20 Low light Aquarium Plants For Your Tank

Looking to start an aquatic life right at home?

If you are passionate about aquatic life and would like to set up a low-light aquarium at home, you need live plants – ones that can effectively survive in such an environment.

This may be another one of those daunting tasks in addition to choosing the aquarium, fish species and the overall budget.

However, we have simplified the task for you!

 

This article will help you decide from the best low-light aquarium plants to choose from, based on features such as these:

 

1. Level of light required,
2. Level of care needed,
3. Compatibility with fish and other plants.

 

Explore through each one of these 28 low-light aquarium plants, and bring home the ideal aquatic plants for your low-light aquarium.

However, before proceeding with the review section, you must understand what these plants are and their intended benefits.

What are Low Light Aquarium Plants?

Low light aquarium plants are often referred to as ‘easy plants’, primarily because these plant species require no more than basic maintenance, and have a tendency to bloom in low-light aquariums.

More so, these plants are used to adorn an otherwise boring and dull aquarium.

These plants are also quite useful in keeping the growth of algae at bay, inside an aquarium.

Algae growth is common in aquariums owing to the following reasons:

 

• Aquarium lights have been turned on for longer than necessary.
• Aquarium has been exposed to direct sunlight; maybe it has been placed in front of a window.
• Over-feeding the fish can also cause food particles to contaminate the water, causing the growth of algae.
• You could be using water rich in nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates, which are responsible for triggering the growth of algae in the aquarium.

 

Keeping live plants within the aquarium can thus mitigate this growth, since these plants feed onto the same nutrients as algae, thereby leaving less food for it to grow and thrive within the aquarium.

So, you may essentially create competition in the aquarium by keeping live plants.

Other Benefits:

Other than this, live aquatic plants are useful to the aquarium and the fish species in ways that have been discussed in the paragraphs that follow.

Water Aeration – Aquatic plants ensure water oxygenation, through the process of photosynthesis in water.

So, basically, they are proving your fish species the much-needed fresh oxygen while consuming carbon dioxide released into the water by these living organisms.

Natural Habitat – These plants allow the creation of a natural habitat for the fish, similar to what they are used to while in the ocean.

So, choose live plants that can effectively mimic their actual wild habitat, to make it all the more ideal for them.

You are not essentially trapping these innocent fish, but recreating a natural habitat for your favorite fish at home.

Substrate – These aquatic/aquarium plants allow stability of substrate that would otherwise be disrupted by the filter outflow and any aggressive behaviors demonstrated by the fish.

Live plants keep the aquarium clear of nitrates and other liquid excrements.

Sanctuary – Lastly, these aquatic plants provide the fish with an opportunity for breeding and laying eggs.

These species tend to feel secure laying eggs in these plants that closely resemble their natural habitat. More so, it allows then a sanctuary for hiding from the more aggressive species in the aquarium.

Top 20 Low-Light Aquarium Plants

It’s finally time to introduce the top 30 low-light aquarium plants along with each one’s light level, level of care and compatibility. Refer to the following plants:

 

1.     Brazilian Pennywort

Also known as hydrocotyle leucocephala has round, dime-sized leaves growing along the stem. It is one of the fast growing plants that can reach a height of 8 inches or more. Also, one of the easiest plants to grow within an aquarium, especially low-light aquariums. These plants do well in both aquatic and bog aquatic environments. This low-light aquarium plant may be rooted to the substrate or used as a floating plant on top.

Light Level: low-light allows sufficient growth

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: a delicate plant that is not well suited with goldfish and cichlids

Other species: n/a

 

2.     Guppy Grass

The scientific name of Guppy Grass is najas guadalupensis, and gets its name from guppy. This is essentially a sanctuary for these fish and red cherry shrimp during mating season. Guppy Grass has a rapid growth, takes in excess nitrates from the aquarium, and helps to keep the water clean. It requires no plantation, is easy to maintain and ranks as the easiest low-light aquarium plant.

Light Level: low-light

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: ideal for guppy, and red cherry shrimp

Other species: najas grass, water nymph

 

3.     Anubias Barteri

One of the most famous low-light aquarium plants, Anubias Barteri comes in large, heart-shaped leaves in vibrant green color and wrinkled edges. These plants grow as tall as 12 inches, with leaves growing at a rate of 2-4 on an annual basis. These plants do not require substrates for plantation and prefer shady places.

Light Level: low-light

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: outstanding, these plants do well in all aquatic environments

Other species: anubias afzelli, anubias barteri var. nana, anubias coffeefolia, anubias cogenesis, anubias frazeri, anubias hastifolia, anubias lanceolota, and anubias minima.

