Tropical Hairgrass

mayaca fluviatilis

Also known as: ["Water Grass","River Grass"]

Family: Mayacaceae Genus: Mayaca Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A delicate, submerged aquatic plant with fine, grass-like foliage and small, blue flowers that emerge above the water surface.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Mayacaceae
Genus: Mayaca
Botanical Name: Mayaca fluviatilis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: Aquarium or paludarium setup with stable water conditions.
  • Suitable For:
    Indoor Plant Lovers Aquarium Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–28°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: Every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity levels, especially in drier environments.
  • Drainage: Not applicable; requires submerged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Not applicable; thrives in aquatic substrate or floating.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed; every 1–2 months.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; adjust for intensity in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; avoid direct sun to prevent bleaching; place in shaded aquarium or indoor setup.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, decaying stems, or lack of growth indicate poor conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

easy

Sunlight

Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light but thrives in moderate light.

Avoid direct sunlight; rotate for even growth; use LED grow lights if needed.

Watering

Keep substrate consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days as needed to prevent drying out.

Keep plant fully submerged; avoid stagnant water; ensure gentle water flow.

Soil

Aquarium substrate or fine-grained, nutrient-rich aquatic soil.

pH: 6.0–7.5.

Use aquarium soil; avoid compacted substrate; maintain water clarity.

Temperature

20–28°C (68–82°F); cooler in winter but avoid frost.

Monitor tank temperature; avoid extreme fluctuations; use a thermometer.

Fertilizing

Every 2 weeks during active growth with liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Use specialized aquatic fertilizer; avoid over-fertilization; target root zone.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; divide clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut healthy stems.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in substrate or float.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm, humid, with gentle water flow.

Medium

Aquarium substrate or floating in nutrient-rich water.

Hormone

Not required; natural rooting is sufficient.

Timeline

2–4 weeks for roots; 1–2 months to establish.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, aquarium tongs.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; ensure nodes are submerged; maintain clean water.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim individual stems; remove entire yellow leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove yellow or decaying leaves to maintain aesthetics and health.

Tools

Sharp scissors, aquarium tweezers.

Checklist

Check for yellowing; trim carefully; dispose of debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer.

Pot Size

No pot needed; ensure substrate is nutrient-rich.

Method

Divide clumps; replant in nutrient-rich substrate.

Suggestions

Not typically required; may divide clumps if overcrowded.

Checklist

Divide gently; replant at same depth; clean old substrate.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check water clarity; monitor water level; ensure gentle flow.

How to Apply Water Properly

Submerge roots entirely; maintain water level above substrate; ensure water is clean and free of chlorine.

Pro Tip: Use dechlorinated water to prevent leaf damage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water as needed to maintain submerged conditions; adjust for evaporation rates in warmer months.

Soil Improvement

Use nutrient-rich substrate; add liquid fertilizer; ensure water circulation.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or decay.

Solution: Maintain stable temperatures; use aquarium heater if needed; avoid drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or brown; growth may slow.

Solution: Ensure adequate water flow; provide shade; use a fan for gentle air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during water change.

Fertilizing Method

Liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply bi-weekly during growing season; reduce in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Mayaca fluviatilis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, poor water quality, or excessive light exposure, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Mayaca fluviatilis is typically a sign of inadequate water conditions or root stress, often due to fluctuations in water parameters or insufficient nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots in Mayaca fluviatilis may be caused by bacterial or fungal pathogens, leading to tissue necrosis and reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting in Mayaca fluviatilis can occur due to bacterial or fungal infections, often exacerbated by poor water circulation or decaying organic matter in the aquatic environment.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Mayaca fluviatilis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Mayaca fluviatilis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Mayaca fluviatilis is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is commonly used in aquariums and does not pose a significant health risk upon ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I propagate Mayaca fluviatilis?

A: Propagate by dividing the runners or cuttings from the main plant.

Q: What are the ideal water conditions for this plant?

A: Prefers soft, acidic water with moderate to high lighting.

Q: Does it require CO2 supplementation?

A: CO2 supplementation enhances growth but is not strictly necessary for survival.

Quick Reference
Family: Mayacaceae
Care: moderate
Light: Bright, indirect light; tolera
Water: Keep substrate consistently mo
Suitable For: ["indoor plant lovers","aquarium enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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