Posts in Batch 2

Boudoir Benefits: 5 Reasons To Put A Snake Plant In Your Bedroom

The benefits of the Snake Plant are many, making it the perfect plant for indoors and bedrooms. — Elevate your space with the ultimate easy-care houseplant! Snake Plants are the best air purifiers in the world of horticulture.

Owning house plants has a long list of benefits, but are some more powerful than others? The Snake Plant (scientific name sansevieria and also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue) is not just popular for its unique, variegated, and striking appearance. It is actually widely considered one of the most beneficial indoor plants for a number of different reasons! What’s more? It has even a couple extra benefits when placed in a space of rest and relaxation.

The Many Benefits of the Snake Plant

Looking to get better sleep? There’s arguably no better option for the bedroom than the Snake Plant, a plant that beyond boasting many benefits, requires little to no care to enjoy its beauty. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of having a Snake Plant in the bedroom!

1. It’s A Fantastic Oxygen-Producing Plant

All plants produce oxygen, but according to Nasa’s Clean Air Study, some are even better at it than others. The Snake Plant is considered to be one of the best plants with the highest oxygen producing qualities and air purifiers, along with others like the Rubber Plant and the Cascading Pothos. Studies show that higher oxygen levels promote deeper sleep, but that’s not all…

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2. It Even Produces Oxygen At Night

Contrary to popular belief, plants don’t produce oxygen 24/7. In fact, most plants only produce oxygen with daylight through the process of photosynthesis. At night, on the other hand, these plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, a process called respiration. However, the Snake Plant is one of the lucky few that continues to produce oxygen at night, making it the ideal plant to place in your bedroom for better sleep and to help you breathe.

3. They Filter Out Harmful Pollutants

Studies have shown that indoor air quality and indoor air pollution is often even worse than what we find in densely populated cities. The same Nasa Clean Air Study mentioned above also found that Snake Plants work double time removing harmful toxins and gases like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and odor from our indoor environments. These harmful air pollutants can be found in regular household objects like carpeting, furniture polish, and cleaning supplies.

4. Effective Against Allergies

Plants with such powerful room air purifying and oxygen-producing qualities will of course help to combat allergies, as they remove harmful pollutants and volatile airborne chemicals that can aggravate allergies, and in some cases even make you sick. Combine this with oxygen-producing powers and you have easier breathing both day and night.

5. Low-Light Thriving and Easy To Care For

Like to keep your bedroom on the dimmer side? The Snake Plant can is easy-to-grow and can survive and thrive in almost any lighting scenario, from bright direct rays of sunlight to areas with almost no natural light. It also requires very little water, humdity, can be watered sparingly with little to no upkeep, the Snake Plant will help maintain a calming and beautiful bedroom space with excellent purification— the way it should be!

Ready to add a Snake Plant to your life? Find the perfect size and pair it with your favorite pot color and style and get ready for a cleaner, most beautiful bedroom space! Found the perfect Snake Plant? Learn how to care for and how to grow it with our articles The 10 Commandments Of Snake Plant Care and How To Care For And Grow Your Snake Plant.

At Léon and George, we're on a mission to bring the beauty of nature and indoor gardening into your daily life. Our hand-selected, California-grown plants such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Ficus Audrey, and Bird of Paradise are carefully chosen for their quality, health, and beauty. We believe in simplicity, fairness, and sustainability, sourcing our plants from trusted local growers who share our values. When you bring a Léon and George plant into your home, you're not just getting greenery – you're getting a piece of nature treated with our all-natural products and staged for optimal growth. We're here to make plant ownership accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering a connection between people and the natural world.

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Lifestyle, Interior Design, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeFebruary 16, 2024Education, Plants for every room, houseplant Comment

Feng Shui Plants: Greenery That Goes The Extra Mile

Indoor plants do so much for us. They add beauty to our space, clean our air, and come with a myriad of mental health benefits to boot. But what if they could do even more? According to the teachings of Feng Shui, they can.

We asked expert Anjie Cho of Holistic Spaces to give us the scoop on how plants can bring us good Feng Shui, which plants are particularly impactful, and where to place them in our homes to maximize the benefits.

