Who Gives A Fish Forums

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Gonna start with Anubias and Java Fern, see how they do. Appreciate the help!

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.