Low light aquarium plants are the plants that are referred to as easy plants, and these are very comfortable plants, and they can very easily survive in less light, or you can say low light; that’s why they are called the low light aquarium plants.
Low light aquarium plants use about 3 watts of energy per gallon, precisely why you call them what you call them. These plants are used as decoration pieces and asylum for fishes, and these plants do not need any extra light with the regulation of water or even carbon dioxide for their survival.
Best Low Light Aquarium Plants For Beginners
We will discuss some of the easy-growing plants that use low light and are very easy to maintain for beginners. If you have just recently thought of getting aquarium plants and you do not want to spend too much on the bills, then you can buy these plants mentioned below for your convenience. These will not only help you save energy, but you will not have to spend too much of your energy on maintaining them.
Because we know that every aquarium is unique, and we cannot fit them all in one so you cannot do some specific light for all your plants. You need to get yourself a few things if you want to buy an aquarium and get plants for it. Some of those things are:
Root Tabs:
These are nutrient-packed, small discs placed under the substrate to deal with the levels of nutrients. These are one of the best plants that you can buy from the market.
- Contains one (1) API ROOT TABS Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 0. 4-Ounce 10-Count Box
- Promotes strong root development for lush plants in freshwater aquariums
- Contains essential nutrients including iron, potassium and carbon
- Helps new aquatic plants get off to a vigorous start and to keep established plants flourishing
- Add tablets to gravel bed every month to ensure best results
Liquid Fertilizer:
These plants can be used more economically than the root tabs, as it has the tendency to grow algae in it.
- Contains one (1) API LEAF ZONE Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 16-Ounce Bottle
- Promotes strong, hardy and colorful leaves and prevents yellow, decaying leaves
- Contains essential nutrients including chelated iron and potassium
- Formulated for rapid absorption in freshwater aquarium plants
- Dose your aquarium weekly with 5 ml of API LEAF ZONE per 10 US gallons of aquarium water
Seachem Flourishes Excel:
Usually, the heavily stocked tanks need expensive carbon dioxide systems, but the Seachem flourish excel delivers all the benefits without any costly setups. These plants are highly recommended, specifically if you want to create a low-light setup.
You should have to keep one simple thing in mind each product should be used thriftily, you should never over-fertilize them. These low-light aquarium plants are most commonly prone to growing algae on them because these plants grow slowly. These plants easily outperform their growth, which causes problems in the long run.
- SUPPLEMENT: Seachem Flourish is a comprehensive plant supplement for the natural freshwater aquarium, containing a rich assortment of important micro elements, trace elements and other nutrients.
- ELEMENTS: In order to benefit your aquatic plants and help your freshwater environment thrive, Seachem Flourish contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and other important elements.
- WATER TREATMENT: For best results, use 1 capful (5 mL) of Flourish for each 250 L (60 US gallons) once or twice a week. For smaller doses, please note that each cap thread is approximately 1 mL. Refrigeration is recommended 3 months after opening.
- SOLUTION COLOR: It is normal for the color of Seachem’s Flourish to vary by batch as the solution color is dependent on the temperature at which the product was blended. This variation in color is of no consequence to the function of Flourish.
- SAFETY: Seachem Flourish is safe to use for invertebrates such as shrimp, but is designed to be used in conjunction with other macro and micro-nutrient supplements in aquariums only.
Low Light Cold Water Aquarium Plants
There are 30 low-light aquarium plants that can be used for beginners and can easily be maintained. We will discuss some of the easiest low-light aquarium plants that can be bought and maintained easily. Some of our recommendations are:
Java Moss:
Java moss is common that grows naturally on trees and rocks in the tropical climate sectors. It does not have any roots, which means the moss floats through the water to gain the nutrients it needs. Though, it also attaches itself to the aquarium substrate. We characterize it by its leaves that are in an oval shape and are tiny in size.
The java moss adheres to porous surfaces, which makes it a beautiful décor. Java moss is a plant that grows slowly, and yet it needs more attention than the usual plants, so you need to give them some extra attention.
When growing java moss, you should always keep one thing in mind: if they are not taken care of properly, they will get out of your hand. Java moss is a plant that can attach to rocks, driftwood, and roots.
It could be a very hardy plant that does not require a part of attention and will develop in almost any condition. It is commonly utilized to assist baby fry hide from grown-ups. Like Anubias Barteri, Java moss is consistent with most fish as numerous will not choose it. Java greenery is a foreground plant that can develop like grass if you need it and develop quickly. It does well in a low-light aquarium.
- Absolutely No Snails or Pests
- Super Healthy and Homegrown
- 3 grams (Please see pictures for size comparisons and packaging picture.)