“Plants are a way to bring nature’s energy into our homes and interior environments. Nowadays, we spend more and more time indoors, and having plants in our homes is a way to reconnect with nature and ground us,” says Cho. “In an energetic sense, they are very healing for us, and in a practical sense, they improve the air quality, provide soft surfaces, and beautify our home.”

What is feng shui?

In a nutshell, Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy which uses energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment and the natural world. Translating to “wind” (feng) and "water” (shui), the basic principles of Feng Shui lie in the belief that we can live more harmonious and fulfilling lives if we connect and flow with the space around us.

“It’s about mindfulness of our home environments,“ says Cho. “It’s paying attention to all the details in our home so that we can create more supportive and nurturing environments that inspire joy and relaxation,” she adds.

“It’s really important nowadays as we are so inundated with stress and speediness in our modern lives. Having a place to to recharge is more necessary than ever, and Feng Shui gives us the tools to know how to create environments that support us.”

Using plants for better feng shui

There are five elements in Feng Shui, and plants represent the wood element, which, according to Cho, “contributes to life-affirming, bright, and healing energy, and as such can help us create more harmony in the home.”

While Cho believes that all living plants are great for Feng Shui, you don’t want unhealthy plants, as sick and dying plants represent sick and dying energy. And as a general rule of thumb, she recommend plants with soft and rounded foliage, as opposed to spiky or thorny stems or leaves.

In terms of placement, a few areas she recommends are the wealth area, the entrance, and offices or bedrooms:

Wealth area - Stand in the doorway facing any room, you can generally find the wealth area in the far left corner. Place greenery here to promote wealth and prosperity, and consider even the Braided Money Tree for extra luck in this area.
Entryway - Representing your “face to the world”, putting plants at near the entryway of your home helps to cultivate and invite more positive energy into your space and life.
The office - Use plants on your desk or in your office for success in your work and career.
The bedroom - Place plants in the relationship area of your bedroom for growth and harmony in your relationship.

The best Feng Shui plants

Almost all living plants are good for Feng Shui, but are there some more powerful than others? Cho shared with us some of her favorite Feng Shui plants and why, so get ready to dive into the world of Feng Shui with a beautiful indoor plant!

Zanzibar gem

“The Zanzibar Gem is easy to grow and is great at withstanding drought. It represents resiliency, grounding, and longevity. Its upward growing leaves and fast-growing nature are also symbolic of good fortune.” adds Cho.
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PILEA PEPEROMIODES

“Some plants are more auspicious than others,” explains Cho. “Also known as the Chinese Money Plant, the leaves round like coins and echo feelings of abundance.” She recommends placing this plant in the wealth area of the home.
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Fiddle leaf fig tree

“These plants are known to be finicky, but that can be a good thing. It’s a plant that might require more patience and upkeep than some others, helping to cultivate kindness and challenging us to consider and care for another living thing.”
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Braided money tree

“Another plant associated with wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui, the Money Tree is a great choice to place in an office or in the wealth area of your home,” says Cho.
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cascading pothos

“I received this plant as a housewarming gift when I moved to New York in 2003 — it is so resilient and has traveled with me to many homes,” tells Cho. “This plant shows a lot of growth and is great for beginners.”
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Anjie Cho is a Feng Shui expert. She is the founder of the Holistic Spaces blog, store, and podcast as well as the co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School, where she teaches courses. Check out her book Holistic Spaces: 108 Ways to Create a Mindful and Peaceful Home by CICO books. More info at www.holisticspaces.com

Best Houseplants for Feng Shui:

Braided Money Tree

It may not be surprising that a plant called a Money Tree is considered to be a bringer of prosperity, but did you know that they are also powerful air purifiers? Braided Money Trees are traditionally believed to capture luck in their braids- but their canopies also capture airborne pollutants, and transform them into clean, beneficial oxygen! In traditional feng shui, they are recommended for placement in wealth or health areas. But we think that Braided Money Trees belong anywhere and everywhere- their flexible preference for medium to bright indirect light means that they can thrive in many different spots.

