Origin
Eleocharis parvula (Roemer & J.A. Schultes) Link ex Bluff, Nees & Schauer var. anachaeta (Torr.) Svens. is a plant native to North America, particularly in the central and eastern regions.
Common Names
The plant Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is commonly known as hairgrass, dwarf hairgrass, or spikerush.
Uses
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is primarily used as an aquarium plant due to its attractive, fine foliage. Its dense growth provides a safe haven and breeding ground for small fish and invertebrates. The plant also serves as a natural filter, absorbing excess nutrients and helping to maintain healthy water conditions. Outside of aquariums, Eleocharis parvula is also used in wetland restoration projects to help control soil erosion and provide habitats for native plant and animal species.
General Appearance
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 3-7 centimeters. It has thin, bright green leaves that grow in dense clusters and can form thick mats in suitable conditions. The plant's fine, delicate leaves are cylindrical in shape and grow upright from a densely packed root system. When grown in an aquarium, Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta can spread and carpet the substrate, creating a stunning visual effect.
Light
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta prefers moderate to high light conditions for proper growth, but can also adapt to low light conditions. When grown under high light, the plant will exhibit a more compact growth form and develop a deeper green color. However, under low light conditions, the plant can grow slower and may develop longer leaves.
Temperature
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. The optimal temperature for this plant is between 68°F-82°F (20°C-28°C). Under lower temperatures, the growth will slow down, and under higher temperatures, the plant can become stressed. It is important to maintain a stable temperature to ensure the best growth and health of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta can grow in a variety of substrates. Generally, a nutrient-rich substrate is recommended for the best growth of the plant. The substrate should be fine-grained, and the pH should be between 6.0-7.5 for optimal growth. The plant should be rooted in the substrate with the rhizomes at or slightly below the substrate surface. The plant thrives in soft water with a low carbonate hardness and an electrical conductivity between 250-500 ?S/cm.
Cultivation methods
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is a submerged freshwater aquarium plant native to North America that thrives in sandy or clay soils. It is a popular choice among aquarists for its grassy appearance that creates a carpet-like effect.
For cultivation, the plant requires a substrate layer of at least 2 inches. It can be propagated by division of the clumps, which is easiest when the plant is healthy and growing vigorously. Plant the Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta in the substrate by pressing the roots to the soil and covering them with more soil.
Watering needs
The plant requires clean, dechlorinated water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and hardness levels ranging between 3 and 8 dKH. The water temperature should be between 68 and 82°F with a recommended range of 70 to 75°F for optimal growth. Daily water changes of at least 20% of the aquarium volume are recommended as Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta prefers a well-oxygenated environment.
Fertilization
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta requires adequate amounts of fertilizers to grow and thrive. The plant will benefit from regular dosing of aquatic plant fertilizers containing macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Iron supplements should also be added to the aquarium as the plant requires sufficient iron levels for photosynthesis. Ensure that the fertilizers are compatible with the other aquatic life in the aquarium.
Pruning
To maintain a healthy and full-looking carpet, prune the Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta with clean, sharp scissors or shears. It is important to trim the plant regularly to avoid yellowing and melting of the leaves due to overgrowth. Additionally, remove any dead or decaying plant material to maintain the overall health of the aquarium environment.
Propagation of Eleocharis Parvula Var. Anachaeta
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta, commonly known as hairgrass, is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby. It is widely used as a foreground or midground plant in planted aquariums due to its grassy appearance and ability to create a carpet-like effect. The plant is relatively easy to propagate and can be done through several methods.
Propagation Methods
Division: The most common method of propagating Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is through division. This method involves separating the plant's dense clumps into smaller portions and replanting them in the aquarium. To do this, the plant's root system must be carefully divided using sharp scissors or a scalpel. The divided clumps can then be replanted in the substrate, ensuring that the roots are fully covered.
Runners: Another way to propagate Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is through runners. The plant sends out thin, elongated stems or runners with baby plants growing from the nodes. These runners can be carefully separated from the mother plant and transplanted into the substrate, where they will eventually form new clumps.
Seed: Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta can also be propagated through seeds, but it is not a common method among hobbyists. Collecting seeds from this plant may be difficult because it rarely blooms in aquariums. However, if you happen to collect seeds, they can be planted in a separate container with a suitable substrate. The container should be submerged and placed under adequate lighting. However, this process may take longer and not always dependable.
Overall, Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta's propagation is not difficult. With appropriate care and environment, the plant will produce runners that will form new clumps, or large clumps can be divided to make additional plantings.
Disease and Pest Management of Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta
Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are still a few issues that gardeners might encounter while growing this plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is the fungal disease Pythium. This disease can cause root rot and damping off, especially in seedlings. To prevent Pythium, it is essential to maintain good drainage and avoid overwatering plants. Additionally, it is advisable to use a sterile growing medium and to avoid moving plants to different growing conditions where they might experience stress.
Pests
The most common pests affecting Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta are snails and slugs, which will chew on the leaves and damage plant growth. To control these pests, it is essential to remove any hiding places near the plant, such as garden debris or rocks. Additionally, handpicking snails and slugs is an effective method of control, as is using slug baits that contain iron phosphate.
Another pest that can affect Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta is the palm aphid. These tiny insects will suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To control aphids, it is essential to maintain healthy plants through proper nutrition and watering. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can also be effective at controlling aphids.
By taking proactive measures to prevent diseases and pests, gardeners can effectively grow Eleocharis parvula var. anachaeta in their gardens and enjoy its lush green foliage.
