Sso much better than puttong plants in there, no soil to soak up frass, no bugs, etc. Much easier to clean butterfly house, too, just lift them out and clean. I use a can of compressed air to blow out frass and also to clean off the floral tubes stands. Definitely cut leaves at 90 degree angle and lightly knick bark above-I found by using warm water, the leaves don't wilt and last five says unless I have a bunch of large piggies in there!