The Snake Plant

Another incredible air purifying plant, the Snake Plant is a feng shui mainstay. In feng shui, it is beloved for its role as protector, and is recommended for placement by doors (especially front doors) and in pairs. It is not traditionally recommended for bedrooms. Snake Plants are exceptionally low-maintenance, require little water to thrive, and are appreciative of all light levels, but prefer not to be scorched by direct sun.

Philodendron Brasil

Health is wealth! And the feng-shui favorite Philodendron Brasil addresses both, with a reputation for encouraging both monetary prosperity and physical wellness. A bedroom superstar, Philodendron Brasils are ideal for tranquil spaces. Per feng shui tradition, rooms in the southeast or east areas of your home are ideal.

Cascading Pothos

Pothos varieties are gorgeous and invigorating. In feng shui tradition, stale energy can gather on cabinet tops and in high corners, restricting the home’s overall positive energy. Pothos plants are the perfect way to alleviate this. Place a pothos on a high cabinet or shelf, or suspend it in a basket or macrame hanger, and allow its foliage to grow in cascading tendrils. This easy-care plant will thrive with medium, indirect light, and you can enjoy its misting and watering routine weekly.

The entryway deserves special attention in feng shui, and is a great place to add greenery. Pictured here: Monstera Deliciosa, Braided Money Tree, and Zanzibar Gem

More Thoughts on Placement:

When it comes to our homes, we are each the captain of our own ship, and it can be fun and gratifying to intuit for ourselves where we’d like to place our plants. But the feng shui tradition has quite a bit to say on this, the general gist of it being:

As soon as you enter your home, you are in the mouth of chi. That means that your front entryway is where chi (energy) enters your home. This area should receive special attention and focus, and is a good place to showcase your most beautiful plants.
General entryways, your living room and dining room are also key areas in your home to focus on. They tend to receive the most varied light and set the scene for your home’s energy overall.
Dying plants are not good for feng shui. Ensure that you choose plants you can care for, and that are a fit for the lighting your space receives.

Feng shui is an ancient (dating back to 4000 BC or earlier) and complex traditional practice. There is so much one can learn about it, and myriad applications for its wisdom. If you’d like more information, consider learning your home’s feng shui bagua, or energy map. You can also read more about the significance of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) of feng shui. But to begin, consider the basics: placing healthy plants with auspicious connotations in the most frequently loved and used areas of your home.

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Dear Plant Stylist, Lifestyle, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeJanuary 4, 2024Plant Stylists

Dear Plant Stylist: "I’m really into the vintage Laurel Canyon meets jungalow vibe. Any recommendations?"

Photo by Lauren Engel for Mid-Century Home, featuring a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree and Monstera Deliciosa.

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Dear Plant Stylist,

I’ve bought small plants locally in the past, but I’m ready to invest in some statement plants from Léon & George. I want them to align with my apartment’s style: 1970’s inspired, Laurel Canyon-esque vintage. Any idea what kind of plants Joni Mitchell had?

Best,

K.F.

Dear K.,

I love receiving inquiries like these, because plants can bring so much style to an already beautiful space, and they make incredible focal points.

The style of your home sounds like a natural match for living greenery. Houseplants reigned supreme in the 1970s, so there’s no way to get this look wrong. Still, there were a few standout varieties that really encapsulate the aesthetic of the ‘70s: Pothos varieties, ferns of all sorts, and cacti are all emblematic of the decade.

In the ‘70s, Pothos and Fern varieties were popular for their ultra-lush foliage. The cascade of leaves displayed by Pothos varieties is stunningly sculptural, reminiscent of intricate macrame or even the eponymous beaded curtain. A pair of Cascading Pothos, situated on staggered levels, is a stunning way to showcase these medium plants. Pothos are tolerant of varied light and require watering about once a week.

Complements like wood stands, macrame hangers and baskets were very popular in the ‘70s, and for good reason. They’re a way of showcasing pieces of exquisite hand-made craftsmanship, and they can elevate your plants for purposes both pragmatic and stylistic. Our wood stands are handmade of sustainable hardwood, and they are compatible with our classic, cylindrical Mid-Century planters. Playing with tones of coral and gray ceramic will be a fun way to inject earthy color into your abode.