 

4.     Anubias Nana

This is an easy-to-maintain low-light aquarium plant. It has leaves that grow up to 4 inches in height and are optimal for nano aquariums. The leaves are susceptible to algae infestation. This low, bushy and slow-growing plant does not require substrate; it is commonly found clinging to driftwood and other aquarium decorations.

Light Level: low-light

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: excellent

Other species: anubias afzelli, anubias barteri, anubias coffeefolia, anubias cogenesis, anubias frazeri, anubias hastifolia, anubias lanceolota, and anubias minima.

 

5.     Crypt Wendtii

This plant is amongst the top choice of low-light aquarium plants when it comes to all aquarium sizes. Usually used as a foreground or mid-ground plant in large fish tanks, it does exceptionally well as a background plant for the nano aquariums. It can thrive well in both soft and hard water conditions. It is recommended to use root tabs in order to ensure healthy roots of crypts.

Light Level: low-light

Care: intermediate-level

Compatibility: highly versatile

Other species: crypt balansae, crypt spiralis and crypt becketii

 

6.     Crypt Balansae

This big boy plant grows as tall as 24 inches and comes with leaves that are 1 inch wide. It makes for an outstanding and beautiful background plant as it forms in dense blobs within the aquarium. It does not grow as rapidly as other aquatic plants, but it popular for its amazing texture and vibrant appearance.

Light Level: moderate to high

Care: intermediate-level

Compatibility: good, but not compatible with loaches and cichlids

Other species: crypt wendtii, crypt spiralis and crypt becketii

 

7.     Crypt Spiralis

This is another from the crypt species – a plant that has long, ruffled leaves, thereby making for an absolute visual treat as a background plant within aquariums. The spiralis must be kept under the brightest light in a low-light aquarium. It must also be positioned close to roots tabs and substrate. Its growth tends to be burgeoning post CO2 injection.

Light Level: moderate

Care: beginner to intermediate-level

Compatibility: relatively good

Other species: crypt balansae, crypt wendtii and crypt becketii

 

8.     Pelia

Pelia Liverwort resembles moss, but it isn’t one. This distinctive plant does not cling to structures and surfaces within the aquarium, unlike a moss. It can sink in, float on top or be nested down. It comes with a rare structure of shoots and an alien-shaped thallus. It is also known by its scientific name – monosolenium tenerum.

Light Level: low to moderate

Care: beginner to intermediate-level

Compatibility: moderate, not compatible around rough and aggressive fish

 

9.     Waterwheel Plant

With a rapid growth, this aquatic plant can grow up to a length of 1/3 inch on a regular basis. It has a maximum height of 16 inches, over its useful life. These plants have a tolerance for all types of lighting, low, moderate and high. These plants require a constant supply of carbon dioxide, so if you are playing to keep these in your low-tech aquarium, you’ll need regular CO2 injections. It tends to float on the surface of water for finding prey i.e. aquatic insects.

Light Level: low, moderate and high

Care: intermediate to advanced-level

Compatibility: it needs meat to feed on; insects, snails, and mosquitos.

 

10.   Bacopa

A universal plant, Bacopa is also scientifically known as Bacopa Caroliniana. It usually grows at a slow pace, but in the presence of sufficient carbon dioxide, you might experience a rapid growth from these lotus-resembling plants. It comes in a variety of colors; bright green, yellow, and shades of brown. It must be planted close to substrate. It can grow to a maximum height of 12 inches.

Light Level: low to moderate

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: excellent

Other species: bacopa colorata, and bacopa monnieri

 

11.   Red Ludwigia

The Red Ludwigia is poplar for its red foliage pattern that is visible in bright light. Being a stem plant, red ludwigia comes with a rapid growth but requires more than frequent pruning. Due to its bright red colors, its shoots are planted together to enable a contrast with other plants within the aquarium. It may be used as a foreground plant, or planted in the substrate for better management and maintenance.

Light Level: moderate lighting

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: excellent

12.   Coffee leaf anubias

The coffee leaf anubias has long, rippled leaves that are growing outward. Coffee leaf anubias has a rapid growth and these plants may either be attached to driftwood or planted in the substrate.

Light Level: low light

Care: beginner

Compatibility: excellent

Other species: anubias afzelli, anubias barteri var. nana, anubias cogenesis, anubias frazeri, anubias hastifolia, anubias lanceolota, and anubias minima.

