26 Best Low Light Plants For Your Freshwater Aquarium

We’re going to jump right into this one.

I give you, my top 26 best low light aquarium plants.

Understanding Column Feeders and Root Feeders

Just quickly before we get into this, if you don’t know this, read quickly before you continue:

Column feeders:  they take in nutrients from the tank’s water through a set of rhizomes. Often they’ll sit above the substrate, which means you can get away with having a less nutrient rich substrate.

Root feeders: they take in nutrients through their roots, from the pool of nutrients available in the interstitial water in the substrate. They’ll anchor in your substrate and you’re better of getting a nutrient rich substrate.

Okay, let’s get back to the plants.

1. Anubias Barteri

This lush green plant is a favorite among aquarists because of how easy it is to care for. It can thrive in a wide range of water temperatures, can be fully or partially submerged, and is tolerant of low to moderate lighting conditions.

The bright green pointed leaves make it a good choice for both foreground and background landscaping in your tank.

Anubias barteri is an epiphyte and derives most of its nutrients directly from the water column. Its rhizome should be kept above the substrate, attached to a rock or piece of driftwood.

It is a slow growing plant whose leaves will eventually reach 16 inches (40 centimeters) in length.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Anubias Nana

Anubias nana is related to Anubias barteri and sports the same dark green pointed leaves that grow in a tight formation just above the base of the plant.

Like A. barteri, A. nana is simple to care for and is ideal for beginners because it can grow in most standard tank conditions and is tolerant to shifts in temperature and light.

Anubias nana is another epiphyte that should be anchored to some sort of hardscape. Burying the rhizome of this plant can cause it to rot.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. African Water Fern (Bolbitis heduelotii)

This fern is native to the Congo River Basin in Africa and is suitable for medium to large tanks as it can grow up to 22 inches (56 centimeters) in height.

However, the plant grows slowly, especially under low light conditions. This species prefers water temperatures above 75°F (24°C).

The African Water Fern is not difficult to care for; this column feeder thrives on benign neglect.

You can tie it to a rock or piece of driftwood with fishing line or thread, or you can use a dot of super glue. Over time, the fern’s roots will grasp onto the surface of the hardscape as they grow.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana)

Java moss is an extremely hardy and easy to care for plant that can be used to blanket the bottom of your freshwater tank in a green landscape.

You’ll need to anchor the moss at first with a little super glue, but as it continues to grow, this column feeding plant attaches itself to gravel substrate, driftwood, and rocks using little sticky “feet,” small root-like structures.

Java moss is very tolerant of a range of temperatures in freshwater tanks and can be grown in patches or as a lawn across the entire bottom of your tank. It reaches a maximum length of just a few inches and grows in a haphazard, bushy way.

Another advantage to Java moss is that it provides excellent cover for ornamental shrimp and/or fish fry.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

Java ferns have broad and pointed green leaves that stick up into the water column to allow the plant to feed. The base of the plant should be anchored to rocks or driftwood, keeping the rhizome out of the substrate.

Java fern is a popular plant among beginners because it is compatible with almost any freshwater tank and will grow across a wide range of temperatures and lighting conditions. The plant grows slowly and reaches a maximum height of 13 inches (33 centimeters), and thus requires little to no maintenance in most tanks.

That said, the appearance of Java fern will change based on the lighting. In high light conditions, the leaves will darken and the plant will grow in dense clumps. In lower light, the leaves will be a bright green and will be more spread out from the base of the plant.

Last update on 2023-11-30 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Green Hygro (Hygrophila polysperma)

Green hygro is known as an extremely easy to grow and hardy freshwater aquarium plant, although it requires a decent amount of trimming because of its fast growth rate.

Trimming green hygro will also cause it to grow more, so you can use this as a way to encourage renewed leaf generation in areas that are starting to brown.

You can root this plant in the substrate at the bottom of your tank, or let it float at the surface. Green hygro is a stem plant that gets its nutrients from the water column through its leaves.

7. Hornwort (Ceratophylum demersum)

Hornwort is a fast-growing plant that can reach maximum heights of up to 10 feet, so it is best for aquarists with large tanks and plenty of patience for trimming.

In addition, hornwort can produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, so it’s possible that you will see other plants begin to die off after you add hornwort to your tank.

That said, hornwort is extremely hardy and can fill the landscaping of a tank thanks to the multiple stems that a single plant puts out.

Hornwort feeds from the water column, and can be anchored loosely by burying one end in the substrate, or it can be left to float freely at the water’s surface. 

Hornwort can grow in both cold water and tropical tanks without an issue.

This can also be a rather messy plant in the aquarium. Any change in conditions can cause hornwort to drop most of its leaves, littering the substrate with a green jumbled mess.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. Sunset Hygro (Hygrophila polysperma “Rosanervig”)

Sunset hygro is a green leafy plant that looks almost as if it is flowering thanks to purple and red leaves at the top of the plant’s stalk. 

