It’s a well-known fact that plants take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen – they’re like our breathing soul mates. But some plants are especially good at taking in not just CO2 but also other stuff we’d rather not be breathing in, chemicals that naturally emanate from the stuff around us. Some plants are so good, in fact, that they have been studied by NASA for their air purifying capabilities, with the goal of finding a way to cleanse the air of future space stations. And just like mama always used to say: “if it’s good enough for space, then by golly it’s good enough for your living room!”

Here are our top 8 houseplants for cleaner air:

1. Spider plants – These common houseplants are at the top of the list because they’re both awesome purifiers and easy to take care of. Spider plants grow well in low light and filter formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, making them perfect for a room with a fireplace.

2. Peace lilies – Peace lilies are also super low maintenance and great at removing Tetrachloroethylene, a chemical common in paint removers and glues.

3. Philodendrons – Like spider plants, philodendrons are great at filtering formaldehyde, which is common in pressed wood products like furniture.

4. Chrysanthemums – These blooming plants are often given as gifts and for good reason – on top of bringing lots of color inside, chrysanthemums are very good at absorbing Tetrachloroethylene.

5. English ivy – English ivy grows well in low light and does a great job against Tetrachloroethylene and benzene, a chemical in detergents, synthetic fibers, and tobacco smoke.

6. Azaleas - Azaleas are bright flowering rhododendron relatives that suck formaldehyde right out of the air.

7. Chinese evergreen - Chinese evergreen very low maintenance plant can take out formaldehyde and benzene.

8. Bamboo palm - Bamboo palm, along with many of its indoor palm cousins, is great at removing Tetrachloroethylene and formaldehyde.