Green Hygro:
The green hygro plant is a very fast-growing plant with very long leaves, which vary from brown to green to red, depending on the light provided. This plant chooses a substrate, which is substantial to anchor the roots
.If you do not want your plants to get brownish, you should provide them with low light. Because its growth is prolific, it is considered a weed, and many states do not allow them. Because green hygro is prolific, it might get out of control if they are provided with a happy and calm setup.
- Hygrophila aquatic plant decoration for aquariums
- Natural-looking translucent colors that won’t fade
- Easy to install and secure, simply bury base in aquarium gravel
- Undulates with tank currents, mimicking a natural aquatic environment
- Extra-large fish tank decoration is 15-inches tall (38.1 cm)
Rotala Rotundfolia:
This plant is easily recognizable in the aquarium because it has a pink color, and its leaves are narrow and rounded. When they are allowed to grow on the water surface, they will grow downwards in a bushy pattern. Rotala rotund folia is another example of a plant that is fast-growing, which needs lightning in a proper way to attain the perfect color.
Just like the Hygros, it should be trimmed every now and then so that they do not overgrow. These plants have a maximum width of 6 inches, but they will keep growing vertically and hike sides of aquariums. You should keep one thing in mind when buying a rotala rotund folia, this plant grows in low light, but it will only get its pink color when it is provided with a bright light.
Java Fern:
Java fern is a very versatile, ideal plant that desires low light aquarium to grow. The java fern is one of those plants that grow slowly initially but eventually spreads all around the aquarium and conquers the height of about 12 inches, and the width is almost 6 inches.
Java fern leaves vary across different varieties and are thin and long. When these plants are anchored in the bottom, and by floating, when it is floating, it finds some objects to grow. It is also one of those plants that require only a tiny amount of light to grow. These plants do not need any kind of special light, but you should also not give them any harsh light to grow properly.
- This Java Fern mat is a great and easy way to attaching Java fern to driftwood, rocks, etc
- Make your fish tank look natural and beautiful
- Provide natural resting and hiding places for your smaller fish and invertebrates
- Perfect for aquariums of any size
Parrots Feather:
The unique texture and green foliage make these plants shine out among all other aquarium plants. The parrot’s feather is known for their qualities like they can be used for shade, and they can also be used as a hiding object for the water animals.
Like some of the other aquarium plants, this plant floats in water but can also be grown by using a floating substrate. These plants need moderate to high light, and this type of light can be achieved if you place the plant somewhere close to the window.
- You get one bunch of 5 Parrot Feather Plants. The plant is shipped as cuttings.
- Great marginal plant that grows easily in ponds
- Parrot’s Feather’s lushly textured foliage helps provide shade for the pond and fish
- Provides a hiding place and spawning material for the pond inhabitants
- Parrot’s Feather can be used in waterfall crevices, as well as along pond edges.
Crypt Wendtii:
It is a variable plant with green, red, and brown leaves in different sizes and textures. Usually, the leaves that this plant has waved edges, and the leaves reach a length that is about 18 inches.
It is a very famous plant because of its versatility and might also be used as a focal point in the aquarium. This plant has the quality that it can maintain itself in any given light. These plants are easy to grow and can be maintained easily too.
- Cryptocoryne becketti, Cryptocoryne lutea ‘Hobbit’, Cryptocoryne nevilli, Cryptocoryne pigmaea,
- Cryptocoryne crispatulata tonkinensis, Cryptocoryne walkeri, Cryptocoryne walkeri lutea,
- Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Kompakt’, Cryptocoryne wendtti ‘Brown’, Cryptocoryne wendtti ‘Green’, Cryptocoryne willisii
Guppy Grass:
These plants are named in this way because it is utilized as nursery plant for the guppies. These plants have leaves that are thin leaves that are rich green and grow in dense clusters. Guppy grass has the tendency to grow steadily, and they float in the tank. For the flexibility that they have, it’s tough to beat the guppy grass.
The most important quality that these plants have is that it does not matter if the light is low or high. It does not matter if they have roots or floating in a tank. These plants can grow in any environment.
- SAFE HAVEN FOR FRY: Our naturally inspired Fish Breeding Grass provides a safe area for newly born fish, as this is critical for their survival. The tall grass creates its own habitat-like baby hideout which is one of the best ways for baby fish to thrive.
- DUAL PURPOSE: This 2-piece set works well for both livebearers and egg layers. These plants can either artificially float at water level by placing them upside down on-top, or rest at the bottom by burying them in gravel or sand.
- SAFE AND DURABLE MATERIALS: In addition to providing a hiding place for fry, our aquarium grass can be used as a decorative foreground inside your tank. Safe for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
- SUPER SIMPLE TO CLEAN: Before placing into your tank, or as you as perform regular cleaning and maintenance, simply wipe down and rinse off plants with warm water. Never use soap, as the residual soap particles can harm your fish.