This fast-growing tropical freshwater plant can be either anchored to the substrate or free-floating at the top of your tank, and reaches maximum lengths of up to 16 inches (40 centimeters). 

Sunset hygro is native to southeast Asia, and as a result strongly prefers tropical tanks. Otherwise, this versatile plant has few requirements – it is quite hardy, requires very little maintenance, and can handle a wide range of lighting conditions.

But, to bring out the brightly colored “sunset” leaves at the top plant, you’ll need to provide medium to high lighting.

9. Rotala Rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia is a column-feeding stem plant, with short needle-like leaves, that grows steadily towards the top of your tank.

While this plant is quite hardy and can be maintained by beginners, it is best for more experienced aquarists because it requires extensive trimming. Eventually, you will need to replant the entire stem from the top sections as the undergrowth begins to die off.

That said, it is compatible with a wide variety of freshwater fish and is able to thrive under a variety of conditions.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Rotala Indica

Rotala indica is a stem plant with needle-like leaves, much like Rotala rotundifolia. However, the leaves on this column-feeding plant are not a uniform color, but rather green on the top and red on the bottom.

Rotala indica is somewhat fragile and requires a moderate level of care to keep it growing consistently.

It requires waters warmer than 72°F (22°C), preferably closer to 80°F (27°C). It can be grown rooted in the substrate, or be left to float at the surface.

This plant can grow under low light conditions, but the growth will be leggy. Medium to high lighting will be needed for dense growth.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

11. Moneywort (Bocapa monnieri)

Moneywort (unfortunately it’s not the money tree we were all hoping for) is ideal for smaller tanks because it grows to a maximum of 12 inches (30 centimeters) in height and is able to extend above the water surface of your tank under moderate light conditions.

The plant is bright green with small, rounded leaves that allow it to take nutrients directly from the water column.

Moneywort is easy to care for because it can be left to grow until it reaches its maximum height, or takes well to trimming if you want to keep it contained within a smaller area. 

This plant prefers moderate temperatures between 72°-82°F (22°-28°C), but is relatively tolerant of all lighting conditions. 

It can be slow growing at first, but once established, it is quite hardy.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

12. Brazilian Pennywort (Hydrocotyle Leucocephala)

The Brazilian pennywort (again, sorry, no free pennies) is a colorful green plant with rounded leaves that grow along a central vine.

The plant can grow extremely quickly once it is established and may require frequent trimming. 

While it prefers the warmer water temperatures of tropical tanks, it can adapt and grow quite well in unheated tanks.

Brazilian pennywort is a column feeder and can actually grow either rooted into your tank’s substrate or free-floating at the surface.

When left to float, the leaves on this plant look like a string of small lily pads.

No products found.

13. Pearl Weed (Hemianthus Micranthemoides)

This is an easy to grow plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. In low light, it will have taller leggier growth and should be used as a background plant.

In higher light, it will be much bushier and more dense.

Pearl weed can get unruly, so you will need to trim it frequently. Trimming off the tops of the plants will encourage it to spread more horizontally than vertically.

This plant closely resembles the much fussier plant, dwarf baby tears, and can be used as a carpeting plant, but you’ll need to provide it with at least medium light. But, unlike dwarf baby tears, you can get pearl weed to grow as a carpeting plant without CO2 injection.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

14. Cryptocoryne wendtii

C. wendtii is an easy to care for plant that prefers highly stable conditions.

This plant is uniquely suited for low light tanks because it responds to having less available light by growing longer, rather than shorter, leaves. The leaves themselves form broad fingers that reach up to 18 inches in length.

The main challenge to Crypt wendtii is that it can initially appear to die off when planted in a new tank, something known as “crypt melt.” This happens because crypts do not take well to sudden changes in water conditions.

However, the plant typically bounces back within a week or so and starts to put out new growth. 

C. wendtii, and most other crypts, will do best in a rich plant substrate.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

15. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila Difformis)

Water wisteria is a fast growing stem plant that is extremely hardy.

It can tolerate almost any lighting condition, low to very high.

This species features leaves that look like flat arrowheads if it is grown emersed (out of the water), but they become palmate and much more like palm fronds when they are grown immersed (under the water).

Water wisteria does require frequent trimming, but its fast growth rate means that it does an excellent job removing nitrates from the water column.

If left to its own devices, it will grow to the top of the tank. Or, for denser, bushier growth, trim it regularly.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

16. Cryptocoryne Spiralis

Crypt spiralis forms long, narrow leaves, similar to a grass, that reach upwards through the water. 

Crypt spiralis actually grows well in low-light conditions, but it’s not necessarily the most beginner friendly plant because of several other requirements.

This plant will need regular fertilization as it has high iron requirements.

In addition, Crypt spiralis has a narrow acceptable temperature range between 75°-82°F (24°-28°C). 

The leaves can reach up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in height under stable and favorable tank conditions. It’s best used as a background plant in smaller setups.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

17. Cryptocoryne Usteriana

Cryptocoryne usteriana is ideal for adding layers to your tank. It makes an excellent background plant. 

