Plant comparison
Dwarf Hairgrass vs Micro Sword
How the Dwarf Hairgrass and Micro Sword compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Dwarf Hairgrass vs Micro Sword
The Dwarf Hairgrass and the Micro Sword come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Dwarf Hairgrass is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Micro Sword rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Dwarf Hairgrass is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Dwarf Hairgrass20–28 °C
- Micro Sword20–28 °C
pH
- Dwarf Hairgrass6–7.5
- Micro Sword6–7.5
Hardness
- Dwarf Hairgrass2–10 dGH
- Micro Sword2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantDwarf HairgrassEleocharis parvula |  PlantMicro SwordLilaeopsis brasiliensis |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Worldwide temperate / subtropical | South America (Brazil, Argentina) |
| Family | Cyperaceae | Apiaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 5–10 cm | 3–7 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Light | Low to High | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Optional to Recommended | Optional |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow to Medium |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Dwarf Hairgrass and Micro Sword together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Dwarf Hairgrass or the Micro Sword?
The Dwarf Hairgrass is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Micro Sword leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Dwarf Hairgrass and Micro Sword need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Dwarf Hairgrass and the Micro Sword?
Placement and light. The Dwarf Hairgrass works as foreground, the Micro Sword as foreground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.