Not all aquarium plants require expensive high-intensity lighting. Many beautiful, hardy plants thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for beginners, low-tech setups, or tanks where you want to minimize equipment costs. These plants are ideal for aquarists who want the benefits of live plants without the complexity of CO2 injection and powerful lighting systems.
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compared the best aquarium plants that thrive in low-light conditions. We've evaluated each plant based on light requirements, growth rate, ease of care, compatibility with fish, and overall hardiness. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Top Low-Light Aquarium Plants
If you're in a hurry, here are the best plants for low-light tanks:
- Best Overall: Java Fern - Extremely hardy, virtually indestructible
- Best Background: Anubias - Slow-growing, very low maintenance
- Best Carpeting: Java Moss - Easy carpeting plant, great for shrimp
- Best Fast-Growing: Hornwort - Fast growth, excellent water purifier
What Defines Low-Light Conditions?
Low-light aquariums typically have:
- Standard fluorescent or basic LED lighting (0.5-1.5 watts per gallon)
- No CO2 injection
- 6-8 hours of light per day
- No specialized plant spectrum bulbs
Low-light plants have adapted to survive and thrive in these conditions, making them perfect for beginner aquarists or those who prefer low-maintenance setups.
Best Low-Light Aquarium Plants
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Java Fern is one of the hardiest aquarium plants available and thrives in virtually any lighting condition, including very low light. It's an epiphyte, meaning it attaches to rocks and driftwood rather than being planted in substrate.
Light Requirements: Very low to moderate (0.5-2 watts per gallon)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Care Level: Extremely easy
Key Features: Hardy, no CO2 needed, attaches to decorations, fish-safe
Anubias (Anubias barteri and varieties)
Anubias is another epiphyte that's nearly impossible to kill. It grows slowly but steadily in low-light conditions and comes in many varieties from small (Anubias nana) to large (Anubias barteri).
Light Requirements: Very low to moderate (0.5-2 watts per gallon)
Growth Rate: Very slow
Care Level: Extremely easy
Key Features: Slow-growing, very hardy, multiple size options, no CO2 needed
Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
Java Moss is perfect for creating carpets, covering driftwood, or providing hiding spots for fry and shrimp. It grows in virtually any condition and requires minimal care.
Light Requirements: Very low to high (adapts to any lighting)
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Care Level: Very easy
Key Features: Versatile, great for shrimp tanks, easy propagation, no CO2 needed
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Hornwort is a fast-growing floating or planted stem plant that's excellent for absorbing excess nutrients and providing cover for fish. It can grow in very low light conditions.
Light Requirements: Low to moderate (1-2 watts per gallon)
Growth Rate: Very fast
Care Level: Easy
Key Features: Fast growth, excellent water purifier, can float or plant, no CO2 needed
Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne species)
Cryptocoryne, or "Crypts," are root-feeding plants that come in many varieties and colors. They're slow-growing but very hardy once established, making them perfect for low-light tanks.
Light Requirements: Low to moderate (1-2 watts per gallon)
Growth Rate: Slow
Care Level: Easy to moderate
Key Features: Root-feeding, many varieties, colorful options, no CO2 needed
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus species)
Amazon Swords are large, impressive plants that can serve as centerpieces in low-light tanks. They're root-feeders that benefit from root tabs but can survive in low-light conditions.
Light Requirements: Low to moderate (1-2 watts per gallon)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Care Level: Easy
Key Features: Large size, impressive appearance, root-feeding, no CO2 needed
Vallisneria (Vallisneria species)
Vallisneria, or "Vals," are grass-like plants that create beautiful background plantings. They're fast-growing and spread via runners, making them excellent for low-light tanks.
Light Requirements: Low to moderate (1-2 watts per gallon)
Growth Rate: Fast
Care Level: Easy
Key Features: Grass-like appearance, fast growth, spreads via runners, no CO2 needed
Planting and Care Tips for Low-Light Plants
Substrate Requirements
Most low-light plants don't require special substrates. However, root-feeding plants like Cryptocoryne and Amazon Swords benefit from root tabs or nutrient-rich substrates.
Key Features: Root tabs, nutrient-rich substrate, easy planting
Fertilization
While low-light plants don't need CO2, they still benefit from liquid fertilizers. Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer weekly to support healthy growth.
Key Features: Complete liquid fertilizer, easy to use, supports plant growth
View Liquid Fertilizers on Amazon
Maintenance
Low-light plants generally require less maintenance than high-light plants. Trim as needed, remove dead leaves, and thin out fast-growing species to prevent overcrowding.
Key Features: Aquarium scissors, plant tweezers, maintenance tools
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Fertilizing
Low-light plants grow slowly and don't need heavy fertilization. Over-fertilizing can lead to algae problems. Start with minimal fertilization and increase only if plants show deficiencies.
Planting Epiphytes in Substrate
Java Fern and Anubias should never be buried in substrate. Attach them to rocks or driftwood using thread, fishing line, or super glue gel.
Key Features: Aquarium-safe glue, fishing line, attachment materials
View Aquarium-Safe Glue on Amazon
Expecting Fast Growth
Low-light plants grow slowly by nature. Be patient and don't over-fertilize trying to speed up growth—this often leads to algae instead.
Final Verdict
Low-light aquarium plants offer an excellent way to add natural beauty and benefits to your tank without expensive lighting systems or CO2 injection. Plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Java Moss are virtually indestructible and perfect for beginners.
When choosing low-light plants, consider your tank size, fish compatibility, and desired aesthetic. Mix different types—epiphytes for hardscape, stem plants for background, and mosses for carpeting—to create a natural, balanced aquascape.
Remember that even low-light plants benefit from proper nutrition, regular maintenance, and stable water conditions. With the right selection and care, low-light plants can thrive and enhance your aquarium for years to come.
Use this guide as a reference when selecting plants for your low-light setup, and don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your specific tank conditions.