In the context of aquarium plants, “low light” refers to an aquarium environment with relatively low levels of light intensity. The light levels in an aquarium are crucial for the photosynthesis process, which is essential for the health and growth of aquatic plants. Different plants have varying light requirements, and understanding what is considered “low light” is important for selecting appropriate plant species and providing the right conditions for their well-being.
Different freshwater aquarium plants require different amounts of light, from nearly zero light to full sunlight throughout the course of the day. Depending on their needs, too much or too little light can have significant impact on their growth.
Low light is defined as light that is less than 1.5 watts per gallon of fluorescent glow light. As a general rule of thumb, only the hardiest of plants will grow in these conditions. Therefore most plants on this list would also be considered easy plants to maintain.
Table of Contents
Best Low Light Aquarium Plants
All of the plants listed below are recommended for low-light tanks. While many of these plants will do well in an environment with more light, they have the ability to grow in low light environments as well.
Java Fern
| Common Name | Java Fern |
| Scientific Name | Microsorum pteropus |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Temperature Range | 68-80° F (20-27° C) |
| Growth Height | 12-14” (30-35 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow (Approx 1” Per Month) |
| Ease of Care | Very Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
The Java fern is one of the most popular aquarium plants on the market, due to its ease of care, affordability, and resilience. It originates in the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia, where it can be found growing both partially and fully submerged. Java ferns are compatible with most other freshwater plants.
Java Moss
| Common Name | Java Moss, Singapore Moss |
| Scientific Name | Vesicularia dubyana |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Temperature Range | 59-86° F (15-30° C) |
| Growth Height | 2-4” (5-10 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Java moss is one of the most common plants found in aquarium shops and online. It is one of the easiest to grow and the hardiest aquarium plants anywhere. The java fern not only makes any tank look incredible, but it also provides protection for eggs and fry while supplying food for breeding fish.
Anubias Barteri
| Common Name | Anubias Barteri, Aubius |
| Scientific Name | Anubias barteri |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Temperature Range | 72-78° F (22-26° C) |
| Growth Height | 10-16” (25-40 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow (In Low Light Conditions) |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Anubias barteri is known as one of the hardiest aquarium plants available, making it a great choice for new aquarists. These plants make a great fore, mid, or background plant for any tank. As they are root feeders, they require a substrate that will allow plenty of room for their roots to grow.
Anubias Nana
| Common Name | Anubias Nana or Dwarf Anubias |
| Scientific Name | Anubias barteri var. nana |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Temperature Range | 72-78° F (22-26° C) |
| Growth Height | 2-4” (5-10 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Due to its short size and hardiness, the Anubias nana is a great choice for any tank that requires plant cover near the bottom. As they stay rather short, they provide habitats for bottom-dwelling fish such as loaches and catfish. These plants can occasionally produce a creamy white flower, even while fully submerged, which can last for 2 to 3 months.
Dwarf Rotala
| Common Name | Dwarf Rotala, Round-leaf Toothcup, or Pink Rotala |
| Scientific Name | Rotala rotundifolia |
| Lighting Requirement | Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Temperature Range | 68-82° F (20-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 2-12” (5-30 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
The Dwarf rotala is a great choice for anyone looking for a fast-growing plant for their aquarium. If allowed to grow to the surface of the tank, the plant will often begin to turn downward in a cascade. Low to medium light will produce a yellow-green plant, while more intense light will create a pink coloration.
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
| Common Name | Cryptocoryne Wendtii |
| Scientific Name | Cryptocoryne wendtii |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Temperature Range | 68-82° F (20-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 4-14” (10-36 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Moderate |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Cryptocoryne wendtii is an extremely hardy plant that will thrive in low-light conditions. It is an excellent plant for new and experienced aquarists, even if being placed in a tank with fish that like to dig, such as loaches or cichlids. It can be found in different variations with leaves of green, red, or brown.
Guppy Grass
| Common Name | Guppy Grass or Najas Grass |
| Scientific Name | Najas guadalupensis |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Unless the Tank is Lacking Nutrients) |
| Temperature Range | 50-86° F (10-30° C) |
| Growth Height | 3’ (91 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Guppy grass is a fast-growing plant that not only provides many hiding and breeding spots but also removes heavy metals, toxins, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates, all while producing oxygen. Guppy grass also provides newly hatched fry with a continuous, fresh source of infusoria.
