Eleocharis sp. (Mini)

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Eleocharis sp. 'Mini'

• Common Name: Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Mini Hairgrass

• Origin: Cultivar (commonly believed to originate from Asia or South America)

• Height: 3–5 cm (1–2 inches)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Care: Moderate

• Light: Moderate to high

• CO₂: Recommended for best results

• Propagation: Runners

• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture: Eleocharis sp. 'Mini' has fine, needle-like grass blades that grow very short and dense, creating a lush, bright green carpet effect. It is shorter and more compact than regular Eleocharis acicularis, making it a top choice for nano tanks or foreground carpeting.

• Placement: Ideal for the foreground of aquascapes. It’s a favorite for Iwagumi-style and nature-style aquariums due to its fine texture and tidy growth.

• Water Conditions: Thrives in soft to moderately hard water and temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82°F). Stability in water parameters is important for carpet formation.

• Lighting: Requires moderate to high light to maintain compact growth and prevent vertical stretching. Insufficient lighting can cause it to grow taller and sparser.

• CO₂: Highly recommended to achieve dense, healthy carpets and to speed up spreading via runners. While it can survive without CO₂, growth will be slow and less robust.

• Fertilization: Needs nutrient-rich substrate and benefits from liquid fertilization, especially with macro- and micronutrients. Regular dosing helps maintain color and density.

• Propagation: Spreads through runners across the substrate. Once established, it forms a dense mat over time. You can also manually divide and replant small clumps for faster coverage.

• Growth Rate: Moderate, but significantly faster with CO₂ and high light.