Dwarf Hairgrass
Eleocharis parvula
Also known as DHG, Hair Grass, Hairgrass, Dwarf Spike Rush
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Poales›Cyperaceae
📍 Worldwide temperate & tropical
Dwarf hairgrass forms a lush, grass-like carpet in the foreground of aquascapes. It requires moderate to high light and injected CO2 to spread effectively, otherwise growth is sparse and slow. Regular trimming encourages lateral runners and a denser mat.
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by @isabellekaulback
by @lucasrichter
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 9 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Dwarf Hairgrass.
Compatible Livestock
Algae-eating fish that graze on carpet without uprooting plants; very peaceful and small
Gentle invertebrates that clean algae and detritus without damaging delicate shoots
Small, peaceful schooling fish that inhabit mid-water and won't disturb the carpet
Companion foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered carpet effect
Larger shrimp that efficiently removes algae and debris without harming plant structure
May dig in substrate during spawning, potentially uprooting carpet sections; monitor behavior
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches
Increase fertilizer dosing; ensure CO2 injection is active; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient balance (NPK); consider all-in-one fertilizers
Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard/Hair Algae)
Dark filamentous or brush-like algae coating plant leaves and runners, reducing light penetration
Increase water changes (30-50% weekly); reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours; boost CO2 levels; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove affected portions
Melting/Decay
Leaves turning translucent, mushy texture, rapid deterioration of new growth
Improve water quality with frequent changes; ensure adequate light (80-150 PAR) and CO2; reduce plant density if overcrowded; remove decaying portions immediately
Poor Growth/Stunting
Minimal lateral runner development, thin weak leaves, slow height increase despite adequate conditions
Verify CO2 injection is functioning; increase light intensity; boost fertilizer regimen; check substrate quality and ensure nutrient-rich aquasoil; allow 4-6 weeks for acclimation
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended (injected CO2 greatly aids carpeting)
- light
- Medium to high (80–150 PAR)
- placement
- Foreground carpet
- substrate
- Fine-grain nutrient-rich substrate (aquasoil)
- growth rate
- Slow to moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–10 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.