- ADDITIONAL INFO: Measurements = Each piece is 9.2” (W) x 1.75” (D) x 8” (H) / Material = Plastic / Color = Green / Quantity = 2 Pieces
Pelia:
Pelia is a small plant and is very similar looking to moss. This plant is used to provide different purposes from the mosses. But these plants grow fastly in the thick mats and do not attach themselves to structures.
These plants naturally sink and float easily. It can also be grown using fishing line as well as netting. There are some other types of aquarium plants as well that we will discuss one by one:
- Greenhouse fresh from Hirt’s Gardens since 1915.
- Water thoroughly when on the dry side
- Does well under artificial light
- Native to the southwestern Yunnan province of China
- Garden & Patio
Rosettes:
These are blossoming plants that you will see in both aquariums and open-air lakes. They include plants like Amazon Swords and Anubias. Rosettes are known for their abbreviated stems and are exceptionally verdant. Therefore, considered a well-known plant for aquariums.
Floating Plants:
These plants are not rooted within the substrate, and they can float in the best way at the surface of the water line from other plants. A few species would incorporate Hornwort and duckweed. They are great plants for the available fry to cover up, but a few species develop amazingly fast and can take over a tank.
- Package include: 8 Pcs 4 Size Artificial Floating Plants Lotus Leaves. Size: 2 pcs super large lotus leaves (20 cm / 7.9 inch), 3 pcs large picture frames (18 cm / 6.7 inch), 4 pcs middle picture frames (15 cm / 5.9 inch), 2 pcs small picture frames (10 cm / 3.9 inch), color: green.
- Our lifelike artificial leaves are made of good quality foam, with excellent color fastness performance, very light, realistic.
- Good floating lotus/lily pads are great for providing shade for Koi, great to decorate your fish pond or aquarium with a touch of greenery. Keep the sunlight out and protect the fish from birds who are drawn to the water
- These artificial lotus leaves not only for decorative aquariums, but also a good stage props or dance or drama performance.
- The floating artificial lily pads have realistic details, making your garden, aquarium look better. Also, they are perfect for the decor of home and special events like weddings or parties. It is a great idea to wow all your guests!
Ferns and Mosses:
These plants replicate within the aquarium by creating spores. These plants include plants such as Java Greenery, Java Greenery, and Water Sprite. Ferns and Mosses tend to be well known among breeders since they give good cover for broil in an aquarium. Most plants and algae are aquarium plants that will do well in low light.
All these aquarium plants are capable of growing in an adequate amount of light, but very few can produce in low light. And they include
- Parker, Steve (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages – 05/30/2025 (Publication Date) – Compass Point Books (Publisher)
Amazon Sword:
The Amazon Sword is a staple in numerous freshwater planted tanks. It is found in aquariums worldwide because it is well known for its hardiness and capacity to flourish in a change of conditions. It is additionally a decently reasonable plant and promptly accessible in most stores.
Amazon Sword can develop to a noteworthy length more often than not, creating over a foot in stature. Having an aquarium at the slightest 16 inches in height would be perfect for it. These plants are, moreover, simple to generate and do appropriate fine in low light.
The fundamental disadvantage of the Amazon sword is its roots. They are vast and capable and will develop profound into the substrate. It does require a more intelligent and robust substrate due to this; It grows to a dull green color. If you see the clears out start to brown out, this means that your supplements are insufficient.
It must be planted within the substrate because it may be a root feeder. This plant does not require a ton of light and will flourish even in a bit amount of light aquarium. It does not require much pruning, as well.
- All Plants imported from rain Forest Thailand
- USDA certified and Passed US. Department of Agriculture Inspection
Cyptocoryne Lucens:
Cyptocoryne Lucens is a slowly growing cypt plant. It becomes within the 3 to 5 inches range. It is sometimes utilized as a frontal area plant in bigger tanks, and due to its measure, it can work as a foundation plant in littler containers.
It’s an undemanding plant that thrives in most aquarium conditions. It could be a moderate producer and favors not to move around. Once you plant it, plan on not driving it. It is regularly suggested to beginners because of its ease of care, moderate development, and low light demand.
- CRYPT LUCENS : Live aquatic plant, suitable for foreground and midground plant. Like most crypts, easy care requirement and recommended for beginners.
- EXTENDED SHELF LIFE : With our sterlie gel that can hold for freshness upto a week in a cup before planting with proper conditions.
- TISSUE CULTURE : also known as vitro plants. With high quality technology facilities and lastest tissue culture laboratory, TC cup from Greenpro grown with sterile process with special gel to ensure to be free from algae, disease, pest and snail.
