Dwarf Hairgrass Mini
Eleocharis pusilla
Also known as DHG Mini, Mini Hairgrass, Mini Dwarf Hairgrass, Tiny Hairgrass
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Poales›Cyperaceae
📍 Worldwide
Eleocharis pusilla (Dwarf Hairgrass Mini) is a nano-scale hairgrass species producing extremely fine, short blades reaching only 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in), making it noticeably shorter and denser than standard Dwarf Hairgrass (E. parvula). Under CO2 injection and good light it spreads rapidly via runners to form a tight, lawn-like foreground carpet highly prized in Nature Aquarium-style layouts. It is particularly effective in nano aquariums where even E. parvula would be too tall.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Dwarf Hairgrass Mini.
Compatible Livestock
Small, gentle algae-eaters that won't uproot or damage delicate hairgrass shoots
Peaceful invertebrates that graze algae without disturbing plant roots or runners
Small, non-aggressive fish that thrive in planted nano tanks with similar water parameters
Companion plant with similar care needs; creates layered foreground-to-midground design
Complementary low-light plant that can fill gaps and provide additional structure
Larger shrimp that help control algae without damaging established hairgrass carpet
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, poor runner development, leaf bleaching
Increase fertilizer dosing; use iron-rich all-in-one fertilizers or add chelated iron supplements. Test water parameters and adjust macronutrient balance (NPK). Perform 25-30% water changes weekly to prevent nutrient lockout.
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Brown Algae)
Visible algae coating on leaves and runners, reduced light penetration, plant growth slowdown
Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water circulation and CO2 injection. Add algae-eating fish or shrimp (Otocinclus, Red Cherry Shrimp). Perform manual removal and increase water change frequency to 30-40% weekly.
Melting (Leaf Deterioration)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; runners weaken and fragment
Often caused by sudden parameter changes or poor acclimation. Gradually acclimate plants over 1-2 weeks. Ensure stable temperature (20-28°C), pH (6.5-7.5), and consistent fertilization. Trim affected portions and improve water circulation.
Poor Growth/Slow Carpeting
Minimal runner formation, sparse leaf density, weak overall development despite adequate light
Increase CO2 injection to 20-30 ppm; boost fertilizer dosing. Ensure substrate is nutrient-rich aquasoil with good root contact. Verify lighting is 80-150 PAR minimum. Check for nutrient deficiencies and adjust water change schedule to 25-30% weekly.
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended for carpeting
- light
- Medium to high (80–150 PAR)
- placement
- Foreground carpet
- substrate
- Fine-grain nutrient-rich substrate (aquasoil)
- growth rate
- Moderate with CO2
- propagation
- Spreads via horizontal runners
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.