In the late '80s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities.
 
Aloe (Aloe vera)
Prefers sun and dry soil. Beyond its air-clearing abilities, the gel inside an aloe plant can help heal cuts and burns.
 
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are incredibly easy to grow, but thrive in cool-to-average home temperatures and prefer dry soil. Bright indirect sunlight keeps them growing best.
 
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, it will thrive with low light and dry soil conditions while helping filter out air pollutants.
 
Pothos (Epipremnum)
Also known as devil’s ivy, pothos plants need bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light conditions.  Don't overwater or you'll end up with a case of root rot.
 
Dracaena
There are many dracaena plants. They do well with well-drained soil and moderate sunlight.
 
English ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy grows best with moist soil and four or more hours of direct sunlight each day.
 
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
This plant has often been referred to as the easiest houseplant to grow because they thrive in low light and will grow in places where other plants won't grow. If your air is too dry, tips might turn brown, so mist the leaves occasionally.
 
Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium)
They thrive with indirect light and very little maintenance. The trailing vines can just fall from the container or can be trained to climb up a screen, trellis or pole.
 
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Shade and weekly watering are all the peace lily needs to survive and produce blooms. It is hardy, forgiving, and will even let you know when it is thirsty — look for the telltale droop.