- BEST QUALITY : With our experience, every plants from Greenpro will be professionally inspected, packed and organized with suitable boxes for all weather conditions to make sure that will retain the freshness and healthiness to our customer hands.
- RINSE! CUT! PLANT! : RINSE them under water and wash out any gel. CUT, divide into small portions. PLANT, ready to grow onto substrate, driftwood, rock etc.
Dwarf Sagittaria:
Dwarf Sagittaria may be an incredible first-time plant for a fledgling. It may be an exceptionally undemanding plant that remains small in an estimate and spread to create a grass-like carpet.
It is in a perfect world placed within the frontal area of your aquarium, where it can give an extraordinary-looking grass covering to complement your taller and bigger plants.
Anubias Barteri:
Anubias barteri is one of the foremost prevalent and robust freshwater aquarium plants accessible for the leisure activity. Moreover, known as Coffeefolia, it has overwhelming thick leave that is rippled in appearance.
When the plant is young, it will have red-brown leaves that can change into green as it develops. This plant is ideal for fishes that like to eat plants since many fish tend to leave it alone as they don’t just like the taste. It could be a mid-water plant with a root feeder, so you will require a substrate with room for it to develop. It may be a direct producer and grows well indeed in low light.
- Natural-looking colors will not fade
Anacharis:
Anacharis is a plant you may have seen in a science lesson in school. Since its leaves are one or two thick cells, they are frequently utilized to instruct children about cellular and plant cell structure as they can be effectively seen through a microscope. It could be an exceedingly valued aquarium plant that can drench up supplements within the water.
Anacharis is excellent at its work to utilize wastewater treatment models because it has been found to expel destructive chemicals in water, such as arsenic. It is effortless to develop fast, indeed in low light. It does have an issue of being considered a bother to natural life. Anacharis is very prevalent in Lakes and cold water aquariums since it can endure a variety of temperatures.
Anacharis is also used as a goldfish plant to joyfully eat the plant, and they are cheap to purchase. It may be a very quick cultivator, and its chemical, and supplement drenching capacity makes it unique.
- Turn an ordinary fish tank to an extraordinary aquascape with this exotic plant
- Weighted base ensures plant will stay put and wont float away
- Gives fish a safe nesting place
- Item Package Weight: 0.76
Marimo Moss Balls:
Marimo Moss Balls are foreground plants that are exceptionally easy to grow with little care. They will flourish in almost any light condition and can alter themselves according to the water condition.
They can be kept in nearly any tank. From a vast planted show to an angled bowl, it will flourish in any situation. A few individuals will indeed put them in sumps as the shape of the refugium. They are too exceptionally long-lived, with the species living over 200 a long time within the wild. Moss balls are perfect for little plants and little occupies like shrimp.
They are an excellent fit for littler action-angle like Bettas. They are not considered a plant. More so, a frame of green algae develops into a ball arrangement. Because of their size, they are deemed perfect for littler tanks. They do exceptionally well in a low-light aquarium.
- Premium material: Made of real moss, full of the taste of nature. The upgraded moss balls are done without any artificial ingredients or toxic which are 102% biodegradable.
- Good-looking: There are some green strings wrap around the preserved moss balls which helps to keep the moss intact as much as possible. They add the perfect touch of color to any decor! Since the moss balls are crunchy which are rigidly bound up. It is nothing to worry about that they will shed a little when opening the package or decorating.
- Vibrant green: The moss balls Add the perfect amount of no-care greenery to your home. They do not require too much care such as soil, sun, water, or fertilizer. The moss balls look like natural, nice and enjoyable, just add them in bowl or tray as decorative pieces. They look evergreen and lovely for all years. You also can match the moss balls with your seasonal decor to brighten your house.
- MULTI -USE: Perfect for table decoration, bowl filler, vase filler, natural weddings, moss garden, home decoration, home farmhouse style decor, spring decor. They can be used as garland elements, festival ornament and props to exude a sense of nature which are Super cute decors. The originalities are endless!
- Dimension：2.4inches, set of 12.
Water Sprite:
The Water Sprite is another commonly accessible plant that can flourish either planted or drifting in a low-light aquarium. It is a perfect plant for cover for fry and bashful fish due to the protection it can give with its development spread.
These plants are moreover profitable to the researcher as they increase. They are frequently utilized in genetic research. They are fast cultivators and will suck up supplements in a tank.
Both great and terrible things, but the plant is moderately low maintenance and can still do well without supplementation. They make good foundation and center arrangement plants and do a great work of keeping algae at the cove as they make a part of shade beneath.
Last update on 2025-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
