You might try Java Fern. Cichlids (in general) don't seem to like it, maybe 'cause it tastes nasty. It's not a "planted" plant tho, in the sense that you shouldn't put the roots under the gravel. Most of the cichlid issues seem to stem from digging.
If you use Java Fern, use fishing line and tie it to a piece of driftwood or a decoration. After a month or so, it should have attached itself to your decoration.
Java Fern is also very forgiving as far as fertilization goes, making it a hard-to-kill plant.