I believe Finwin was talking about fake plants which I agree are good if they area soft material like silk.
Yes fake plants. Vines are good because cichlids like dragging them around for fun. You could even try a floating toy ball too...my Oscar loves his basketball and often comes up to play a 'game' when he sees me. He pulls up and tears off chunks of fake plants too. But he was always around plants and loves swimming between them. Floating fake lily pads reduce stress too.
