best low-tech plant success stories

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tiderip
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:14 pm

best low-tech plant success stories

Post by tiderip »

What's the easiest low-tech plant you've kept alive in a basic setup? I've got a 10-gallon with sand substrate and a cheap LED light, no CO2. Looking for something that won't die on me.
stormer_9
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:51 pm

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by stormer_9 »

I've had luck with Java Fern. It's been growing slow but steady in my tank with just a basic light. No fancy stuff needed.
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nerdy_9
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Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2023 4:03 pm

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by nerdy_9 »

Anubias is my go-to. It's practically indestructible. I've got it tied to driftwood in a 20-gallon with low light, and it's thriving. Just don't bury the rhizome, or it'll rot.
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Lynx
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:42 am

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by Lynx »

stormer_9 wrote: Wed Apr 30, 2025 10:42 am I've had luck with Java Fern. It's been growing slow but steady in my tank with just a basic light. No fancy stuff needed.
Java Fern is great, but it can get brown spots if the light's too strong. I'd pair it with some floating plants to diffuse the light a bit.
angler_x
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:19 pm

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by angler_x »

Dude, Amazon Swords are the bomb for low-tech. I've got one in a 15-gallon with gravel and a basic LED. It's huge now, just gotta give it root tabs every few months. Easy peasy.
letham
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Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2022 10:03 pm

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by letham »

Cryptocoryne Wendtii is another solid choice. It melts at first but bounces back hard. My 10-gallon has it in sand, and it's spreading like crazy. Just gotta be patient.
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onyxie
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Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by onyxie »

I've had success with Hornwort. It grows like a weed even in low light. Just toss it in and let it do its thing. No substrate needed.
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timber
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Joined: Fri Jun 28, 2024 2:01 am

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by timber »

angler_x wrote: Wed Apr 30, 2025 11:35 am Dude, Amazon Swords are the bomb for low-tech. I've got one in a 15-gallon with gravel and a basic LED. It's huge now, just gotta give it root tabs every few months. Easy peasy.
Yep, swords are killer. I'd add some Vallisneria too. It's like the grass version of swords, just as tough and grows like mad.
tiderip
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:14 pm

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by tiderip »

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Gonna start with Anubias and Java Fern, see how they do. Appreciate the help!
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nerdy_9
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Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2023 4:03 pm

Re: best low-tech plant success stories

Post by nerdy_9 »

Good call. Anubias and Java Fern are pretty forgiving. Just remember to tie or glue them to something, don't bury them. You'll be golden.
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