Eleocharis vivipara

Eleocharis vivipara is native to North America and is unique among the hairgrasses for producing plantlets viviparously at the tips of mature blades, which eventually touch the substrate and root — a fascinating propagation strategy that also makes it self-carpeting. Its taller stature (10–30 cm) makes it more suitable as a midground accent plant or as a large-tank foreground specimen than as a dense low carpet. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, adapting well to both low-tech and high-tech setups.

Light: Medium (30–50 PAR) is sufficient; high light produces more compact growth. CO2: Not required; performs well in low-tech tanks with root fertilisation. Planting: Plant in bunches of 5–10 blades; allow tips to trail down to substrate to encourage vivipary propagation. Maintenance: Remove older yellowing blades; divide clumps when they become crowded. Note: Vivipary (daughter plants at blade tips) is the primary propagation method — allow tips to contact substrate.