Before we get started, let's address an uncomfortable truth: there is no such thing as an indoor plant.

The combination of dry, still air, irregular watering and limited light isn't something any plants are naturally suited to. Simply put, they all prefer to live outdoors.

But some tough plants are more tolerant of these unnatural conditions and make a great choice for beginners, those who are forgetful, or to boost the confidence of "black thumbs".

"Plant whisperer" Jason Chongue has been passing on his knowledge to ABC Life for a series on indoor plants.

While Jason is an expert with literally hundreds of plants in his home, he grows a lot of these "easy" plants himself, which he calls "icebreakers". Despite being tried-and-tested old favourites, these beauties can still strut their stuff on Instagram and look fabulous.

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1. ZZ is the tops

Close-up of a Zanzibar Gem plant stem against a white background. ( Unsplash: Pawe Czerwiski )

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, otherwise known as the ZZ plant or Zanzibar Gem, has pairs of dark glossy leaves along its stiff, upright stems that are great for showing off your most stylish container.

While they tolerate low light, they will do best in brighter conditions, but out of full sun. If they're looking a bit long and lanky, they're not getting enough light.

The plant has thick, fleshy roots that store water so are very forgiving; they're more likely to die of drowning than drought.

Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings and keep leaves shiny by wiping with a damp cloth occasionally.

2. Keep the aspidistra flying

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Jane profiles a plant that's an indestructible old favourite, the Aspidistra elatior.

The nickname of Aspidistra elatior — the cast iron plant — says it all, really.

A favourite of the Victorian era, they tolerated being stuck in a pot in the corner of a drawing room with little natural light (in their natural habitat across Asia, they grow in the shade of other trees).

Aspidistra also cope with a wide temperature range.

The tall, upright, blade-like leaves grow directly from the rhizome — an underground stem that stores food and water, and which allows the plant to tolerate neglect. Look out for striped or spotted variations for added interest.

3. The Devil cares for his own

Pothos is a popular indoor plant option. ( Pixabay )

Epipremnum aureum earned its common name, Devil's Ivy, from its reputation for being hard to kill — it can become a weed in tropical areas.

It was once classified in the genus Pothos, and this name has also stuck. It is often confused with Philodendron hederaceum, as they look very similar and enjoy similar conditions.

In the wild, Devil's Ivy climbs other trees using aerial roots, which can be encouraged indoors by growing near a thick pole.

More often its trailing vines are allowed to drape gracefully as a hanging plant.

It is easy to propagate from cuttings, only needs watering when the soil feels dry, and tolerates a range of conditions but prefers bright (though indirect) light.

There are varieties with speckled leaves.

4. Working in peace

Be aware: Peace lily plants can be poisonous to pets. ( Unsplash: Mitch Lensink )

Native to tropical rainforests in South and Central America, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp) has become an office favourite because of its hardiness in the face of air-conditioning, heating, low light and neglect.

Its leaves will start drooping when it needs a drink, but it will look its best — and start producing the white flowering stems — if watered when the surface of the potting mix is still just moist.

It's high on the list of air-cleaning plants.

However, it is also on the list of toxic plants, so keep them out of reach of pets and toddlers.

5. The delicious monster

Don't forget to clean your plants and remove any dust. ( Unsplash: Bart Zimny )

Also called the Swiss cheese plant (for the unusual holes in the leaves) or the fruit salad plant (for the taste of its edible fruit) Monstera deliciosa has been a favourite with interior decorators for years.

Its huge, glossy green leaves epitomise the lush tropical aesthetic, and its unusual variegated versions can fetch high prices online.

They can get big quite quickly but are easy to prune and propagate.

Native to Central America rainforests, they like to be kept humid, and prefer bright, indirect light.

6. Snake plant

Native to tropical West Africa, Sansevieria trifasciata forms dense stands of architectural, upright leaves in open woodland.

It spreads via rhizomes, which store nutrients and help the plant survive tough conditions.

