Dwarf Hairgrass Mini

Eleocharis pusilla

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›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.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, gentle algae-eaters that won't uproot or damage delicate hairgrass shoots

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that graze algae without disturbing plant roots or runners

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, non-aggressive fish that thrive in planted nano tanks with similar water parameters

good

Anubias Nana

Companion plant with similar care needs; creates layered foreground-to-midground design

excellent

Java Moss

Complementary low-light plant that can fill gaps and provide additional structure

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that help control algae without damaging established hairgrass carpet

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, poor runner development, leaf bleaching

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Visible algae coating on leaves and runners, reduced light penetration, plant growth slowdown

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; runners weaken and fragment

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Minimal runner formation, sparse leaf density, weak overall development despite adequate light

Treatment

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.