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Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | medium |
| Temperature Tolerance | 15°C / 59.00°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 25°C / 77.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-14 kh |
| pH Value | 5-7 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 20-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
The "Giant Hairgrass," scientifically known as Eleocharis sp. "Xingu," is a plant species with unique characteristics. Despite being introduced to the market under the name "Heleocharis xingu," its exact origin remains uncertain, possibly linked to Rio Xingú in Brazil. This aquatic plant features smooth, light to medium green elongated blades that can grow over 50-60 cm long when submerged. Unlike tall hairgrass, Eleocharis sp. "Xingu" does not produce plantlets on its blade tips and forms tufts with subterranean runner-like rhizomes.
Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable for aquariums, Eleocharis sp. "Xingu" requires specific conditions to thrive. Achieving good growth in an aquarium setting entails providing intensive light, CO2 injection, a nutrient-rich substrate, and soft water. However, there is limited information on its tolerance to other conditions, necessitating careful adjustment when transitioning the plant from emersed to submerged conditions.
Demands and Hardiness
The demands and hardiness of Eleocharis sp. "Xingu" are classified as medium. The plant responds well to CO2 injection and thrives under medium to high light levels. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20-25°C and pH levels between 5-7, with a preference for low to moderate carbonate hardness.
Aquascaping & Usage
Eleocharis sp. "Xingu" presents an appealing option for aquascaping due to its tall, fine blades and grass-like appearance. It can be used as a semi-emersed plant in open tanks, as a background or midground plant, enhancing the aesthetic of the tank with its elegant and natural look. The plant's growth behavior, with younger blades being lighter green and older ones adding to its visual appeal, offers aquarists creative options for design.
Propagation
The Giant Hairgrass propagates easily through various methods, including runners, seeds, splitting, and cutting off daughter plants. It self-propagates by seed, with tiny black nutlets dispersing as ripe ears on the blade tips disintegrate. The seeds can be collected for sowing to facilitate controlled propagation of the plant.
Habitat and Distribution
Eleocharis sp. "Xingu" thrives in wet, nutrient-rich substrates with ample light, making it suitable for emersed cultivation and outdoor growth during the warm seasons. Although its exact habitat and distribution remain ambiguous, this plant species is believed to have been initially collected near Rio Xingú in Brazil. Environmental conditions such as temperature tolerance of 15-30°C indicate its adaptability to varying climates within its potential distribution range.