Green Hygro
| Common Name | Green Hygro, Dwarf Hygro, Miramar Weed, or Indian Swampweed |
| Scientific Name | Hygrophila polysperma |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 64-86° F (18-30° C) |
| Growth Height | 10-16” (25-40 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Very Fast |
| Ease of Care | Very Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Hygrophila polysperma, also known as green hygro, is one of the hardiest plants available for aquariums. It is so forgiving that you almost have to try to kill it to not have success growing it. Green hygro will thrive in almost any aquarium and it can easily adjust to a wide variety of water types and temperatures. This plant will need to be trimmed to stop it from overgrowing its tank.
Water Wisteria
| Common Name | Water Wisteria |
| Scientific Name | Hydrophila difformis |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 70-85° F (21-29° C) |
| Growth Height | 24” (61 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Very Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Water wisteria is a fast-growing plant, native to the Indian subcontinent. It can be rooted in sediment or spread across the bottom of an aquarium like a live carpet. Depending on how it is grown, it can provide cover for bottom-dwellers such as loaches, or for mid and upper level fish when it is allowed to grow to its maximum height. Left unchecked, this plant can quickly overgrow a tank.
Rotala Indica
| Common Name | Rotala Indica, Indian Toothcup |
| Scientific Name | Rotala indica |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Adding CO2 Can Cause a Pink Coloration) |
| Temperature Range | 72-82° F (22-28° C) |
| Growth Height | Approximately 12” (30.5 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Moderate |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
When properly cared for, Rotala Indica will grow to be a vibrant plant that looks great in any aquarium. It is a popular choice due to its low levels of maintenance, and also because it is safe for all types of fish. Brighter lights will cause much faster growth and more vibrant coloring, but they can still thrive in low-light conditions.
African Water Fern
| Common Name | African Water Fern, African Fern, or Congo Fern |
| Scientific Name | Bolbitis heudelotii |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 68-80° F (20-27° C) |
| Growth Height | 16” (41 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
The African Water Fern is a robust aquatic fern, popular in the aquarium industry. It is also known as Congo fern, as it is found in the Congo River Basin. This fern is a very slow-growing plant, with a single leaf taking up to two months to fully grow.
Brazilian Pennywort
| Common Name | Brazilian Pennywort, Brazilian Water Ivy, or Pennywort |
| Scientific Name | Hydrocotyle leucocephala |
| Lighting Requirement | Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Recommended when Submersed) |
| Temperature Range | 72-82° F (22-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 24” (60 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Moderate to Fast (Depending on Conditions) |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
The Brazilian Pennywort is a versatile, low maintenance plant that looks great in any aquarium. Its flat round leaves resemble small umbrellas when grown underwater. These plants can either be planted in the substrate and allowed to grow up or grown floating in the tank, which allows them to grow out across the water as well as down toward the bottom.
Hornwort
| Common Name | Hornwort, Rigid Hornwort, or Coon’s Tail |
| Scientific Name | Ceratophyllum demersum |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 72-82° F (22-28° C) |
| Growth Height | Up to 10’ Tall (3 m) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Hornwort is an incredibly robust aquatic plant that can survive in a wide variety of climates. For this reason, it is found on every continent except Antarctica. Hornwort is monoecious, meaning each plant has both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on the same plant. Hornwort has been proven to stop the growth of harmful plankton such as cyanobacteria and blue-green algae.
Sunset Hygro
| Common Name | Sunset Hygro |
| Scientific Name | Hygrophila polysperma “Rosanervig” |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Faster Growth with CO2) |
| Temperature Range | 39-95° F (4-35° C) |
| Growth Height | 24” (60 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Very Fast |
| Ease of Care | Very Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Sunset hygro gets its name from its coloring, as it can grow in shades of red and pink. Low light conditions will not create these colors, as they require more light to create the different hues. In low-light conditions, the veins will remain white, which is the result of a virus that stops the veins from producing chlorophyll.
Parrot’s Feather
| Common Name | Parrot’s Feather, Parrot Feather, or Brazilian Watermilfoil |
| Scientific Name | Myriophyllum aquaticum |
| Lighting Requirement | Moderate to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 60-84° F (16-29° C) |
| Growth Height | 4-5’ (1.2-1.5 m) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Parrot’s feather is named after its feather-like leaves, which are arranged around the stem in whorls of 4 to 6. It is native to South America, but it is popular around the world for both aquariums and ponds. Parrot’s feather is an excellent plant for removing excess nutrients, filtering out pollutants, and oxygenating water.
