The umbrella moss – Eleocharis is an elegant aquatic plant with fine stalks, which not only looks very beautiful, but can also offer small aquarium inhabitants hiding places.
genus
The umbrella moss belongs to the genus Eleocharis.
kind
This is the species Eleocharis vivipara.
Two other species are usually used in the aquarium, Eleocharis acicularis and Eleocharis parvula. However, these species are smaller.
Family
The umbrella moss belongs to the Cyperaceae family. These are referred to as sedge plants.
Hometown
The plant is native to Australia and New Zealand.
Height of root with plant:
Eleocharis vivipara can reach a height of up to 20 cm.
Light
The light requirement of the plant is medium to high. However, the lighting has an influence on the growth of the umbrella canopy. If the plant only gets little light, it usually grows very tall and fans out wider. If the lighting is sufficient, the plant will thrive much more densely and compactly. Their stalks usually only grow 10 to 15 cm high.
temperature
The plant feels comfortable at a temperature between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius.
growth
Eleocharis vivipara is characterized by medium growth. Therefore, the plant is also very suitable for smaller aquariums. Over time, the plant grows into a beautiful, dense carpet of grass. This can offer small aquarium inhabitants such as shrimp or young fish a place to hide. The lawn carpet of the Eleocharis vivipara is also very popular for spawning.
pH
The recommended pH for the plant is between 5.8 and 7.5.
degree of hardness
Eleocharis vivipara tolerates very soft to hard water.
Co2
A dose of Co2 may be required to allow the plant to thrive even more.
propagation
The plant forms runners.
difficulty
Eleocharis vivipara has a medium stature and makes no special demands on the water quality. Therefore, it is considered to be quite easy to cultivate. The only thing to watch out for is the lighting. If a dense, flat-growing lawn is to be grown, good lighting should be available.
location in the aquarium
Since the plant grows up to approx. 20 cm high, it can be used excellently in the middle ground of the tank. In large aquariums, it can also be planted in the foreground. With the right lighting, a half-height thicket of lawn develops.
The smaller types can generally always be used in the foreground.
Look
Eleocharis vivipara has very thin, fine and long culms. These grow as a rosette, shine in a light green and bend slightly to the side. Overall, the plant looks very filigree and provides natural elegance in the tank.
distribution
The Eleocharis vivipara belongs to the genus Eleocharis. This genus of swamp rushes includes about 250 different species scattered around the world. They are particularly common in swamps and wet areas. Some grow on the shore, others under water like the umbrella moss.
husbandry conditions
Eleocharis vivipara makes no special demands on the keeping conditions. It does not grow excessively fast and is very easy to cultivate in the aquarium. It thrives at a pH between 5.8 and 7.5. She also feels comfortable in very soft to hard water. The temperature range is variable between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. If the plant is to grow as a lawn carpet, however, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient light.