We have a potted lemon tree that we have had for almost 25 years. It is about three and a half feet tall and pretty "bushy" we have to keep it trimmed back or it will get too big to bring in every winter. It even produces lemons occasionally. Every few years it will drop most of it's leaves in the winter and go dormant. but come summer it comes back with a lot of new growth. We have had it so long it is a part of the family.

You should quarantine it to be sure it doesn't have bugs or a disease. Humidity is also very important.

I have 6 beautiful Boston ferns hanging on my front porch. I do bring them in for the winter (Michigan) and they are messy but it saves me money next summer when it is time to purchase ferns again.
Our local and reputable green house told me to spray them with a mixture of:::::
2 squirts dish soap (I use Dawn)
2 capfuls rubbing alcohol
1 quart water
Pay special attention to the underside of the leaves. Spray and leave in the garage for 3 days before bringing them (and other outdoor plants) into the house. The ferns will drop leaves and be messy during the winter, but in the spring you can trim the dead fronds off and they will quickly recover when put outside again.