Moneywort
| Common Name | Moneywort, Bacopa, Water Hyssop, or Indian Pennywort |
| Scientific Name | Bacopa monnieri |
| Lighting Requirement | Moderate to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Faster Growth with CO2) |
| Temperature Range | 72-82° F (22-28° C) |
| Growth Height | Approximately 12” (30 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Very Slow (Approximately 1” per month) |
| Ease of Care | Medium |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Moneywort was named for its small, round leaves which are said to resemble small coins. In the wild, it can be found growing in both fresh and brackish water ecosystems. It can also grow fully submersed, emersed, or a combination of both. In proper conditions, moneywort can sprout white and yellow flowers that can attract pollinators.
Cryptocoryne Balansae
| Common Name | Cryptocoryne Balansae, Balansae Plant, or Crypt Balansae |
| Scientific Name | Cryptocoryne balansae |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Although Not Necessary) |
| Temperature Range | 75-82° F (24-28° C) |
| Growth Height | Up To 22” (55 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Medium |
| Ease of Care | Medium |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Cryptocoryne balansae is one of the most popular Cryptocoryne varieties in the aquarium trade. Their flowing, long leaves appear as though they’ve been hammered from top to bottom, giving them a very unique look. Cryptocoryne balansae live in fast-moving water in its natural habitat, so that needs to be replicated in their tank as well. Although they can grow in low-light conditions, they do grow better with more light.
Cryptocoryne Spiralis
| Common Name | Cryptocoryne Spiralis, Crypt Spiralis |
| Scientific Name | Cryptocoryne spiralis |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 73-81° F (23-27° C) |
| Growth Height | 24” (61 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Medium |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Cryptocoryne spiralis is one of the hardier species of Cryptocoryne available. It has thicker leaves and grows taller, and also isn’t nearly as susceptible to melt as other crypts are. The bright green leaves have a crinkled texture, which really makes them stand out in any aquarium. Although harder to find than other crypt species, it is worth the extra hassle to find one for your aquarium.
Cryptocoryne Usteriana
| Common Name | Cryptocoryne Usteriana |
| Scientific Name | Cryptocoryne usteriana |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Low) |
| Temperature Range | 59-82° F (15-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 28” (70 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Cryptocoryne usteriana is an undemanding aquarium plant that is quite popular for the hard water required in cichlid tanks. Their long leaves have a reddish underside, making them really stand out from other plants of their species. They are often confused with Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia, which is a much more common plant.
Liverwort
| Common Name | Liverwort, Liverwort Pelia, Pelia Moss, or Pellia Moss |
| Scientific Name | Monosolenium tenerum |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 40-86° F (4-30° C) |
| Growth Height | 4” (10 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Medium |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Liverwort, which is quite often mislabeled as Pelia, was given its name as it was believed to resemble a human liver. It is mostly used as a carpet plant in aquariums, as it is heavier than water and therefore won’t float on the top. Despite looking almost exactly like it, this plant is not related to moss at all and can be grown both in and out of water.
Waterwheel Plant
| Common Name | Waterwheel Plant or Aldrovanda |
| Scientific Name | Aldrovanda vesiculosa |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 73-86° F (23-30° C) |
| Growth Height | 8” (20 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Medium to Fast (Depending on Tank Conditions) |
| Ease of Care | Medium |
| Feeding Type | Column/Carnivorous |
The Waterwheel plant is a carnivorous plant, similar to the venus flytrap. The plant’s traps are arranged in whorls around a central, free-floating stem. These traps feed on small aquatic invertebrates, allowing the plant to float freely while still being able to feed. The waterwheel plant is the only plant left in its genus. These plants can also flower, although they require water temperatures to consistently be around 90° F (32° C).
Bacopa Caroliniana
| Common Name | Water Hyssop, Bacopa, Lemon Bacopa, or Giant Red Bacopa |
| Scientific Name | Bacopa caroliniana |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 58-90° F (14-32° C) |
| Growth Height | 24” (61 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Bacopa Caroliniana is a relatively easy-to-grow stem plant. These hardy plants provide lots of hiding and spawning spots for fish, and can also be added to outdoor ponds and water features. Bright blue flowers grow from the lemon-scented foliage during the summer months. Bacopa will thrive in a wide range of growing conditions, making it a great choice for newer aquarists.
