Care Guide
Giant hairgrass
Eleocharis Montevidensis
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Low-moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Form
Upright, spreading by runner
Placement
Background
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Potted
About This Plant
Eleocharis montevidensis is a native plant to North America. Commonly found in marshy areas of the Southern United States Eleocharis montevidensis makes an excellent, airy, background plant in the aquarium. Sold under the common name of giant hairgrass, separate clusters of three of four pots to start your background and then allow it to expand by runners.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Giant hairgrass
- Scientific name
- Eleocharis Montevidensis
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to
- North America
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Undemanding
- Lighting
- Low-moderate
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Growth form
- Upright, spreading by runner
- Placement
- Background
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Potted
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Plant at the back of the tank as a vertical accent or full background curtain. Group stems in clusters of 5-10 for a fuller display.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Common Care Issues
Pale or stretched leaves
If new growth comes in pale yellow or the stems stretch unusually long, the plant is reaching for more light. Either raise the fixture's intensity or add a richer fertilizer.
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Giant hairgrass need?
Giant hairgrass (Eleocharis Montevidensis) prefers low-moderate lighting. Standard tank lighting is sufficient — no specialty fixture is required.
Does Giant hairgrass need CO2?
CO2 is not required. This plant performs well in low-tech tanks with only basic liquid fertilization.
Is Giant hairgrass good for beginners?
Giant hairgrass is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Giant hairgrass grow?
Growth rate is moderate. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Giant hairgrass?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Giant hairgrass — $20.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100