Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini' - Tissue Culture

Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini': The Tiny Lawn Grass

Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini' is one of the shortest and most sought-after carpeting plants/tissue cultures in modern aquascaping. While often sold under this name, it is frequently identified by experts and major growers as Eleocharis pusilla or an ultra-short cultivar of the hairgrass genus, earning it the common names Mini Dwarf Hairgrass or Japanese Dwarf Hairgrass. Its primary appeal lies in its ability to form a vibrant, low-growing, dense, and uniform green carpet that requires minimal trimming to maintain its short stature.

Reaching a maximum height of only 1 to 3 inches (3-5 cm), this plant is the perfect choice for creating scale in Nano Aquariums or for high-impact foreground coverage in Iwagumi and Nature Aquarium layouts. It propagates vigorously by sending out horizontal runners through the substrate, gradually filling in the space between planted clumps to form a continuous, lush meadow.

Although it can survive in lower-tech setups, achieving the signature dense, compact growth and rapid carpeting requires dedicated High Lighting and CO₂ supplementation, placing it in the Intermediate care category.

Care Requirements & Planting:

• Difficulty: This is an Intermediate difficulty plant. Success in achieving a dense carpet relies on high-tech methods, though it is hardy once established.
• Lighting: Requires Medium to High light. High light is essential to encourage short, compact vertical growth and aggressive horizontal runner production. In low-light conditions, the blades will "reach" and become long and spindly (etiolated).
• CO₂ Supplementation: Highly Recommended. While it can be grown without it, consistent CO₂ injection (10-30 mg/L) dramatically increases the growth rate and ensures the carpet remains short and thick.
• Substrate & Fertilization: This is a dedicated Root Feeder. It thrives best in a Nutrient-Rich Substrate (e.g., aquatic soil). When planting in inert substrates like fine sand or fine gravel, regular use of Root Tabs is crucial. Liquid fertilization is also beneficial, especially supplementing Iron, to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent yellowing.
• Planting: Divide the tissue culture or potted plant into very small tufts (2-6 blades) and plant them individually about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart using tweezers. This wide spacing allows the plant to spread horizontally faster via runners. The Dry Start Method (DSM) is a highly effective way to establish a dense carpet quickly before flooding the tank.
• Pruning: Minimal. Use curved aquascaping scissors to "mow" the carpet to a uniform height when it begins to look overgrown. This trimming encourages a denser spread and removes older blades, promoting fresh growth.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini' (Often E. pusilla )
• Primary Common Name: Mini Dwarf Hairgrass
• Other Common Names: Japanese Dwarf Hairgrass, Mini Hairgrass, Eleocharis pusilla
• Origin: Cultivar / Asia / Australia (Depending on specific variant)
• Max Height: 1-3 inches (3-5 cm)
• Growth Rate: Slow (Moderate with CO₂)
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• CO₂: Recommended (Medium to High)
• Lighting: Medium to High
• Water Temperature: 63° to 81°F (17° to 27°C)
• pH Range: 5.0 - 7.2
• Placement: Foreground / Carpeting