Sand spikerush (Eleocharis montevidensis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Giant hairgrass, American Eleocharis
Family
Cyperaceae (sedge family)
Origin
The Americas (Tropica gives North America)
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
15–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

A tall spikerush with thin, straw-like, fresh grass-green stems only a few millimetres thick. Tropica gives its origin as North America. It grows about 20–40 cm tall in an open, airy clump, so it is mainly a background plant; Tropica also suggests thin, see-through clumps in the front or centre of a layout to add depth. Tropica rates it as easy and low maintenance, growing at a medium rate in low light without added CO2. Trim back runners that stray too far. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by runners. Cut off runners now and then and replant the new plants elsewhere.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not eaten by fish or snails; digging fish may disturb young plants. Suits tropical and unheated tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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