Eleocharis vivipara 'Long Hairgrass'

Eleocharis vivipara, commonly known as Long Hairgrass, is a beautiful aquatic plant that is similar to Eleocharis parvula 'Dwarf Hairgrass' but with taller and more slender growth. It’s ideal for creating a lush, grassy carpet or for adding vertical interest in your aquascaping. Although its care requirements are somewhat similar to those of Dwarf Hairgrass, here’s a specific guide to help you keep Eleocharis vivipara healthy and thriving:

Lighting

• Intensity: Long Hairgrass thrives under medium to high light. In low light conditions, it may grow very slowly or fail to form a dense carpet.
• Light Duration: Aim for 8–10 hours of light per day. Too much light can lead to algae growth, while too little light can result in leggy growth.
• Light Type: LED lights with a color temperature of 6500K or full-spectrum lighting is ideal for promoting healthy growth and vibrant green coloration.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Prefers 22–28°C (72–82°F), which is within the ideal range for most tropical plants and fish.
• pH: Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Hardness: Tolerates soft to moderately hard water. It is adaptable to different water hardness levels but will grow best in softer water.
• CO2: CO2 supplementation can significantly improve growth rates, especially if you have high-intensity lighting. Without CO2, it can still grow but may develop more slowly and with fewer runners.

Substrate

• Nutrient-rich substrate is essential for Eleocharis vivipara to thrive. Choose a fine-gravel substrate, aquatic plant soil, or a specialized substrate that holds nutrients well.
• If your substrate is not nutrient-rich, supplement it with root tabs, which provide the plant with essential nutrients like iron, nitrogen, and trace elements.

Fertilization

• Liquid fertilizers that contain macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients, especially iron, are essential for supporting healthy growth and promoting vibrant green coloration.
• CO2 supplementation will increase the plant's ability to utilize nutrients and promote faster, denser growth.
• Root tabs can be used to provide slow-release nutrients directly to the roots, which is helpful if you don’t have a nutrient-dense substrate.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a clean and compact carpet. Trim the long grass when it starts to grow too tall or becomes unruly. Regular pruning will also promote new shoots and denser growth.
• Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and prevent any decay from spreading to other parts of the plant.
• You can trim long runners and replant them in another area to spread the carpet faster or fill gaps.

Propagation

• Like other types of hairgrass, Eleocharis vivipara propagates through runners. These runners grow from the base of the plant, and new plantlets develop along them.
• To propagate, simply cut the runners and replant the new shoots in the substrate. Alternatively, let the plantlets grow in place to create a denser carpet over time.

Tankmates

• Eleocharis vivipara is suitable for most peaceful aquarium setups. It can be kept with a variety of community fish, shrimp, and snails.
• Be cautious with bottom-dwelling or digging fish like certain species of cichlids, as they may disturb the plant's roots or uproot the grass.
• Small, peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and livebearers are ideal tankmates.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Yellowing leaves: This is often a sign of nutrient deficiency, particularly a lack of iron or nitrogen. Ensure you're using the appropriate fertilizers.
• Leggy growth: If the plant becomes tall and thin, it could be a result of insufficient light. Increase the light intensity or duration to encourage more compact growth.
• Slow growth or sparse carpet: If your carpet isn’t filling in, check the water parameters (especially light and CO2 levels). Make sure your substrate is nutrient-rich and your plant gets enough light.

Size and Placement

• Eleocharis vivipara typically grows taller than other hairgrass varieties, reaching a height of 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) or more, depending on light and nutrient conditions. It works well in the foreground or midground of the aquarium.
• Its fine, grass-like texture makes it an excellent choice for creating a natural, grassy appearance in aquascaping.

10. Tips for Successful Carpet Formation

• Spacing: Plant the individual shoots very close together (about 1–2 cm apart) to encourage them to spread and form a dense carpet more quickly.
• Substrate Coverage: Ensure that the roots are well-anchored in the substrate. Gently press the plants into the substrate to help them stay in place.
• CO2 and Light: To achieve the most compact and lush carpet, provide high light intensity and CO2 supplementation.

By providing the right care in terms of light, nutrients, CO2, and maintenance, Eleocharis vivipara 'Long Hairgrass' will thrive in your aquarium and create a beautiful, lush, green carpet. It’s an excellent choice for aquascaping, adding a natural, flowing texture to your tank.