Needle Spikerush: a dense aquatic turf for aquarium or pond
Eleocharis acicularis, or Needle Spikerush, is one of the few plants capable of mimicking the look of real grass underwater. It is hardy, turf-forming, and oxygenating, ideal for natural aquariums or ponds.
What is Eleocharis acicularis?
Fully amphibious plant: grows both submerged and on banks
Ultra-fine foliage, intense green, forming a very dense turf carpet
Rapid propagation thanks to underground stolons spreading in all directions
Oxygenating when submerged, with a strong and central ecological role in natural water bodies
Hardy down to -10°C or even lower when submerged
It is often used as a foreground plant in aquariums or ground cover in ponds, and fits perfectly in any low-tech system.
Advantages of Eleocharis acicularis in a natural aquarium
- Realistic lawn-like turf appearance highly sought after in aquascaping
- Natural oxygenation of the tank when submerged
- Protection for fish eggs that cannot reach them deep within the leaves
- Easy reproduction by division or propagation
- Not grazed by goldfish or herbivores
- Perennial, withstands winter underwater
How to care for Eleocharis acicularis?
- 🌱 Planting: in clumps, in sand or natural soil
- ☀️ Lighting: medium to intense for a low and compact growth
- 🔄 Propagation: by separating clumps or natural extension of stolons
- 📏 Depth: from 0 to 40 cm
- ✂️ Trimming: completely optional; height varies depending on immersion
Tips for properly using Eleocharis acicularis
Ideal for:
- Foreground for low-tech aquarium
- Spawning area in pond for goldfish or breeding tank
- Trash aquarium with natural soil, even in winter
Pair it with: Java Moss, dwarf Sagittaria, Littorella, or a beautiful Lobelia sprouting from this green carpet
For faster coverage: separate and distribute the clumps from time to time
FAQ - Eleocharis acicularis
Can Eleocharis acicularis grow out of water?
Yes, it is a fully amphibious plant. It also grows on moist banks.
Can it survive winter outdoors?
Yes. It is completely perennial and hardy.
Does it spread quickly?
Yes, thanks to its stolons, it naturally spreads forming a beautiful carpet.
Should it be trimmed?
No, it is not necessary. It can reach 5 to 50 cm depending on immersion.
Is it eaten by goldfish?
No. Its leaves are too thin and tough, so not very palatable for them.
Additional information
Scientific name: Eleocharis acicularis
Height: from 5 to 50 cm depending on immersion conditions
Packaging: sold in clumps (approximate weight 10 g)
Guarantee: free of rock wool and artificial substrate
Recommendation: do not release into the wild, even if not classified as invasive
