Dwarf Hairgrass ‘Belem’ (Eleocharis sp. ‘Belem’) – Ultra-Fine Carpet Plant for Premium Aquascapes
Dwarf Hairgrass ‘Belem’ is a highly sought-after carpeting plant known for its extremely fine, thin blades and its ability to create one of the cleanest, smoothest carpets in the aquarium hobby. Compared to standard Dwarf Hairgrass, the Belem variant grows shorter, denser, and more uniform, making it a favorite in Iwagumi and nature-style aquascapes.
This plant spreads quickly through runners and forms a bright green, velvety foreground lawn under proper conditions. With strong lighting and CO₂ injection, Dwarf Hairgrass ‘Belem’ grows compact and lush, creating a professional aquascape look. It’s shrimp-safe, beginner-friendly with CO₂, and absolutely stunning once established.
Easy to Moderate
Peaceful (plant)
1–2.5 inches tall (shorter than regular Dwarf Hairgrass)
Perennial with proper care
Nutrient-rich substrate, root tabs, and liquid fertilizers; CO₂ strongly recommended for ideal carpeting
Minimum 5 gallons
Temperature: 68–82°F
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Safe with shrimp, snails, and peaceful fish
Spreads through runners, forming a dense, tight carpet
Excellent for high-end aquascapes and nano tanks
Provides natural grazing grounds for shrimp and fry
Belem grows shorter and more compact than standard Dwarf Hairgrass
Plant small clumps ½ inch apart for fastest carpet fill
CO₂ greatly improves speed, density, and health
Avoid large plant-eating fish or those that dig into the substrate
