• Eleocharis acicularis
  • Eleocharis acicularis
  • Potted Dwarf Hairgrass with plant care information on a white background
  • Aquarium setup with grassy foreground and text about Eleocharis acicularis
  • Aquarium with dwarf hairgrass and text about CO2 and low-tech aquariums.
  • Instructions on planting dwarf hairgrass in small groups with a close-up of grass being planted.
  • Scissors trimming grass with text on plant care instructions.
  • Eleocharis acicularis
  • Eleocharis acicularis
1 9

Eleocharis acicularis

Fine needle-like hairgrass forming a natural green foreground carpet

Fine needle-like hairgrass forming a natural green foreground carpet

Over 10,700 sold
£7.99
£7.99
  • Hurry, only 6 items left in stock!
Quick Facts

Common name: Hair grass

Origin: South America

Position in Aquarium: Foreground

Grows up to (cm): 15 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Medium pace
Description

Eleocharis acicularis, commonly known as dwarf hairgrass, is one of the most popular foreground carpeting plants in the aquarium hobby. Its fine, needle-like leaves grow in dense tufts that spread via runners to gradually form a natural, grass-like carpet across the aquarium floor.

It is a practical choice for low-tech aquariums, growing under medium light without CO2 supplementation. Carpeting is slower without CO2 but still achievable with a nutrient-rich substrate and patience. Adding CO2 injection significantly accelerates both growth and lateral spread for those wanting a faster result.

Supplied as an established potted plant, Eleocharis acicularis suits aquariums from 30 litres upward. It is best planted in small tufts spaced a few centimetres apart across the foreground, allowing the runners to connect and fill in the gaps over time into a seamless grassy carpet.
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 acicularis
Potted Dwarf Hairgrass with plant care information on a white background
Aquarium setup with grassy foreground and text about Eleocharis acicularis
Aquarium with dwarf hairgrass and text about CO2 and low-tech aquariums.
Instructions on planting dwarf hairgrass in small groups with a close-up of grass being planted.
Scissors trimming grass with text on plant care instructions.
Eleocharis acicularis
Eleocharis acicularis

This carpeting plant arrives healthy and well-packaged. Customers said it "creates a beautiful scene" and grows well in various conditions. Most praise its quality and ability to split into multiple portions. Some noted slow growth, occasional duck weed contamination, and challenges with insufficient lighting or planting difficulty.

  • Amazing plant, creates a beautiful scene and adds plenty of hiding for my shrimps and smaller fish
  • Very well packaged and very healthy. Very easy to plant, look brilliant and are growing nicely
  • Great plants arrived in immaculate condition and look amazing in the tank!
  • 5 stars: 150 (88%)
  • 4 stars: 17 (10%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (1%)
  • 2 stars: 2 (1%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
Jane

Quick delivery excellent quality

N
Neil M. (Durham, GB)
Fit:
Very bad
Very good
Top Quality

Extremely happy with my plants. Very well packaged and very healthy. Very easy to plant, look brilliant and are growing nicely.

M
MISS M. (Bristol, GB)
Fit:
Very bad
Very good
Extremely happy with the healthy

Extremely happy with the healthy, clean and beautifully potted plant, thank you

J
Joey

Amazing plant, quite slow growing even with root tabs and plant fertiliser so algae can take over but that’s probably a fault of my own, creates a beautiful scene and adds plenty of hiding for my shrimps and smaller fish.

J
J.B.

Growing nicely

J
Jack

Lots to work with

Z
Zoe

Great plant, delivery arrived as planned, and all contents were in fantastic condition

P
Pierre A.
Amazing company

Best quality plants to buy online!

C
Chris T.
Great

Can't really wax lyrical about a plant, but it's great. Turned up on time, well packed, good condition and is thriving in the tank. Thanks

R
RICHARD

Delivered on time and a very healthy carpeting plant.

C
Ciaran

Love it

A
Ade T. (Manchester, GB)
Dwarf Hairgrass

Great plants arrived in immaculate condition and look amazing in the tank!

M
Mark W.
Review

Plants arrived in perfect condition, and looking very healthy, they’ve been in my tank just over 1 week and are now starting to throw out small runners.

M
Martin L.
Review

Quality service

T
TERRY S.
Review

great plants great delivery whats not to like, superb aquatic plants as always

M
Mari L.J.
Review

A lovely attractive plant in the aquarium, has a beautiful strong green colour, I would recommend it!

L
Lee G.
Review

My plants were delivered in a fantastic condition , well packed and no damage , and very healthy , thoroughly recommended this company

J
James S.
Review

Excellent grass
I split it up into two and it’s doing very well
Thanks Jim

C
Cassandra P.
Review

Arrived in great condition, exactly as shown. Has adapted to my tank quickly. Would purchase again.

C
Courtny-Marie H.
Review

Amazing little carpeting plant, very easy to care for and is spreading nicely in my low tec tank.

K
Karen H.
Review

A lovely plant. Growing nicely. Defo recommend for any tank.

N
Natalee C.
Review

Looks fab in the tank

T
Tracey G.
Review

Perfect. Packed well. Good instructions. Looking amazing in the aquarium. Would buy from here again

J
Jerome D.
Review

I broke the grass into several little clumps and it has grown in height and started putting out new shoots as it spreads into a carpet.