 

13.   Moneywort

The moneywort is scientifically known as bocapa monnieri, and is widely used in aquariums for the sake of adding color. The moneywort comes with small, oblong leaves that are bright green in color. These leaves grow in an upward direction, usually along the stalks. The moneywort has shoots usually planted close together in an attempt to create a contrasting effect with other plants in the aquarium. Vertically growing moneywort can reach a height of up to 8 inches.

Light Level: moderate lighting

Care: beginner

Compatibility: excellent; does will in most aquarium environments

Other species: hornwort

 

14.   Java Fern

A versatile plant, the Java fern is ideal for low-light aquariums. Java ferns grow at a slow pace during the initial phase but spread all across the aquarium overtime. They can grow up to a height of 14 inches and a width of no more than 6 inches. The fern has long and thin leaves. You can choose to either anchor these plants at the bottom of the aquarium beside the gravel or let it float around; it will eventually attach to a surface and thrive. It requires no special lighting to flourish but over or under exposure to light is highly recommended against.

Light Level: moderate to low lighting

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: excellent, flourishes well in all aquarium environments

Other species: java moss

 

15.   Rotala Indica

A close relative of rotala rotundifolia, this plant has rounded leaves that maintain a bright green color despite the lighting conditions within the tank.  The stem of these plants is often found in a reddish color. These plants are in dire need or regular pruning to demonstrate prolific growth and to maintain freshness.  Lighting conditions for the indica are not as stringent as is the case for its close cousin.

Light Level: low-light

Care: beginner to intermediate level

Compatibility: good; requires frequent pruning to ensure ample growth and optimal color

Other species: rotala rotundfolia

 

16.   Rotala Rotundifolia

The rotala rotundfolia is known for its pink color and narrow leaves. This plant has a rapid growth but it requires sufficient lighting to ensure survival, growth and coloration. Regular pruning is a must to avoid these plants from overrunning the tank, leaving less space for other aquarium livestock. These plants have a maximum width of 6 inches and they grow vertically, making for beautiful side decoration within the aquarium.

Light Level: moderate as low light leads to discoloring of the leaves.

Care: beginner to intermediate

Compatibility: good; requires frequent pruning foe optimal growth and color

Other species: rotala indica

 

17.   Java Moss

With moderate growth rate, this moss requires trimming more often than necessary. These plants can grow up to a length of 4 inches. It is amongst the most popular low-light aquarium plants. These plants come equipped with fry that adult fish species such as guppies feed on. The Java moss also provides a protective layer to the young fish and is highly adaptable in low-light tank conditions.

Light Level: low, but tends to thrive in more light

Care: beginner

Compatibility: excellent

 

18.   Vallisneria

A freshwater plant also known as eelgrass, Vallisneria makes for an absolute visual treat as a background plant within the aquarium. This underwater plant has a rapid growth, sometimes shading out other plants. It has leaves growing in bundles from the roots. The leaves feature visible veins and round tips. The female flowers grow on long stalks, while the male flower, prefers to grow on shorter stalks, and ends up floating to the surface.

Light Level: low-light

Care: beginner-level

Compatibility: good

 

19.   Sagittaria

These low-light aquarium plants are found in a bright green color, shaped like grass. These plants are usually used to fill background spaces within a fish tank. They may also be used a foreground, or mid-ground plants, depending on the size of aquarium and type of aquarium environment. These plants generally have a moderate growth and are most popular for their vibrant color that does not fade too soon.

Light Level: low-light

Care: beginner level

Compatibility: excellent, does will with most plant species and fish

Other species: duck potato, arrowhead, katniss, kuwait, tule potato, swan potato, and wapato.

 

20.   African Water Fern

Also known as bolbitis heudelotii, these are amongst the most popular species of low-light aquarium plants. The rhizomes found on its leaves are responsible for reproduction. It is usually found in a dark green tone when planted inside low-light tanks.  However, when planted within high-tech planted tanks, these plants come in translucent green shades. These plants tend to have a slow initial growth and require a constant and clean water supply to spring to life.

Light Level: low, moderate and high

Care: intermediate-level

Compatibility: Good; water conditions must be met for exceptional growth

Other species: fishbone water fern, swamp water fern, ray water fern, lance water fern and soft water fern.

 

Choose from these numerous easy plants and adorn your aquarium with not just your favorite fish species but plants too!

 

Useful tips for setting up a Low-Light Planted Tank

In this section, we shall talk about the tips that you’ll find quite useful when setting up your very own low-light planted aquarium. Just make sure to follow each one, and you are all set!

