Q: True or false — researchers at a university once kept potted houseplants in total darkness for days and they stayed alive?

A: True. Researchers at the University of Florida placed common foliage houseplants (Philodendron, Aphelandra, Dieffenbachia, Ficus etc.) in complete darkness for periods up to 18 days. Several species showed no loss of quality after 6 days, and Philodendron and Aphelandra were not injured even after 9 days, though Ficus dropped more leaves as dark-storage time increased they all made a complete recover when returned to light.