Answer to Question 1Most of the interior plants that are available on today's market are from ancestors that grew and
reproduced in warm, tropical climates. They were understory plants, sheltered from the intense tropical
sun by taller trees that can tolerate extreme light levels. This is the reason why such plants perform
well in the low light of interiors. The plant life growing under protective trees flourished in the
dappled sunlight, warm temperatures and frequent rainfall in the tropical forest. The abundance of
plant and animal life created soil rich in decomposed organic material with ample water-filled and airfilled
pore spaces.
Answer to Question 2To avoid poor aesthetics, don't use a plant when it:
-requires staking in order to remain upright.
-has lost too many lower leaves resulting in awkward proportions.
-is top heavy and visually unbalanced in container.
-has grown too large for its space.
-has infestations resulting in sticky honeydew.
-has a Charlie Brown Christmas tree appearance.