Needle Spike Rush Plant Care
Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's needle-like leaves form dense, lush mats in wetlands and shallow water. Originating from North America, Europe, and Asia, plant collectors are drawn to its delicate appearance and adaptability to various aquatic environments. Its slender shape and vibrant green color make it a visually striking addition to any aquatic garden.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Needle Spike Rush?
Water Needle Spike Rush every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Needle Spike Rush?
Needle Spike Rush (Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis) belongs to the Cyperaceae family within the Eleocharis genus. Needle Spike Rush is native to North America, Europe, Asia. Needle Spike Rush is also known as Spike Rush, Water Hairgrass.
Needle Spike Rush displays a grass-like, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Needle Spike Rush produces inconspicuous small brown spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Needle Spike Rush?
Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis requires watering every 2–4 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Needle Spike Rush Need?
Needle Spike Rush thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Needle Spike Rush Prefer?
Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Needle Spike Rush prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Needle Spike Rush?
Soggy, nutrient-rich soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Needle Spike Rush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Needle Spike Rush?
Feed Needle Spike Rush every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Needle Spike Rush?
Divide and repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Needle Spike Rush?
Needle Spike Rush can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple spikerush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Needle Spike Rush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Needle Spike Rush, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Needle Spike Rush?
Needle Spike Rush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Needle Spike Rush Need?
Needle Spike Rush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Needle Spike Rush is native to North America, Europe, Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Needle Spike Rush is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eleocharis genus — compare its care with other Eleocharis species on PlantoScan.
Eleocharis is part of the Cyperaceae plant family — browse all Cyperaceae genera and species.
Needle Spike Rush thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eleocharis Species
Other Eleocharis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis, family Cyperaceae (first published in Unknown) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Needle Spike Rush, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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