American Waterweed
| Common Name | American Waterweed, Canadian Waterweed or Pondweed |
| Scientific Name | Elodea canadensis |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 50-68° F (10-20° C) |
| Growth Height | 36” (91 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
The American waterweed is one of the most common plants found in aquariums. Easily confused with Hydrilla, elodea grows entirely below water, except for a small white flower that blooms at the surface every summer. Due to its rapid growth and ability to clog entire waterways, it is banned in some countries (and certain US states).
Micro Crypt
| Common Name | Micro Crypt, Micro Cryptocoryne |
| Scientific Name | Cryptocoryne petchii |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Although Not Necessary) |
| Temperature Range | 72-82° F (22-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 8” (20 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
A small variety of the Cryptocoryne plant from Sri Lanka, the micro crypt is a great choice for smaller tanks that couldn’t handle full-size cryptocoryne plants. The leaf shape and color of these plants depend largely on the water conditions in their aquariums. Once planted, moving these plants should be avoided whenever possible. Movement or changes in water conditions can cause “crypt melt”.
Red Ludwigia
| Common Name | Red Ludwigia, Creeping Primrose-Willow |
| Scientific Name | Ludwigia repens |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 68-82° F (20-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 20” (50 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root and Column |
Red ludwigia is arguably one of the best aquatic plants available. It has a sturdy structure, vibrant coloration, is very easy to care for., and is also very inexpensive to purchase. The more lighting the plant is exposed to, the brighter the coloration will be. In low-light conditions, the colors won’t be as vibrant, and with too little light leaves can begin to fall off.
Coffee Leaf Anubias
| Common Name | Coffee Leaf Anubias |
| Scientific Name | Anubias barteri var. coffeefolia |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 54-86° F (12-30° C) |
| Growth Height | 12” (30 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Coffee leaf anubias was named for its wavy, oblong leaves, which resemble those of a coffee plant. The leaves will initially begin as a brownish-bronze color, before eventually turning to a deep green. As it is such a tough plant, it is often used in goldfish and cichlid tanks, as its thick leaves can stand up to their aggression.
Marimo Moss Balls
| Common Name | Marimo Moss Balls, Marimo Balls, Japenese Moss Balls, or Moss Balls |
| Scientific Name | Aegagropila linnaei |
| Lighting Requirement | Low |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 72-78° F (22-26° C) |
| Growth Height | Up To 5” (13 cm) in Aquariums (Larger in Natural Conditions) |
| Growth Speed | Very Slow (Approximately 3/16” [5 mm] Per Year) |
| Ease of Care | Very Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Marimo moss balls are one of the most interesting plants available for the aquarium market. Marimo is a Japanese word that translates to “seaweed ball”, and while they are called moss balls, they are actually a rare form of spherical algae. They are solid algae, growing radially outwards while moving around with water currents. These amazing plants can be added to most aquariums, as long as you keep in mind that some fish are known to destroy them.
Amazon Sword Plant
| Common Name | Amazon Sword Plant |
| Scientific Name | Echinodorus amazonicus, Echinodorus grisebachii, Echinodorus bleheri |
| Lighting Requirement | Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Temperature Range | 72-82° F (22-28° C) |
| Growth Height | 12” (30 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Slow |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
There are 3 different species of Amazon sword plant available for purchase, under the same name. Echinodorus amazonicus, Echinodorus grisebachii, and Echinodorus bleheri are all very similar and only vary slightly in leaf shape and size. When a few of these plants are placed together, they can create a thick “forest-like” effect in a tank. Any of these plants make a great choice for a community fish tank.
Duckweed
| Common Name | Duckweed, Common Duckweed or Lesser Duckweed |
| Scientific Name | Lemna Minor |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Faster Growth with CO2) |
| Temperature Range | 63-79° F (17-26° C) |
| Growth Height | 3” (8 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Very Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Duckweed is a free-floating aquatic plant that consists of a single flat leaf with a single hanging rootlet. These aquatic perennials will quickly form a carpet of bright green leaves on the top of a tank or pond. Left unchecked, they can cause oxygen depletion and block sunlight by blocking the entire surface of the water. The brighter the light they are grown under, the faster they will multiply.
Banana Plant
| Common Name | Banana Plant, Banana Lily, Big Floating Heart |
| Scientific Name | Nymphoides aquatica |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required (Faster Growth with CO2) |
| Temperature Range | 68-81° F (20-27° C) |
| Growth Height | 6” (15 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Moderate |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Root |
Banana plants are one of the most unique plants available for purchase for an aquarium. Their tuber, where they store their nutrients, resemble clumps of bananas. Under the right lighting conditions (medium to bright), each plant can grow heart-shaped lily leaves on the surface of the water.
