Description
Plant Profile
Eleocharis Vivipara, commonly referred to as Umbrella Hair Grass, is a popular and striking background plant in the aquascaping community. As its common name implies, this species grows tall and slender, eventually arching over near the surface to create a graceful, flowing canopy across the top of the water. Because it grows quite tall, it makes an exceptional background centerpiece for medium and larger aquariums. However, it can also be kept in smaller nano tanks with routine trimming to keep its vertical growth in check.
Key Features & Benefits
Arching blades form a soft, floating canopy at the surface that fish and shrimp use for shade.
Tolerates a wide range of aquarium conditions, suitable for beginners and experienced keepers.
Spreads via lateral runners to fill gaps and create a continuous grassy carpet.
Care & Planting Instructions
Separate into small clumps and press them compactly into a quality aquarium soil to give the roots the perfect head start.
Space small portions roughly one inch apart, burying the roots securely into the substrate.
Maintain stable aquarium parameters and avoid drastic shifts in water quality to prevent your new grass from melting.
Provide medium to high lighting and inject pressurized CO2 to supercharge its density and growth rate, keeping the tall stems thick and vibrant.
Master the basics by learning how to properly grow aquarium carpet plants to ensure your new layout fills in quickly.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Eleocharis vivipara
Common Name(s)
Eleocharis Vivipara, Umbrella Hair Grass, Tall Hairgrass
Family
Cyperaceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Tall Grass / Background
Care Difficulty
Medium
Light Requirement
Medium to High
CO2 Requirement
Recommended (Promotes thicker, faster growth)
Placement / Usage
Background
Height / Size
10–16+ inches
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Water Parameters
pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 68°F – 80°F (20°C – 27°C)
Propagation Method
Separate runners or plant daughter plantlets from the tips
Origin
North America (Southeastern USA)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Eleocharis Vivipara?
Use fine-tipped pinsettes to plant each portion 1 inch apart into nutrient-dense aquasoil along the back of your aquarium.
2. Why is my Eleocharis Vivipara growing tiny new plants on the tips of its leaves?
This is a natural propagation mechanism unique to this species! Eleocharis Vivipara forms “daughter plantlets” at the tips of its tall blades. You can trim these plantlet clusters off and press their roots into the substrate to grow brand-new full-sized plants.
3. Can Eleocharis Vivipara be kept in a nano tank without shading other plants?
Yes, but it requires regular maintenance. Because it easily exceeds 12 inches in height, routinely trimming the tallest arching blades will prevent it from creating a dense surface canopy that blocks light from reaching smaller foreground plants.
