I'm not familiar w/ Fords, however, many makes feature a "Valet switch", it allows the items to stay "safe" in your trunk if you drop off the car to someone. Its normally a button you push on/off. Maybe you have one & unknowingly engaged it? Check in your glove box and/or center console.
I suspect you're misspelling your first selection? You can put Aloe outside ( I strongly suggest in a pot) as it will not survive the winter, same with ficus (I hear tell they HATE to be moved/drafts). Your first selection, here in Illinois (zone 5) is a perennial and if you have similar temps...
hmmm...dubious of answer #1- would feel better if gave his/her source. As an ex-service writer for Lexus (Toyota) i am unaware of that. I believe, depending on year, ONLY set @ Dealer... older models COULD be different...but about 02 on, i aint buyin #1 w/o a better explanation. Good Luck.