I've always kept my cichlids in with plants. None of the types of cichlids I've kept over the years have caused any problems to the plants.
Plants that I typically keep -> Aponogeton crispus, Aponotgeton undulatus, Anubias nana var., Anubias hastifolia, Anubias barteri, Cryptocorne balansae, Cryptocorne wendtii, Cryptocorne willissi, Cryptocoryne aponogetifolia, Cryptocoryne parva, Brazilian Swords, Giant Vallisneria, Hygro, Dwarf "Swords", Java fern and a few others I've probably forgotten.
The keys seem to be actually having enough plants. One or two plants are a curiousity, a fully planted tank seems to be fine.
Here are some pictures, and then some links (to save the dialup folks),
http://www.plecos.net/gallery/albums/userp...venestus-23.jpg
http://www.plecos.net/gallery/albums/userp...0male%201sm.jpg
http://www.plecos.net/gallery/albums/userp...%20male%201.jpg
http://www.plecos.net/gallery/albums/userp...0female%201.jpg
http://www.plecos.net/gallery/albums/userp...al_baenschi.jpg