Umbrella Hairgrass

Eleocharis vivipara

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Cyperaceae

📍 Worldwide

Eleocharis Vivipara, Umbrella Hairgrass, is uniquely different from other hairgrass species — when grown submerged its slender stems branch repeatedly into arching, umbrella-like tufts rather than simple grass blades, creating a highly textural midground accent. Each stem tip can produce plantlets that anchor to substrate, aiding natural propagation. It needs moderate light and benefits from CO2.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eater that won't damage delicate hairgrass stems and helps maintain plant health

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that grazes algae without harming plant tissue; thrives in similar water parameters

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Gentle schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the plant; prefers similar water conditions

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant that pairs well with Umbrella Hairgrass for layered aquascaping

excellent

Anubias Nana

Low-light companion plant with different growth pattern; both benefit from similar nutrient supplementation

excellent

German Blue Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that won't uproot plants; prefers warm water within the species' range

good

Common Diseases

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating stems and leaves; reduced light penetration; stunted growth

Treatment

Increase water flow, reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, perform 30-40% water changes weekly, add algae-eating fish (Otocinclus) or shrimp (Red Cherry Shrimp), and manually remove affected portions

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale stems, slow growth, weak branching, leaf discoloration

Treatment

Dose all-in-one fertilizer (Thrive, Flourish) 1-2 times weekly; ensure CO2 injection at 20-30 ppm; perform regular water changes to replenish macronutrients; consider upgrading to nutrient-rich aquasoil

Stem Rot

Symptoms

Blackening or mushy stems, foul odor, plant collapse, deterioration from base upward

Treatment

Improve water circulation with increased aeration; reduce organic waste through more frequent water changes; remove affected stems immediately; ensure substrate is not compacted; maintain stable temperature and pH

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid tissue breakdown, transparent or translucent stems, plant dissolving despite good conditions

Treatment

Gradually acclimate plant to new tank conditions over 2-3 weeks; maintain stable parameters (pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 20-28°C); ensure adequate CO2 and lighting; perform 25% water changes twice weekly until recovery