Water flow won't have a detrimental effect on most plants (within reason).
My goldfish tank is about the lowest tech tank anyone can ever imagine, with the light only ever coming on when I want to see the fish. No ferts at all and the plants do well but grow incredibly slowly.
It's got cabomba, a little windelov and lots of xmas and peacock moss in there. Sand at the bottom with lotsa driftwood. Would make a good setup for some apistos or badis!