I think that's not by accident. Typical houseplant species seem to be selected for their ability to look good with minimal fertility. That makes them easier to

I think that's not by accident. Typical houseplant species seem to be selected for their ability to look good with minimal fertility. That makes them easier to grow, but harder to grow optimally. For example, mint will quickly indicate any deficiency in its leaf appearance, but pothos / devil's ivy will mostly just grow slower.