• Eleocharis vivipara (umbrella hairgrass) - Aqua Essentials
  • Eleocharis vivipara (umbrella hairgrass) - Aqua Essentials
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Eleocharis vivipara (umbrella hairgrass)

Arching umbrella hairgrass with cascading secondary stems and a unique form

£11.99
£11.99

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    Quick Facts

    Rating:

    Common name: Umbrella grass

    Origin: Cultivated

    Position in Aquarium: Background

    Grows up to (cm): 60 cm

    Pot Size: 5 cm

    Growth rate: Medium pace
    Description

    Eleocharis vivipara, commonly known as umbrella hairgrass, is a distinctive species that produces tall, arching stems which develop clusters of fine secondary stems at their tips, creating an elegant umbrella or fountain-like silhouette. This unusual growth form sets it apart completely from the low-growing dwarf hairgrass varieties.

    It is relatively undemanding, growing under medium light without CO2 injection. It benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate and regular liquid fertilisation. As the plant grows and the tall stems arch outward, the secondary growths at the tips can be separated and replanted as new individual plants.

    Supplied as an established potted plant, Eleocharis vivipara can reach 30–50 cm in height and works well as a distinctive midground specimen in aquariums from 100 litres. Its unusual architectural form pairs well with lower-growing foreground plants and adds a strong point of interest to planted layouts.
    Plant Sizes

    You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.
    Shipping

    Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
    Eleocharis vivipara (umbrella hairgrass) - Aqua Essentials

    Customers praised this aquarium grass for its excellent quality and growth. Many noted it "looks great" and grows well in tanks, with fish enjoying it as hiding spots. The grass expands quickly and may need occasional thinning. Shoppers appreciated its unique appearance, describing it as elegant and decorative, adding depth to aquariums.

    • Excellent plant. Growing really well.
    • Absolutely love this grass, looks so good in the tank, excellent quality.
    • Unusual and interesting plant. Definitely adds depth to the tank
    • 5 stars: 8 (80%)
    • 4 stars: 2 (20%)
    • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 1 star: 0 (0%)
    A
    Alec E.
    Review

    Excellent plant. Been trying to buy this Umbrella Hair Grass for a long time. Aquaessentials managed to get it for me. Growing really well.

    J
    Jackaleen B.
    Review

    Absolutely love this grass, looks so good in the tank, excellent quality.

    J
    Julie H.
    Review

    Arrived in excellent condition
    Growing well in aquarium & looks great
    Smaller fish love hiding in it

    M
    Mike R.
    Review

    Excellent plant. Very sturdy and has settled in well at the rear of my Aquarium.

    S
    Sue B.
    Review

    This is very delicate plant and it expanded in my tank very quickly. Did need to thin it out occasionally to keep it under control in relation to other plants in tank. As usual I’m so pleased and proud of the plants I’ve purchased from your company

    I
    Ivor G.
    Review

    A great addition to the tank.
    Unusual and interesting plant.
    Definitely adds depth to the tank
    Arrived well packaged and in excellent condition as always

    C
    Colin B.
    Review

    A particularly useful p[lant, spreading to the surface, deflects the strong light from above.
    Very satisfied with the whole order, thank you.

    B
    Brian J.
    Review

    good background plant

    A
    Andrew P.
    Review

    This is as easy to use as the more usual hairgrass. Instead of sending out runners with young plants it grows them off the leaves and looks elegant, even when freshly planted. Once grown in more I\'ll be adding Nannostomus unifasciatus to create a miniature reed bed effect.

    S
    Stephen G.
    Review

    What can I say about this plant?! It is doing so well, I\'ve already had to prune it, because it has grown so tall! It looks very decorative in the mid - centre of the tank.

    Product FAQs

    Helpful details before you buy.

    Why is it called umbrella hairgrass?

    The tall stems arch outward and develop clusters of fine secondary stems at their tips, creating a cascading, umbrella or fountain-like shape that is unlike any other Eleocharis species.

    Does it need CO2?

    No. It grows without CO2 under medium light. Regular liquid fertiliser and a nutritious substrate help it develop the most interesting stem structures.

    How large does it get?

    It can reach 30–50 cm in height, making it a distinctive midground plant for aquariums of 100 litres or more with adequate water depth.

    How do I propagate it?

    The secondary stem clusters at the tips of mature stems can be removed and replanted in the substrate, where they will root and develop into new plants.

    Is it easy to keep?

    Yes. Despite its unusual appearance, it is not significantly more demanding than standard dwarf hairgrass in terms of light or nutrient requirements.