Correct two common assumptions
Shade tolerant means that a plant can continue under lower light. It does not mean that the plant needs no natural or supplementary light. Low maintenance usually means less frequent watering, wider tolerance of humidity changes and limited pruning. It does not mean that nobody needs to inspect the plant.
Where a position has no meaningful day and night cycle, specify lighting, rotation or planned replacement. A species label cannot repair an environment that is unsuitable for living material; it only delays the cost until operation.
Select by failure risk, not popularity
Assess sensitivity to waterlogged roots, response to dry conditioned air, how easily pests can be detected and whether replacements are consistently available. Thick-leaved or slower-growing plants may hold their form for longer, but temperature and humidity still matter.
In a large commercial interior, ask whether the maintenance team can reach the foliage, whether the planter has a liner and whether standing water can be found quickly. The more complicated each service action becomes, the greater the long-term variance from the design intent.
Establish a checkable care baseline
At handover, record normal leaf color, the method for checking growing medium, the trigger for watering and conditions that need escalation. Watering on a fixed calendar is unreliable because seasons, air conditioning and plant size all change demand.
Classify positions as stable display, rotation required or unsuitable for long-term planting. This gives designers an honest way to balance visual goals and plant health, while operations can budget for labor, lighting and replacement before the scheme is approved.