If you want something live for fry, try guppy grass or watersprite.. it will float, provides lots of hiding spots for fry and is easy to control.
I think changing the background is important; I'm not a huge fan of the placement of the wood either, I think it maybe needs to be positioned to make a stronger statement, and provide a focal point, rather than framing the aquarium.
I think letting plants grow in and become thicker will help.. I suspect the tank is a 10g tank, in which case the vals might prove to be too tall.
You might be able to use taller crypts, or ones that have grown for longer in the background. Maybe something with a bit more color (say crypt flamingo)
and root tabs will help immensely with your rooted plants too.
But it looks fine.. let it grow in, and that should make it look much better without you doing much of anything.