 

Tip-1: Choose the substrate

The up-side of low-light tanks is that substrate choice does not have to be specific. Any substrate will do with these aquariums; gravel, sand, pool filter sand, and special plant substrate. However, what you must keep into account is the grain size. Keep the size of your gravel no more than 5mm. As for sand substrate, a too compact size does not serve well either. So, ideally, keep the grain size of your substrate somewhere between 2 to 5mm.

 

You can also choose to add root tabs to the gravel substrate if you like, for that added burst of nutrition. Try to avoid using special plant substrate in low-light tanks; because easy plants do not require ammonia spikes, they do well in the most basic of conditions.

 

Tip-2: Understand the different water parameters

Next up, you must educate yourself about the different water parameters; pH level and hardness.

The pH level of your planted tank will determine the health of both the plant and aquatic life within.

Having a stable pH is hence crucial. More so, maintaining the same pH level on each water change is complex.

So, make your task easy and simple by choosing fish that suit your current water pH.  This will save you all that useless effort!

 

The hardness of the water is another determinant of your aquarium and aquatic life’s health.

Hardness is of two types; general (GH) and carbonate (KH), measured in degrees or parts per million (ppm). GH measures the number of dissolved salts in the aquarium, while KH measures the dissolved carbonate and bicarbonate salts.

When setting up your low-light planted tanks, make sure to measure both GH and KH, which must be maintained above 3 degrees (50ppm). In order to raise the KH, add dissolved carbonate or bicarbonate salt to the aquarium water.

 

Tip-3: Know your lighting requirements

Lighting is fundamental when it comes to setting up low-light planted tanks.

There are two basic things to consider; its intensity and spectrum.

As this is a low-light aquarium a higher intensity or spectrum is not required; a low to medium intensity will suffice.

You can simply choose light bulbs that are close to 6500k, and you are sorted! Some of the best lights that you can choose from consist of:

 

• Finnex Planted 24/7 Aquarium LED Lights
• The Finnex FugeRay Planted+
• Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light

 

Other than this, with low-light planted tanks, light duration takes precedence.

The duration ranges from 6 to 10 hours on a daily basis.

Don’t leave lights on in such aquariums from more than the required length, or you’ll simply invite growth of algae.

This is also sufficient for photoperiod; the process requires a minimum of 3 hours, which you are essentially covering.

 

Tip-4: Decide on the fish species

With home aquariums, especially small-sized, smaller fish species are ideal.

When deciding on the fish types, choose ones that do not require too spacious a space to survive and grow.

Moreover, avoid keeping aggressive fish species within the same tank, because this will essentially create a stressful living environment for each one.

Stressful conditions lead to lower life expectancies among fish.

 

You can choose to keep shrimps in smaller tanks, while the following choices do well with low-light aquariums:

• Rainbowfish
• Discus
• Angel Fish
• Swordtail Fish
• Neon Tetras
• Black Molly
• Betta
• Danios

Tip-5: Planting is vital!

Low-tech planted tanks require low-light or easy plants, the likes of which have been identified in the previous section.

Choose the most appropriate plants and recreate the natural habitat that your fish requires in order to stay healthy.

Sufficient planting within the aquarium is good for removal of nitrates that could potentially invite algae and other pests to feed onto these.

 

Tip-6: Adding CO2 or not?

Overstocking the aquarium will lead to depletion of the available carbon dioxide in the tank. If you believe there is not much CO2, you can add it using a CO2 injection system.

These systems are expensive and will definitely add to your budget. So, we have listed a few alternatives that may be used to ensure sufficient carbon dioxide for everyone in the aquarium:

• You can increase turbulence, which allows for an improved exchange between air and water in the tank. You’ll have enough oxygen and carbon dioxide as a result of this. However, turbulence does not work if you are already using a CO2 injection system.
• You may keep lights switched off for about 3 to 4 hours during the day. This will allow dissolved carbon dioxide to accumulate within the tank, post photosynthesis.
• Lastly, you can introduce aquatic plants that have aerial leaves or ability to float on top. These plants will not fall short of carbon dioxide owing to emersion. Just make sure to move the lights over the top a few inches higher to avoid direct exposure.

Using a few of these inexpensive techniques, you can ensure ample supply of CO2 within the tanks, without having to over-spend from your budget!

