Low-light aquarium plants

Low-light plants thrive under standard aquarium LEDs or budget fluorescent tubes. They grow more slowly than high-tech alternatives but require less maintenance and are less likely to crash if something goes wrong with the lighting schedule. The slow growth of low-light plants also means less frequent trimming — useful in tanks where you want minimal intervention once established.

9 species on this list.

Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
easy · low light · no CO2 · medium growth
Tie or superglue to surfaces; it will attach over a few weeks. No substrate needed. Trim occasionally to prevent it smothering other plants. Strong flow helps keep it clean.
Anubias
Anubias barteri var. barteri
easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth
Do not bury the rhizome, it will rot. Tie to wood or rock and allow roots to anchor naturally. Very low light suits it fine; algae on leaves is common in high-light tanks.
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth
Attach to driftwood with fishing line or plant-safe superglue; never bury the rhizome. Plantlets can be separated and reattached once they have a few roots.
Hornwort
Ceratophyllum demersum
easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth
Can be floated or loosely planted; will shed needles when conditions change. Trims frequently, cut the top growth and replant. Good for cycling tanks due to high nutrient uptake.
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii
easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth
Expect melting leaves after purchase, do not uproot; wait for recovery. Root tabs help in inert substrate. Once established, it is very hardy. Spreads slowly to form a mid-tank cluster.
Duckweed
Lemna minor
easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth
Good for tanks with goldfish or other herbivores that will eat it as food. Nearly impossible to fully eradicate, only introduce if you accept a permanent presence. Skimmer/overflow tanks spread it fast.
Hygrophila Polysperma
Hygrophila polysperma
easy · low light · no CO2 · fast growth
Almost impossible to kill. Trim frequently, it becomes a jungle fast. Plant cuttings directly in substrate. Good for giving a new tank a head start on nutrient cycling.
Anubias Nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth
Tie or superglue to hardscape; roots will grip the surface. Never bury the rhizome. Under very high light, algae may grow on the slow leaves, moderate light prevents this. Long-lived once established.
Marimo Moss Ball
Aegagropila linnaei
easy · low light · no CO2 · slow growth
Keep cool: they prefer temperatures below 25°C and may brown and decompose in tropical tanks above 28°C. Roll them gently once a week to maintain their round shape. Rinse in dechlorinated water if they smell. Do not keep with strong plant-eating fish.

Other plant guides

Plan your stocking with the tank builder or browse all plant profiles. Tank size pages: 30L · 60L · 100L · 200L