ADA Tissue Culture Eleocharis Parvula, a dwarf hairgrass variety, is an excellent choice for creating lush green carpets in aquascapes. It is low maintenance and grows dense mats, making it ideal for foreground use in planted aquariums.
Key Characteristics:
Origin: Cosmopolitan (found worldwide).
Growth Type: Grass-like carpeting plant.
Size: Typically grows 5-10 cm tall.
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting promotes faster and denser growth.
CO2: CO2 supplementation is highly beneficial for establishing a vibrant carpet.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F).
pH: 6.0-7.5.
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
Planting and Maintenance:
Planting:
Remove plantlets from the tissue culture and rinse thoroughly to eliminate gel.
Divide the plant into small clumps and plant each clump a few centimeters apart for even spreading.
Use fine-grained substrate for better root anchoring.
Trimming:
Regular trimming encourages horizontal growth and prevents vertical elongation.
Nutrients:
A nutrient-rich substrate and occasional liquid fertilization support healthy growth.
Benefits from micronutrient dosing to maintain vibrant green color.
Usage in Aquascaping:
Ideal for creating lush carpets in the foreground.
Complements iwagumi layouts or Dutch-style aquascapes.
Provides a natural look to the aquarium, mimicking grass fields or meadows.
Benefits:
Enhances tank aesthetics by covering bare substrate with vibrant greenery.
Provides shelter for small fish and invertebrates.
Improves water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
Care Tip:
Ensure consistent lighting, CO2, and nutrient availability for rapid carpeting. Eleocharis Parvula spreads via runners, so patience is key while it establishes itself. Once rooted, it grows into a dense, uniform carpet that enhances the aquascape's overall visual appeal.