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Home › Species › Foreground and carpet plants › Eleocharis Montevidensis
Eleocharis Montevidensis (Eleocharis sp. 'Montevidensis') Representative image · AI-generated
Plant Freshwater Care: easy

Eleocharis Montevidensis

Eleocharis sp. 'Montevidensis'
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Other names: Eleocharis sp. 'Montevidensis', Giant hairgrass, Giant spikerush
Group: Foreground and carpet plants · Family: Cyperaceae · Origin: The Americas; the exact identity of the plant sold under this name in the trade is uncertain

A large hairgrass made of upright, thin, dark green stems that reach 30–40 cm. Spreading by runners, it adds a grass-like feel to the background and midground; it takes time to settle in and start growing.

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Light
Medium
CO₂
Beneficial
Growth
Medium
Placement
Background
Height
Up to 40 cm

Water parameters

Temperature18–28°C
pH6–7.5
General hardness (GH)2–15 dGH
Recommended range

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The plant sold in the trade as Eleocharis montevidensis or "giant hairgrass" is a much larger relative of dwarf hairgrass (E. acicularis). Its thin, round, dark green stems rise straight up and reach 30–40 cm. Whether the plants sold under this name really belong to the species E. montevidensis is debated; that is why most sources use the name Eleocharis sp. 'Montevidensis'. It is also confused with the similar-looking E. vivipara; however, 'Montevidensis' does not form plantlets at the stem tips and stays upright.

Planting and Placement

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Divide the clump into small bunches of 3–5 stems and plant them 2–3 cm apart, burying their roots.
  • It is used in the background, in corners or behind stones and driftwood.
  • Make sure it is not shaded by larger plants; it can take a few weeks after planting before it starts to grow.

Care and Fertilization

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Light: Medium to high. In shallow water the stems can reach the surface and topple over.
  • CO₂: Not required, but noticeably speeds up growth.
  • Fertilizer: It feeds through its roots; a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs are recommended.
  • When it spreads too much, pluck off runners spilling over the edge; propagation is done with these runners or by dividing the clump.

Propagation

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Common Problems

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Hobbyist notes

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Change history and contributors
  1. Page created · October 16, 2026