Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

If any plant can purify the air, the peace lily is the most likely candidate. This plant topped NASA’s list in terms of the amount of VOCs removed. 

As a houseplant, the peace lily is known for being easy to grow and a great choice for novice gardeners. It has long, white flowers and can reach up to three feet in size. It prefers partial sunlight or shady corners rather than direct sunlight. If its leaves turn pale or begin to curl, it may be receiving too much sunlight. A tropical native, the peace lily does prefer high humidity, though it also will grow in average conditions.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

In addition to NASA’s research, other studies have shown that spider plants can remove particulate matter like dust and ash at a higher rate than other surfaces in a house.1 Placed near a fireplace, for example, spider plants could potentially attract ash particles that would otherwise end up elsewhere in the room.

Spider plants are also easy to grow, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. They can be propagated easily as well, by cutting off one of the “spiderettes” that grow out from the main plant. These can then be transplanted into other pots to grow by themselves.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant is a striking succulent that’s native to tropical West Africa. It’s also regarded as one of the easiest houseplants to care for, and a perfect choice for novice gardeners. While it prefers bright light, it can stand partial shade and doesn’t require specific humidity levels. Snake plants can thrive in any part of the house. A member of the succulent family, it stores water in its thick leaves, and would rather be neglected than overwatered.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The golden pothos is a vining plant that will thrive in most indoor spaces, including in locations without much natural light. This forgiving houseplant grows quickly, sometimes up to a foot in a single month. As a vine, it grows long, rather than tall, and its heart-shaped leaves can be trained onto shelves, or allowed to fall naturally. They don’t like to be overwatered, which can cause root rot.

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

The dragon tree can tolerate a variety of conditions, from drought to high humidity. It’s a great choice in a bathroom or other location with steamy air. Though nurseries and garden centers have small specimens that will fit in any corner of the house, the dragon tree can grow up to six feet tall when it reaches maturity. Thanks to its tolerant nature, it’s seen as an an indestructible houseplant that can survive even the most inattentive owners.

Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

The weeping fig is a small tree that can reach three to six feet when grown indoors. It’s a native of Asia and Australia, with waxy, bright green leaves that tend to droop even when it’s perfectly healthy. Figs value consistency in their care, and can drop leaves when stressed or moved to a new location. Caring for a ficus can be tricky, but once you get the watering and light conditions right, they will last a long time.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

The Chinese evergreen is an attractive species with colorful, variegated foliage. This hardy houseplant tolerates low light and mild drought, up to and including artificial light environments and monthly watering. For best growth, though, it prefers partial sunlight and weekly care. As a tropical native, it likes high humidity. If the leaves are turning brown, try misting the plant on occasion.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a popular vining species of houseplant that grows easily in a variety of conditions. It prefers moist, shady conditions, and can even thrive in a bathroom. It’s a good choice for a hanging plant, due to its tendency to droop and grow longer rather than taller. If you find that you like the look of English ivy, it’s easily propagated by cutting, making it easy to multiply around the house. It’s also an aggressive invasive species in the United States, and shouldn’t be grown outdoors or tossed in a compost pile.

Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

The heart-leaf philodendron is a low-maintenance plant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves that can thrive with little attention. This trailing plant can be trained to climb up a screen, trellis, or pole, or just be allowed to drape from its container. Native to South America, it’s tolerant of drier conditions, but it will thrive if misted occasionally to clean its leaves. Keep away from pets and children, as it can be toxic if ingested.

Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

The aloe plant is a forgiving houseplant that’s best known for its medicinal uses, like treating burns and cuts. A small cutting of aloe won’t damage the plant, and can serve as an effective remedy to sunburns or rashes. As a member of the succulent family, aloe retains water in its thick leaves, making it a highly drought-tolerant species. It prefers sandy, dry soil, and direct sunlight, so it will likely grow best in the brightest window you can find.