TankBud

Umbrella hairgrass

Eleocharis vivipara

Also known as Umbrella hair grass, Viviparous spikerush

FreshwaterRosettePlantletsRunners

Umbrella hairgrass (Eleocharis vivipara)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
64–82°F
18–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Cyperaceae
Origin
Southeastern United States

Overview

Umbrella hairgrass is a hardy, easy grass-like plant for the background. It grows as a tall, flowing stand rather than a low carpet.

Did you know

Umbrella hairgrass can walk itself across a tank. Miniature copies of the plant grow on the tips of its stems, which bend down, touch the substrate and root.

Caring for umbrella hairgrass

Plant umbrella hairgrass in a fine, nutrient-rich substrate with the roots buried and the crown just above the surface. It feeds mainly through its roots, so root tabs give the best growth.

Medium to high light keeps the stand dense. It grows without injected CO2, but CO2 speeds it up. Keep the water at 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).

It spreads readily by runners and plantlets, and both can be trimmed off and replanted. Thin it and cut it back regularly, or it will take over the tank.

Good to know

Umbrella hairgrass is a true sedge in the family Cyperaceae, not a grass. Its round, leafless stems are actually flowering culms. The species name vivipara refers to its habit of growing new plants on its stems rather than from seed. The umbrella name comes from the arching canopy the stems form as they fold over near the surface.

In the wild

Umbrella hairgrass is native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia south to Texas and Florida. It grows in pond margins, marshes, swamps and wet ditches, rooting in shallow water and mud.

Common questions

Does umbrella hairgrass need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Bury the roots and leave the crown, where the leaves join, just above the substrate.

Does umbrella hairgrass need CO2?

No, but it helps. Umbrella hairgrass can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does umbrella hairgrass need?

Umbrella hairgrass wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does umbrella hairgrass need root tabs?

Yes. Umbrella hairgrass draws much of its food through its roots. Push root tabs in near it, or grow it in a nutrient-rich soil.

How do you propagate umbrella hairgrass?

Umbrella hairgrass propagates by plantlets and runners. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.

How tall does umbrella hairgrass grow?

Umbrella hairgrass grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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