I’d be remiss not to mention that a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree would be a seamless choice for a floor plant in your space. Super-popular in the ‘70s for their romantic, viola shaped foliage, they bring height and fullness with great texture and jewel-bright coloration.

And for vibrant accent plants, ferns are a shoo-in. I think just about everyone had a profusion of verdant ferns in the ‘70s. Just look at this living room, filled with beauties like the Boston Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern and Staghorn Ferns.

Photo via Design Sponge, featuring a Bird’s Nest Fern, Fiddle Leaf Fig, and Staghorn Fern.

You can get a sense of the conditions that ferns require just by looking at them. Luscious and bursting with life, they like to be kept consistently moist, and appreciate indirect light and shade. The Bird’s Nest Fern, with its elegant, quill-like foliage, is a perfect gateway plant to the intoxicating world of ferns. And Philodendrons, like the Little Hope, are a seamless complement to ferns, with similar watering and light requirements.

Now in answer to your question regarding Joni: we know for a fact that she had succulent, tillandsia and and cacti at her Laurel Canyon home. So without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to your statement plant: The Desert Cactus. Yes, they are mystical monoliths- but don’t be afraid of this plant, because it is exceptionally easy to care for. Ample bright light is all it needs to thrive, along with an occasional drink. And two desert cacti, flanking a doorway, create the ideal portal to a magical home.

So excited for you to begin your plant-gathering, K. Every home needs, as Joni Mitchell would say, a “Little Green.”

And now, a playlist inspired by the vibe!

Dear Plant Stylist, Interior Design, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeSeptember 6, 2023Plant Stylists

Dear Plant Stylist: "Help me keep the vacay vibes going!"

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Dear Plant Stylist,

Vacation was amazing. I felt so relaxed and I got to enjoy being in an environment with really lush plants everywhere. I swear I could feel the way they affected my mood (more peaceful, like I was breathing in good air.) Any recommendations for recreating this at home with plants that have a tropical look, but can thrive indoors? I have post-vacation FOMO now.

Best,

V.F.

Hi V.F.,

Ah, yes, the post-vacation FOMO. We know that feeling well. Often when we go on vacations, that means we’re traveling a bit beyond our usual stomping ground, so we’re seeing greenery that’s exciting and unusual. And sometimes vacationing means that we’ve left urban spaces for destinations that are closer to “nature”, i.e. the beach or, if we’re super lucky, a tropical climate. All of these factors, combined with the main, cognitive shift (that we are on vacation!) can mean that we feel better overall when we’re on vacay. But you are definitely onto something when you mention that the air felt healthy and you felt more relaxed. There is no doubt that plants purify the air, and that even just seeing the vibrancy of green plants naturally boosts our mood.

Balmy summer evenings call for tropical plants like the Monstera Deliciosa or Kentia Palm. Photo by @stevenfingar

Many indoor houseplants originate from tropical climates in places like south/southeast Asia and South America. It’s easy to inject your home with a tropical aesthetic that will elevate it above the ordinary by incorporating plants like these. Perhaps the most renowned plants with a tropical aesthetic are the Monstera Deliciosa, Bird of Paradise, and Kentia Palm. The bonus: they are all easy-care, low maintenance plants that don’t require a ton of water. Birds of Paradise should be situated in the brightest available spot, and receive as much direct bright light as possible. Kentia Palms and Monstera Deliciosas love to receive a steady stream of indirect, bright light, so they should be placed four or more feet from windows that receive direct light.

If you have any questions about how to determine the space your light receives and where to situate your plants within it, be sure to check out our Light Requirements For Plants: Explained! blog post.

In regard to the air purifying effect of plants: this has been abundantly documented, not least of all by NASA’s amazing Clean Air Study. We’ve simplified the process of selection by offering our Air-Purifying Plants collection, which lists the best of the best air purifying plants that we offer.

