Cannabis Companion Plants: Six Houseplant Sidekicks Your Indoor Grow Deserves

I'll be the first to admit that my gardening skills are, to say the least, questionable. If my houseplants had a support group, it would meet weekly and be led by my mother. She has not one, but two green thumbs, an entire plant room dedicated to her leafy friends, and a hibiscus tree that she moves outside in spring and back inside in fall. Her house is filled with lush plants from floor to ceiling, basking in the glow of southern exposure windows and somehow thriving despite a steady stream of indoor cigarette smoke (which I definitely do not recommend). Entering her home is like walking into a rainforest, but with WiFi and ashtrays.

So, naturally, when I dipped a toe into cannabis home gardening, I went straight to my personal plant expert. Thanks to her wisdom and a little trial and error on my part, I’ve discovered that indoor cannabis grows don’t just benefit from proper lighting and nutrients; they thrive when you add the right companion plants. As a bonus, your lungs and the vibe in your grow room will thank you, too.

Why Companion Plants Matter for Indoor Cannabis Grows

When you’re growing cannabis indoors, the environment is entirely controlled by you. That means humidity, airflow, and air purity are all within your control and depend on your setup. Thankfully, you don’t have to do all of that alone. Introducing cannabis companion plants to your grow space is like hiring a team of low-maintenance assistants who clean your air, ward off pests, and make your marijuana plants feel right at home.

It’s the indoor version of symbiosis. Utilizing weed companion plants brings balance to your space and can make even a novice gardener feel like a pro. The secret is choosing plants that are more than just pretty faces—they need to pull their weight and support your cannabis growing efforts.

The Best Houseplants to Grow Alongside Cannabis

Here are six of the best cannabis companion plants for improving air quality and boosting the wellness of your indoor garden:

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

A real classic. Spider plants are easy to care for, forgiving if you forget a watering or two, and fantastic at removing air pollutants like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They're also safe for pets, easy to propagate, and have a lovely draping habit that adds softness to your grow space.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant has sharp leaves, thrives on neglect, and pumps out oxygen like it’s getting paid. It's a perfect companion for your cannabis because it helps purify the air while asking very little in return. All it needs is some indirect light and the occasional drink. Since their root systems are compact, snake plants don’t require much room to grow either. My mom has 4-foot-tall snake plant bunches in teeny tiny vases—it’s quite impressive, actually.

3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

Not just for sunburns! Aloe vera is ideal for indoor cannabis home gardening because it loves a sunny windowsill and doesn’t mind if you get busy and forget about it. Its natural antibacterial properties can also help keep your space clean, and it adds a cool desert succulent aesthetic that looks great next to a healthy cannabis plant.

4. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

This one’s a stunner. Areca palms are known for their ability to humidify the air, which is a major win in a dry indoor grow environment. They’re non-toxic to pets and thrive in bright, indirect light, making them a solid choice for a sunny grow room.

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

This hardy beauty has broad, dark leaves that not only make a statement but also act as natural air filters. Rubber plants excel at removing toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air, both of which can persist in indoor environments. They grow upright, so they don’t take up a ton of floor space, and they’re surprisingly low maintenance.

6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Yes, lavender! It's more than a beautiful purple plant with a pleasant scent. Using lavender as a cannabis companion plant will repel pests like moths and fleas, support stress reduction (for you and your plants). Plus, its calming aroma can help mellow out the more pungent smells from your indoor grow.

Your Cannabis Will Thank You

Growing cannabis at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few tried-and-true cannabis companion plants by your side, you can elevate your indoor grow and create a healthier, more balanced space, even if your thumb isn’t exactly green. Trust me, if I can do it (with a little help from my mom), so can you.

Whether you’re just getting started or upgrading your indoor setup, think of cannabis companion plants as the unsung heroes of your indoor grow. They won’t steal the spotlight, but instead will help your marijuana plants shine.

Want a peek into my mom’s epic plant room or tips for pairing cannabis with specific houseplant personalities? Hit me up on social media, and let’s spark up a conversation about it!