Most torts are quite smart, if you have a tort that is a taster---and most are, a try or two at an artificial plant, and they get it--not food....also, I personally like silk plants over plastic plants...they just move better and they also take in some water when you mist an enclosure....there are positive aspects to silk/artificial plants as well as there are for real plants....remember that real plants can generate a desirable place for springtails to increase in numbers and silk/artificial plants to not....so, you absolutely have options as well as what your personal preference is...
