate encourage healthy root development and faster spreading. CO₂ is not absolutely essential, but supplementation can significantly improve growth, density, and carpet formation.

Planting small portions with some space between them allows the runners to spread naturally. Once established, regular trimming can be used to maintain the desired height and encourage a dense, uniform lawn.

Its fine foliage also provides excellent shelter and grazing surfaces for shrimp and small aquarium inhabitants.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Eleocharis acicularis
Common Name: Hair Grass
Origin: Widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere
Plant Type: Carpeting / Grass Plant
Growth Rate: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Lighting: Moderate to High
CO₂ Required: No — Recommended
Temperature: 18–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Placement: Foreground
Suitable For: Nature Aquariums, Iwagumi layouts, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and planted freshwater aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hair Grass require CO₂?

No. It can grow without CO₂, although supplementation generally produces faster spreading, denser growth, and a healthier carpet.

What is the difference between Hair Grass and Dwarf Hair Grass?

Hair Grass generally grows taller and produces a more flowing meadow effect, while Dwarf Hair Grass is typically shorter and better suited to a low, compact carpet.

How do I plant Hair Grass?

Separate it into small plugs and plant each portion individually into the substrate. Leave some space between plugs so the runners can spread.

How long does Hair Grass take to carpet?

Under good lighting, nutrients, and CO₂, it can begin spreading within several weeks. A dense carpet can take several months depending on aquarium conditions and planting density.

Is Hair Grass suitable for shrimp tanks?

Yes. Its dense grass-like growth provides shelter for shrimp and shrimplets and creates excellent surfaces for biofilm.

Common Mistakes

Planting large clumps
Divide Hair Grass into smaller portions before planting to encourage even spreading.

Insufficient lighting
Low light can cause the grass to become taller and thinner rather than forming a dense carpet.

Planting too deeply
Only the roots should be buried. Keep the crown of the plant above the substrate.

Poor substrate nutrition
A nutrient-rich substrate encourages strong root growth and runner production.

Expecting an instant carpet
Hair Grass needs time to establish and spread through runners. Avoid disturbing it while it is developing.