These 5 Pretty Plants Double as Natural Air Purifiers

When potted, they'll grow slowly and can still thrive even if your room has some shade. These plants require quite a bit of room to grow, but have been proven to remove formaldehyde from the air.

Here's a big perk: this climber may be able to cleanse the air of mold and canine fecal matter, according to a 2005 study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. You know you won't miss breathing that.

One study in the 2011 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives ranked ficus as one of the best plants to grow indoors for your health — even if you don't have a green thumb. This tall plant will require lots of light and water to thrive.

When you want to add a pop of peppy color that will instantly boost your mood (along with clearing the air of formaldehyde), try a gerbera daisy. Just make sure you position the pot in front of a window, as these flowers love to bask in the sun.

The aforementioned study also included the peace lily in the top 10 houseplants for removing chemicals from the air and being easy to grow and maintain. Keep these out of your home if you have a dog or cat, though, as they can be toxic to pets.