15 Best Low-Light Aquarium Plants for Beginners (2025 Guide)

Beginner Plant Criteria

• ✔ Low Light Tolerance: Grows with standard LED lighting (15-30 PAR)
• ✔ No CO2 Required: Thrives on fish waste and atmospheric CO2
• ✔ Substrate Flexible: Grows in gravel, sand, or attached to hardscape
• ✔ Wide Parameter Range: Tolerates pH 6.0-8.0, various water hardness
• ✔ Slow-Moderate Growth: Less trimming and maintenance required

The king of beginner plants. Java Fern grows attached to rocks or driftwood — never bury the rhizome (horizontal root) in substrate or it will rot. It propagates by growing baby plants on leaf tips, which you can break off and attach elsewhere.

Varieties: Narrow leaf, Windelov (lace), Trident, and standard broad leaf.

Pro Tip: Brown/black spots on leaves aren't disease — that's where new baby plants are forming!

Anubias are the toughest plants in the hobby. Thick, leathery leaves resist nibbling from even notorious plant-eaters like goldfish and African cichlids. Like Java Fern, attach to hardscape — never bury the rhizome.

Varieties: Nana (small, 2-4"), Nana Petite (tiny, 1-2"), Barteri (medium, 8-12"), Coffeefolia (wavy leaves), Hastifolia (arrow-shaped).

Pro Tip: Slow growth means Anubias leaves can collect algae. Add algae-eating shrimp or snails, or spot-treat with Seachem Excel.

The ultimate beginner moss. Java Moss attaches to anything — rocks, driftwood, decorations, filter intakes, even plastic plants. It creates hiding spots for shrimp and fish fry, and doubles as a natural food source (infusoria grows on it).

Uses: Moss walls, tree decorations, carpet alternative, shrimp breeding.

Pro Tip: Trim regularly to prevent inner portions from dying due to lack of light. A "haircut" every few weeks keeps it healthy.

Technically a type of algae, not a plant. Marimo balls require zero care — just roll them occasionally so all sides get light. They absorb nitrates, making your water cleaner. Shrimp love grazing on them.

Warning: In 2021, invasive zebra mussels were found in some Marimo balls. Buy from reputable sellers and quarantine new ones for 2 weeks.

Pro Tip: If your Marimo turns brown, it's getting too much light. Move it to a shaded area and it will recover.

The classic aquarium focal point. Amazon Swords grow large, creating dramatic backgrounds and hiding equipment. Unlike Java Fern and Anubias, they MUST be planted in substrate — their roots need nutrients.

Important: Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders. Add root tabs every 2-3 months for best growth.

Pro Tip: Initial leaves may melt after purchase (they were grown emersed). New submersed leaves will grow within 2-4 weeks — be patient!

"Crypts" come in dozens of varieties with different colors (green, bronze, red) and sizes. They spread through runners, forming beautiful clusters over time. Plant in nutrient-rich substrate or add root tabs.

Popular Varieties: Wendtii Green, Wendtii Bronze, Lutea, Parva (tiny, good for nano tanks), Spiralis.

Pro Tip: "Crypt melt" is infamous — leaves dissolve when moved to new conditions. Don't panic! Leave the roots planted and new leaves will emerge in 2-6 weeks.

"Vals" create stunning grass-like curtains in the background. They spread rapidly via runners, filling in bare spots. Long leaves float at the surface, creating natural shade and hiding spots for fish.

Varieties: Spiralis (twisted leaves), Americana/Jungle Val (very tall, up to 6 feet!), Nana (stays shorter).

Pro Tip: Vals are sensitive to Seachem Excel and other glutaraldehyde-based carbon supplements. If you use Excel, choose a different plant.

A fast grower that's perfect for new tank cycling. Water Wisteria absorbs excess nutrients, outcompeting algae. It can be planted in substrate or left floating. Leaf shape changes based on lighting — more light = more lacy leaves.

Uses: Nutrient export, new tank cycling, quick fill, floating cover.

Pro Tip: Propagate by cutting stems. Just stick the cut end in substrate and it will root within days.

The fastest-growing plant on this list. Hornwort is a floating plant (no roots) that's nearly impossible to kill. It absorbs ammonia and nitrates like a sponge, making it ideal for new tanks. Can grow several inches per week!

Warning: Hornwort sheds needle-like leaves that can clog filters. Consider using a pre-filter sponge.

Pro Tip: Weight it down with plant weights or fishing line tied to a rock. It won't root but will stay in place.

A delicate, feathery plant that works planted or floating. Water Sprite is excellent for betta tanks and breeding setups — fry and shrimp hide in its fine leaves. Grows baby plants on leaf edges that can be separated.

Uses: Betta tanks, shrimp tanks, fry cover, floating shade.

Pro Tip: Floating Water Sprite grows faster than planted. The roots dangle down, providing cover and nutrient absorption.

Duckweed is a love-it-or-hate-it plant. It absorbs nitrates extremely well and provides shade/cover. However, it multiplies so fast it can take over your tank in weeks. Some aquarists consider it a pest.

Good For: Goldfish tanks (they eat it), nutrient export, natural shade.

Warning: Once you have duckweed, you'll always have duckweed. It's nearly impossible to fully eradicate. Only add if you're committed!

The prettiest floating plant. Red Root Floaters have attractive red-tinted leaves and bright red dangling roots. They turn more red under higher light. Much easier to manage than duckweed due to larger size.

Requirements: Need still water surface (no strong filter agitation) and don't like wet leaves. Use a floating ring or keep them in a calm corner.

Pro Tip: Iron supplementation enhances the red coloration. Add a few drops of liquid iron weekly.

"Buce" is like Anubias but fancier. It comes in dozens of varieties with blue, green, or purple iridescent leaves. Attach to rocks or driftwood — never bury the rhizome. Highly collectible among plant enthusiasts.

Popular Varieties: Brownie Ghost, Red Godzilla, Skeleton King, Wavy Green.

Pro Tip: Bucephalandra can take 4-8 weeks to adjust to a new tank. Don't give up on it! New growth will eventually appear.

A classic stem plant that's easy to grow and propagate. Bacopa has thick, round leaves and can develop a slight purple tint under higher light. It grows vertically and should be trimmed regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Propagation: Cut the top few inches and replant in substrate. Both the cutting and the original plant will continue growing.

Pro Tip: Bacopa sometimes flowers above the water surface with small blue flowers — a fun surprise!

A versatile plant with round, lily pad-like leaves. Brazilian Pennywort can be planted in substrate, left floating, or allowed to grow out of the tank as an emergent plant. It grows towards light, creating interesting trailing patterns.

Uses: Floating cover, background filler, paludarium emersed growth.

Pro Tip: The leaves are mildly edible (tastes like parsley) and can be used in salads or as garnish!

Basic Planted Tank Setup

1. Tank: Any size works, but 10+ gallons is easier to maintain. Use our Tank Volume Calculator to plan.
2. Substrate: Regular aquarium gravel or sand works for rhizome plants (Java Fern, Anubias). For root feeders (Amazon Sword, Crypts), add root tabs or use a plant substrate.
3. Lighting: Any basic LED aquarium light works for low-light plants. Run 6-8 hours daily. More than 10 hours causes algae.
4. Filtration: Standard HOB or sponge filter. Use our Filter GPH Calculator to size appropriately.
5. Fertilizer: Optional for low-light plants. Fish waste provides enough nutrients for slow growers. For faster plants, add a basic all-in-one liquid fertilizer weekly.