Eleocharis pusilla 'Mini', often referred to as Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, is a delicate carpeting plant that's ideal for creating a clean, grassy foreground in nano to mid-sized aquascapes. It’s a more compact cousin of Eleocharis acicularis, prized for its shorter height and tighter growth.
🌿 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Eleocharis pusilla (sometimes listed under Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini')
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Common Names: Mini Hairgrass, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Eleocharis 'Mini'
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Origin: Australia, New Zealand
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Family: Cyperaceae (sedge family)
🪴 Appearance
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Color: Bright green to light green
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Leaves: Ultra-thin, grass-like blades
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Height: ~3–6 cm (1.2–2.5 inches)
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Growth habit: Horizontal runners form dense, short carpets
💡 Care Requirements
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Medium to high (encourages horizontal spread) |
| CO₂ | Strongly recommended for dense carpeting |
| Substrate | Fine-grain, nutrient-rich, or root tabs |
| Temperature | 20–28°C (68–82°F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
🌱 Growth & Propagation
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Growth rate: Moderate (faster with CO₂ and good light)
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Propagation: Spreads through runners
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Trimming: Keep it short and compact; prevents shading and detachment
⚠️ Tips & Notes
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Ideal for nano tanks or as a foreground in larger layouts.
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Can get overtaken by algae if light is strong but flow or CO₂ is weak—make sure to balance all three.
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Benefits from dry start method (DSM) to establish a thick carpet before flooding.
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Doesn’t need frequent trimming like some faster-growing carpets (e.g. Monte Carlo), but benefits from occasional maintenance.
🌟 Aquascaping Use
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Perfect for creating scale and realism, especially in Iwagumi or nature-style tanks.
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Pairs beautifully with midground plants like Ranunculus inundatus or Hygrophila 'Araguaia'.
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Creates a natural grassy meadow vibe—great for shrimp or small fish tanks.
If you want that clean, serene look of a perfectly manicured lawn in your scape, Eleocharis pusilla 'Mini' is a fantastic go-to. Want help combining it into a layout or planning a dry start setup?
