Soft-stem spikerush
Eleocharis mamillata · Cyperaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant soft-stem spikerush: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Cyperaceae (sedges and rushes)
- Plant type
- Aquatic or semi-aquatic herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Persistent, fine and filamentous
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast in humid conditions
- Hardiness
- Moderate, prefers temperate zones
- Origin
- Wetlands of South and Central America
- Soil type
- Moist to waterlogged, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering and humidity
Eleocharis mamillata is a truly aquatic or semi-aquatic plant: it thrives in constant contact with water. Keep the substrate constantly moist, even submerged at the edge of a pond or in an aquaterrarium. Stagnant water poses no problem since it's naturally adapted to it.
Light exposure
Place this plant in bright light, ideally in partial sun or sunny locations. It tolerates light shade but prefers 4 to 6 hours of direct daily light for optimal development and attractive coloring.
Substrate and medium
Use a substrate rich in organic matter, made up of potting soil, peat or coconut fibers mixed with sand. In an aquarium or aquaterrarium, a nutrient-rich substrate will promote rhizome anchoring and root growth. Soft water is preferred.
Fertilization
In poor aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, occasionally add a balanced diluted fertilizer or one specific to aquatic plants. Moderate and regular fertilization supports nice growth without promoting harmful algae.
Maintenance and pruning
Eleocharis mamillata requires little pruning. Remove dead or yellowed parts by pinching at the base. It can be divided in spring to rejuvenate clumps or propagate the plant.
Prevention and problems
This plant is generally hardy. In environments that are too dry or poorly aerated, it can deteriorate. Check for the absence of prolonged stagnation of polluted water. Unwanted algae can compete for light: reduce excessive light exposure and maintain good environmental hygiene.
Did you know?
The name "mamillata" refers to the small nipple-like protuberances visible on the spikelets of this species, hence its delightfully quirky French nickname of "nipple sedge." It's a very popular plant in freshwater aquascaping and wetland gardens, appreciated for its slender, airy form that creates natural scenes reminiscent of tropical marshes.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue sedgeCarex panicea
- Spring sedgeCarex caryophyllea
- Pendulous sedgeCarex pendula
- Bird's-foot SedgeCarex ornithopoda
- Gray's sedgeCarex grayi
- Strict sedgeCarex stricta
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.