D
Diogo F.
Review

Plants arrived in perfect condition and the leaves were shiny green. Typical top quality from Aquaessentials.

j
john s.
Review

very please good healthy plants growing well

J
John H.
Review

As usual all plants I buy from here arrive well packed and in good health. The above plant as taken well in my substrate and is looking good

k
kevin B.
Review

Lovely little bunches of grass, high quality and are growing really well, they look superb in any aquarium, recommended.

B
Brenda N.
Review

Very healthy plants - great website & quick delivery!

J
James B.
Review

We didn't have enough light for these to survive.

K
Kevin B.
Review

Really pleased with this plant, after 3 days this plant has settled in and growing nicely , fast delivery on an excellent product thank you AQAESSENTIALS

M
Mark C.
Review

Good strong healthy plant as always.

K
Kim H.
Review

Great product, apparently very tasty as my goldfish had ripped it all up and eaten it within 3 days.

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

Is dwarf hairgrass a good aquarium plant for beginners?

Yes, dwarf hairgrass aquarium plant is suitable for beginners. It is easy to grow, especially in stable conditions, and is commonly used for carpeting aquariums.

Does dwarf hairgrass need CO2 to grow?

Dwarf hairgrass can grow without CO2, but it spreads faster and forms a dense carpet when CO2 is added.

How do you plant dwarf hairgrass in an aquarium?

To plant dwarf hairgrass, divide it into small portions and plant them into the substrate with space between each clump. This helps it spread evenly.

How long does dwarf hairgrass take to carpet?

Dwarf hairgrass can take a few weeks to several months to form a full carpet, depending on lighting, CO2, and nutrient levels.

Why is my dwarf hairgrass not spreading?

Slow growth may be due to low light, lack of nutrients, or no CO2. Improving these conditions will help the plant spread and form a carpet faster.

  • Eleocharis acicularis
  • Potted Dwarf Hairgrass with plant care information on a white background
  • Aquarium setup with grassy foreground and text about Eleocharis acicularis
  • Aquarium with dwarf hairgrass and text about CO2 and low-tech aquariums.
  • Instructions on planting dwarf hairgrass in small groups with a close-up of grass being planted.
  • Scissors trimming grass with text on plant care instructions.
  • Eleocharis acicularis
  • Eleocharis acicularis
1 9

Eleocharis acicularis

Fine needle-like hairgrass forming a natural green foreground carpet

Ask a question Over 10,700 sold
Easy care Medium light CO2 not required Foreground plant
£7.99
£7.99
  • In stock — 6 available

In-stock orders normally dispatch before 4pm, Monday–Friday. Delivery details

Eleocharis acicularis
Potted Dwarf Hairgrass with plant care information on a white background
Aquarium setup with grassy foreground and text about Eleocharis acicularis
Aquarium with dwarf hairgrass and text about CO2 and low-tech aquariums.
Instructions on planting dwarf hairgrass in small groups with a close-up of grass being planted.
Scissors trimming grass with text on plant care instructions.
Eleocharis acicularis
Eleocharis acicularis

Complete your setup

Useful additions for your aquarium

Care essentials chosen for this plant

Healthier plants
Brighter results
Plant food Neutro+ Aquarium Plant Fertiliser

Essential nutrients for healthier,
more vibrant plants.

Recommended size
£10.99
Liquid carbon Neutro CO₂ - Liquid Carbon for planted aquariums

Helps boost plant growth
and colouration.

Recommended size
£10.99
Root nutrition Neutro TerraTabs - Root Tabs for Planted Aquariums

Long-lasting nutrition
for strong, healthy roots.

Recommended size
£9.99
Useful additions for planting day Carefully packed with your plants Specialist aquarium plant care
Bundle offers

About this plant

Eleocharis acicularis, commonly known as dwarf hairgrass, is one of the most popular foreground carpeting plants in the aquarium hobby. Its fine, needle-like leaves grow in dense tufts that spread via runners to gradually form a natural, grass-like carpet across the aquarium floor.

It is a practical choice for low-tech aquariums, growing under medium light without CO2 supplementation. Carpeting is slower without CO2 but still achievable with a nutrient-rich substrate and patience. Adding CO2 injection significantly accelerates both growth and lateral spread for those wanting a faster result.

Supplied as an established potted plant, Eleocharis acicularis suits aquariums from 30 litres upward. It is best planted in small tufts spaced a few centimetres apart across the foreground, allowing the runners to connect and fill in the gaps over time into a seamless grassy carpet.

Product FAQs

Is dwarf hairgrass a good aquarium plant for beginners?

Yes, dwarf hairgrass aquarium plant is suitable for beginners. It is easy to grow, especially in stable conditions, and is commonly used for carpeting aquariums.

Does dwarf hairgrass need CO2 to grow?

Dwarf hairgrass can grow without CO2, but it spreads faster and forms a dense carpet when CO2 is added.

How do you plant dwarf hairgrass in an aquarium?

To plant dwarf hairgrass, divide it into small portions and plant them into the substrate with space between each clump. This helps it spread evenly.

How long does dwarf hairgrass take to carpet?

Dwarf hairgrass can take a few weeks to several months to form a full carpet, depending on lighting, CO2, and nutrient levels.

Why is my dwarf hairgrass not spreading?

Slow growth may be due to low light, lack of nutrients, or no CO2. Improving these conditions will help the plant spread and form a carpet faster.