Peacock Moss
| Common Name | Peacock Moss |
| Scientific Name | Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Peacock’ |
| Lighting Requirement | Low to Moderate |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Although Not Necessary) |
| Temperature Range | 65-77° F (18-25° C) |
| Growth Height | 6” (15 cm) |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Feeding Type | Column |
Peacock moss is a popular choice for filling in areas of a tank that can’t be filled with larger plants, such as in crevices and along the substrate as a carpet. It provides not only hiding spots and protection for small fish but also helps to remove CO2 from the tank and convert it to oxygen.
Best Low Light Aquarium Plants that Require no CO2
Most of the plants on this list are able to thrive without having any additional CO2 added to their water. Some of the most popular include African water fern, Cryptocoryne wendtii, Anubias nana, and Java Fern.
Best Low Light Aquarium Plants to Grow a Carpet
There are a few great choices when it comes to selecting a plant or plants to create a carpet in a low-light tank. The most commonly found plants listed above are Java moss, Liverwort, and Peacock moss. Anubias nana has been used by some aquarists as a carpet, but it can grow a bit too large for some to consider it a carpet.
Best Low Light Aquarium Plants for Beginners
As they are accustomed to living in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, most low light plants are fairly hardy, therefore making them great for anyone without much experience.
The hardiest of all the plants above are Java moss, Java fern, Anubias barteri, Cryptocoryne wendtii, and Duckweed. Duckweed should only be considered if you are ok with having to constantly remove some of it from the tank, otherwise, it can choke out the oxygen and block out the light for any other plants quite quickly.
Best Low Light Aquarium Plants that Grow with No Substrate
Since many low light plants are column feeders, they don’t need to be anchored in a substrate, as they don’t feed through a root system, instead absorbing the nutrients they need through their leaves and stems.
There are lots of great choices for tanks without substrate, including Java moss, Hornwort, Sunset hygro, Brazilian pennywort, and Java fern. Most can be secured to a rock or driftwood or left floating at the top of the tank.
Best Tall Low Light Aquarium Plants
If you are looking for some low light plants for a deep aquarium, there are some spectacular plants listed that can grow quite tall.
Plants that will grow to roughly 2’ include Water wisteria, Brazilian pennywort, Sunset hygro, and Cryptocoryne spiralis.
If you are looking for an even larger plant, Guppy grass (3’), American Waterweed (3’), Parrot’s feather (5’), and Hornwort (10’) can all grow to be considerably taller.
Best Low Light Foreground Aquarium Plants
When it comes to plant placement, it is important to get the correct location for each species. Ideally, you want smaller, more unique-looking plants in the front, and taller, more flowy plants in the back. This allows the entire tank to be viewed, rather than having one larger plant block out 5 small ones.
Some of the best choices for foreground plants in a low-light tank include Anubias barteri, Red ludwigia, Marimo moss balls, and Banana plants.
Best Floating Low Light Aquarium Plants
Floating plants come in many different shapes and sizes. Some species, such as Duckweed or Water wisteria, float freely on or near the surface. Others, such as Hornwort, Red ludwigia, Rotala indica, or Banana plants, are rooted in the substrate, then grow towards the surface and begin to float on the top.
Best Red Low Light Aquarium Plants
While most low-light plant species are shades of green, there are several options available to have some red color in a tank. The most colorful are the Red ludwigia and Rotala rotundifolia, but Sunset hygro, Rotala indica, Micro crypt, and Cyptocoryne usteriana are also great choices to bring some color into a tank.
What Aquarium Plants Can Live Without Lights?
While all of the plants listed above can live in low light conditions, every plant needs at least some light to survive. Even the hardiest aquatic plants won’t be able to survive for more than 5 to 7 days without light.
Can Aquarium Plants Grow With Just LED Lights?
Aquarium plants can grow just fine under LED lights, assuming they are in the correct spectrum. The perfect grow light for aquatic plants includes the following combination of wavelengths:
- At least 50% red light in the wavelength range of 630 to 700 nanometers
- At least 35% green light in the wavelength range of 500 to 580 nanometers
- No more than 15% blue light in the wavelength range of 435 to 495 nanometers
If you are buying LED aquarium lights specifically for plants, the specifications will be within those ranges.