The tops of the leaves are dark green, while the bottoms of the leaves can turn bright red.

This root feeding plant responds well to fertilization and will benefit from root tabs. 

While it grows slowly, even under optimal conditions, the plant can reach a maximum height of up to 20 inches (51 centimeters).

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

18. Guppy Grass (Nahas Guadalupensis)

Guppy grass is commonly planted in fry and shrimp tanks because its long, tangled stems and narrow leaves provide plenty of places for small critters to hide.

Guppy grass is highly tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions, although under low light you should expect a darker green color than is typical of this plant.

As a fast-growing column feeder, guppy grass can require frequent trimming if you don’t want it to fully take over your tank. Otherwise, this plant is extremely easy to care for and can grow in freshwater tanks with temps up to 85°F (29°C).

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

19. Pelia (Monosolenium Tenerum)

Pelia, also known as Pelia moss, is a bush-like moss that sits on the bottom of your aquarium without putting down roots or rhizomes.

Because the plant is delicate, many aquarists choose to anchor Pelia with nylon or cotton, especially in the days right after transplant.

This column feeding moss is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, including temperature and nutrient levels.

While Pelia can require some trimming to keep its size appropriate for your tank, it is otherwise extremely easy for any aquarist to care for.

20. Crypt Parva (Cryptocoryne Parva)

C. parva is a small species of cryptocoryne with leaves that look like blades of grass. Like most crypts, it’s undemanding, but does not tolerate drastic changes in parameters well.

This plant may “melt” back after its first planted in the aquarium, but it should adjust and recover after a week or two.

Crypt parva is very slow growing, making it a great low maintenance plant for smaller tanks.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

21. Bacopa (Bacopa caroliniana)

Bacopa is an extremely common and versatile aquarium plant; its leaves resemble a succulent and it will grow little purple flowers if it is allowed to grow above the water’s surface.

This species is from the same genus as moneywort.

It is a column feeding plant that has green-yellow leaves and grows relatively slowly, reducing the amount of maintenance that is needed to keep it. It is tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions and tolerates low light.

The stems on this plant can grow up to about 12 inches (30 centimeters) in  height, if left untrimmed.

Like most stem plants, it can be propagated by chopping off the tops of the plants and then rooting these cuttings in the substrate.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

22. Anacharis (Elodea canadensis)

Anacharis, also known as American waterweed, is an extremely common aquarium plant that closely resembles Brazilian waterweed or Hydrilla.

It grows in stalks and shoots up to three feet in length, with small leaves protruding off each stem. Anacharis is able to grow in a wide variety of conditions and this column feeding plant is very easy to care for.

Anacharis produces an abundance of oxygen and provides plenty of hiding space for fish fry and other small critters.

It can grow very quickly and take over your tank. Be prepared to trim this plant frequently. But, on the brightside, this fast growing plant is great for reducing nitrate in your tank.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

23. Micro Crypt (Cryptocoryne petchii)

This small crypt plant, native to Sri Lanka, is ideal for creating groundcover in your aquarium as it only grows to a maximum of 6 inches (15 centimeters) in height and does not require much light.

It is extremely easy to care for and its root system allows micro crypt to quickly propagate itself across the bottom of your tank.

This is a root feeding plant and will do best with a plant substrate. 

While it responds well to fertilization, this is not necessary for the plant to grow its broad green-to-red colored leaves.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

24. Sunrise Java Fern  (Microsorum Pteropus)

Sunrise Java fern has amazing fringed leaves that can really add some interesting texture to your aquascape.

Just like other Java ferns, it grows from a rhizome that needs to be attached to the hardscape with fishing line or super glue.

Don’t bury the rhizome, as this could cause it to rot.

This species is super hardy and can accept a wide variety of tank conditions. 

It’s hardy and easy to grow, you could practically raise it in a toilet!

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

25. Coffee Leaf Anubias (Anubias barteri v. “coffeefolia”)

Coffee leaf Anubias is a hardy and easy to care for plant that forms broad, darkly colored leaves. The leaves are ovoid instead of pointed.

This anubias species is slow growing and performs better under low light conditions, as too much light can encourage the growth of algae on the leaves. 

It grows best in warm waters up to 80°F (27°C) and the stems can reach up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in height.

Like other anubias species, A. coffeefolia sprouts leaves from its main rhizome that should be attached to a hardscape element or a piece of decor.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

26. Marimo Moss Balls

Marimo balls are essentially fuzzy green balls of moss that sit on the bottom of your aquarium. They are technically a type of algae rather than a true plant, but aquarists love them because they provide a huge range of benefits and are extremely easy to care for.

Marimo balls are column feeders that suck up nitrates from your tank and put out oxygen. While they don’t provide much habitat for fish, they can provide a resting spot for smaller fish, and are a favorite feeding ground for ornamental shrimp.

Another advantage to marimo balls is that they require almost no trimming or maintenance. Simply give them periodic turns so that all of the surfaces get a turn in the light.

No products found.