Another fascinating drought adaptation is that it closes the pores on its leaves during the heat of the day to preserve moisture, and 'breathes' at night when it's cooler.

Using well-drained potting mix and allowing it to dry out between waterings is a key to its survival indoors.

It will cope with (but not thrive in) dark corners or full sun but prefers bright light and warm conditions away from draughts.

There are mottled and striped variations.

7. An over-frondly fern

The trouble with many tough, hardy plants is that they can become weeds.

This has happened with this highly attractive fern — commonly known as the fishbone fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) which is often confused with its American cousin the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis').

The fishbone fern is native to northern NSW but has become a weed around Sydney, New Zealand, South Africa and parts of Queensland — an important reminder to dispose of unwanted plants responsibly.

However, kept indoors, Nephrolepis does no harm.

Both fern species have long, lacy fronds and like a cool, well-lit spot away from direct sun, with good humidity, tolerating drought better than wet feet.

They look great in a hanging basket but can get quite large.

8. Super-powered spider plant

The Chlorophytum comosum makes a great hanging plant.

With long, thin leaves arching gracefully over containers, the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) makes a great hanging plant.

It produces little white flowers on long stems that also carry plantlets, and these will eventually grow roots and fall off as a new plant. It is also really tough, can go a long time between waterings, and tolerates dark conditions or bright light.

They are a bit of a 'granny' plant that were overused in the 1970s but are now enjoying a comeback, along with macrame pot hangers from the same era.

An air-cleaning plant that is non-toxic to pets. Winning!

9. A cutie with lots of heart

Only water your chain of hearts when the soil is dry. ( Supplied: Alice Crowe )

While large, lush leaves may conjure up the tropics, few plants can cascade down a bookshelf as sweetly and delicately as the cute little chain of hearts (Ceropegia woodii).

Native to southern Africa, it is a succulent vine whose trailing stems produce pairs of heart-shaped leaves and pretty, tubular pink flowers.

It needs excellent drainage, as do all succulents, and should only be watered when dry.

It likes a bright position (the leaves will fade if it's too dark) and will produce a woody water-storing swelling at its base as it ages.

10. Forever green

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Aglaonemas (ag-li-o'-knee-ma), aka Chinese evergreens, are so easy to grow and propagate that there is now a vast range of variations that all share the basic glossy, spear-shaped leaves (reminiscent of peace lilies, which are related) but patterned in silver, green, yellow, cream, red or pink.

Native to subtropical forests in Asia and New Guinea, they are attractive plants that will thrive even in the shadiest spots.

All they ask is to be kept warm (above 15°C), away from full sun, and to be watered when the potting mix is dry to the touch.

11. On a wing and a prayer

Prayer plants — members of the Ctenanthe genus — are hardy, tropical understorey plants from South America that have a range of colours and patterns with attractive stripes and variegation on the leaves; many have purplish undersides.

They are called prayer plants because some species fold up their leaves at night, like hands in prayer.

Indoors they prefer a well-lit, warm spot (above 13-15°C) and don't like to be waterlogged; allow soil to dry out between waterings.

12. Straight as an arrow

The leaf shape changes as the plant matures, so some cut off the climbing stems to keep the plant bushy and the leaves arrow-shaped. ( Supplied: Alice Crowe )

Commonly called arrowhead, Syngonium podophyllum is a groundcover from tropical America, related to philodendrons. The best-known form has large, heart-shaped white and green leaves but there are loads of new cultivars being bred.

All like temperatures above 16°C and prefer a well-lit, humid spot away from direct sun, although they will cope with some shade.

Let the top of the potting mix dry out a little between waterings.

The leaf shape changes as the plant matures, so some cut off the climbing stems to keep the plant bushy and the leaves arrow-shaped. Look for the cultivar Moonlight, which tends to climb less than Pink Neon and White Butterfly.

Another toxic plant to keep away from toddlers and pets.

Note: Many plants can become weeds outside; always dispose of unwanted plants responsibly and check with your local council or state environment department for any restrictions.