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Umbrella Hairgrass
Eleocharis vivipara
Also known as Umbrella Dwarf Hairgrass, Viviparous Hairgrass, Eleocharis Vivipara
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Poales›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.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tankCommunity tanks featuring Umbrella Hairgrass.
Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae-eater that won't damage delicate hairgrass stems and helps maintain plant health
Small, non-destructive shrimp that grazes algae without harming plant tissue; thrives in similar water parameters
Gentle schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the plant; prefers similar water conditions
Complementary foreground plant that pairs well with Umbrella Hairgrass for layered aquascaping
Low-light companion plant with different growth pattern; both benefit from similar nutrient supplementation
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that won't uproot plants; prefers warm water within the species' range
Common Diseases
Algae Overgrowth
Green, brown, or black algae coating stems and leaves; reduced light penetration; stunted growth
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
Yellowing or pale stems, slow growth, weak branching, leaf discoloration
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
Blackening or mushy stems, foul odor, plant collapse, deterioration from base upward
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
Rapid tissue breakdown, transparent or translucent stems, plant dissolving despite good conditions
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
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Beneficial
- light
- Medium (50–120 PAR)
- placement
- Midground accent
- substrate
- Fine nutrient-rich substrate or aquasoil
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- nitrate
- <25 ppm
- hardness
- 2–12 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.