 

Tip-7: Feeding in the right fertilizers and nutrients

Lastly, you need to feed your tank with the right, high-quality fertilizers. Your aquarium will require a dosage once every week if it’s compact. For a larger aquarium, you may be required to feed fertilizers more frequently. When buying fertilizers, makes sure there is a sufficient supply of nutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, zinc, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). You must achieve an ideal ratio of NPK to ensure healthy plants and fish. Excess P is harmful to the plants and leads to algae growth. N is usually twice as much as K in an optimal NPK ratio.

 

Make sure, moderate water changes are exercised, to avoid these nutrients from building up and contaminating the water.

If you skip this dosage once in a while, you will essentially allow the plants to remove excess nutrients, making the water safe, again!

 

Follow these tips, and you’ll have the perfect low-tech aquarium set-up right where you like it!

 

Low-Light Aquarium Plants – FAQs

Now that we have covered almost all sections to help you with this purchase decision, here are a few commonly asked questions that you might want some clarity on!

1.     What is fluorite?

This is a type of substrate that is added to the gravel in aquarium tanks. It ensures a constant and augmented supply of iron that aquatic plants require. Although not all plants are in need of fluorite, crypts thrive better with this substrate present in the environment. You may choose to add this to enable greater nutrients and booming of plants within the aquarium.

2.     What are root tabs?

These are basically designed to supply the aquatic plants with essential nutrients in the water. These vital nutrients include iron and potassium. Root tabs ensure healthy and thriving plants, and these may be substituted for fluorite as you like. However, you may choose not to have either fluorite or root tabs added to the aquarium. The plants will survive either way; this is an added layer of security to enable longevity of aquarium plants.

3.     What is a liquid fertilizer?

This is a liquid that comes packed with necessary nutrients that are required by plants that float on the surface or attach to decoration within the aquarium. Such plants lack roots, meaning that they cannot benefit much from the substrate added to the gravel. So, squirt out a portion of it and add to your aquarium to allow these floating plants to share the same nutrients as their counterparts, down under!

4.     Which plants must one necessarily avoid?

Well, for amateurs, high-maintenance plants are not such a good idea. These plants species comprise of colorful red and purple plants as these tend to have specific lighting requirements and are to be looked after stringently. You can add these plants to your aquarium once you have got a hand of how aquatic life and its management.

 

Secondly, avoid bringing in poor quality plants as these will contaminate the aquarium water, while also destroying the natural habitat of the fish. You are essentially putting your fish species at risk with these low-quality aquatic plants. Don’t take that risk!

5.     Are these plants prone to disease?

Aquatic plants can be infected by pest, fungus, bacteria or any other virus. You’ll find out if such conditions exist when these plants lose color and have their leaves turned glossy. These are not necessarily diseases, but these are indicators that your aquarium needs a water change or its water parameters (pH level, hardness, temperature) require alteration. These conditions may also prevail owing to poor lighting within the aquarium or as a result of over-feeding the fish.

6.     How to buy healthy plants?

So, when are you are out looking for low-light aquarium plants, watch out for discolored and torn plants. Make sure the roots are strong, and leaves are fresh and abundant and the plants show no signs of infection. A little caution will help you select and purchase the right plants for the aquarium.

7.     How to spot algae growth on these aquatic plants?

If your plants have been infested with algae, you’ll observe a black, slimy layer growing on the plants, which is indication enough. This blue-green algae growth will intoxicate the water, eventually leading to sick fish.

 

In order to avoid growth of algae, you need to ensure sufficient substrate within the aquarium and change water frequently. In addition to this, you can carry out an extensive substrate cleaning that what you usually do, in order to maintain a healthy environment within the aquarium.

8.     What do holes on plant leaves indicate?

It is possible that the fish that resides in your aquarium likes to eat these plants. More so, plant leaves may develop holes owing to a nutrient deficiency, for instance, lack of nitrogen or potassium. These nutrients are imperative to help leaf tissues to grow and thrive.

 

In order to overcome this deficiency, identify the root cause, which nutrient is lacking and then add a fertilizer solution to fix it ASAP!

 

Hope this clarifies any and all confusions that you had regarding low-light aquarium plants. If you are convinced, then it’s time you get on with the purchase decision.

 

Conclusion

With as many as 20 best low-light aquarium plants, you can choose one that suits your aquarium and its lighting conditions.

This comprehensive all-in-one guide should come in handy when you are deciding to recreate your very own, personalized aquatic life at home, in a low-light aquarium.

 

These plants require minimal maintenance, so make sure all water parameters are kept at optimal, and there are sufficient nutrients in the water for both the fish and aquatic plants alike.

Do all of this and you’ll have the perfect aquarium that will stay with you for long!

Have more questions?  Be sure to visit our community forums or leave a comment below!