Hard to say without knowing what kind of cichlids you have, as they can be destructive. Many if not most of the dwarf cichlids will do fine in a planted tank, but the african and larger SA can be brutal to plants.
As for low light plants, look into anubias, jave moss, java fern, african fern and crypts. All will do fine with about 1.5 + watts/gallon. The anubias has a tough leaf that few fish will go after, and will attach itself to rock or wood, or grow directly in the sand. You could also look at some of the floating plants, like anachris and hornwort--they take a beating, and you don't have to worry about them being dug up. I keep hornwort with my african frog and newts with no trouble.