Tropical settings are all about texture, created with plants like the Bird of Paradise and Tiger Evergreen. Photo by @renrevic

Now, onto more aesthetics. We often feel that the difference between spaces that read as cold or stress-inducing, and spaces that make us feel creative and comfortable, largely comes down to textures and colors. On vacation, you likely experienced a lot of textural variation in the plants that you saw. Even in super-specific climates like deserts, where plants have all adapted to the same harsh environment, you’ll note that the native plants exhibit a wide variety of textures. Every plant evolves with its own special form, to maximize its functions and protect it in nature.

You can relish an abundance of texture and color by mixing and matching plants. Rubber Trees, for example, are smooth and glossy, with deep, rich pigmentation. Dracaena Lisas bring the lush texture of the jungle home with their emerald foliage, which falls in a lazy cascade from their columnar base.

The Zanzibar Gem is an ideal textural plant, because its wandlike, long stems provide fabulous vertical growth, and each stem is adorned with a profusion of luscious leaves.

And just for fun, who’s dreaming of the Mediterranean? The Desert Cactus and the Olive Tree will both help bring the look to life (and with minimal care to boot). Photo by @deborahbrett

Mixing and matching plants is a great way to mimic the biodiversity of natural spaces in your home, and the results are always fresh and exciting.

Even smaller plants can provide a perfect dose of texture and a wild aesthetic, like the Parlor Palm, the Pilea, and the Jade Pothos.

Choosing diverse pot colors and wood stands, and utilizing other textural accessories like baskets or macrame, is a great way to cultivate the feeling that we have when we experience unexpected visual treats. You don’t have to invest in floor to ceiling kilims or bedeck your entire home in that iconic, banana leaf wallpaper to access the novelty of far-flung places! (But you can, and we’d love to see that as well!) The goal is to spark wonder, a feeling of peace and an in-home reminder that we are natural beings.

Happy hunting, and let us know how it goes! Living greenery is truly the key to making that vacation feeling last in your everyday life.

Dear Plant Stylist, Lifestyle, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeAugust 1, 2023Plant Stylists

Real Plants, Real People: Chef Alexia Duchêne

French chef Alexia Duchêne doesn’t just have great taste when it comes to food: her New York City apartment is a treasure trove of eye-candy, and the perfect, well-appointed backdrop for creating.

How did you know this home was for you?

This is our first apartment since we moved in New York with my husband in February for a new life in the USA! It’s at the center of neighborhoods we love in Brooklyn: Fort Greene, Prospect Park and Clinton Hill. Being near Prospect Park was really important for us as we go for long walks with our dog Ralph almost every day.

A thriving Monstera Deliciosa paired with a Soho Home planter.

What inspires you when you decorate?

I’ve always loved interior design! I love bringing different styles and touch of colors. Photography and arts really make me happy to look at in the morning and I tend to go towards a minimalistic interior where I buy less but really get pieces I love and will cherish for a long time.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree basks in the sunlight. Planter sourced from Soho Home.

What are your plant care secrets?

In general, I would say less is more! I try not to overwater my plants and almost forget about it and water them when I feel it’s right and it usually works!

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Monstera Deliciosa

Little Hope

oui oui! we ship to europe!

California based with our European headquarters in Paris, Léon & George is proud to deliver beautiful greenery across both the US and European Union.

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Lifestyle, Interior Design, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeJuly 27, 2023Plant StoriesComment

Dear Plant Stylist: "What plant should I get for my patio?"

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Dear Plant Stylist,

My patio needs a serious overhaul. I want it to be somewhere I can spend peaceful hours, not just a feature that I never set foot on. Do you have any tips for good outdoor plants?

Hoping so-

C.B.

Dear C.,

Patios are endless inspiration for us, and this is the moment to explore your vision!

Our plant fans have been asking us to carry outdoor plants for years, and the stars have aligned: we launched an Outdoor Plant Collection, and hand-picked the best of the best easy-care bushes and trees for our customers. These plants are hardy and resilient, and will easily thrive with ample light and appropriate watering.

Outdoor plants are so evocative: we all have memories of vacations that we never wanted to end, and the plants that adorned those environments. For me it was moist, super-green tropical plants in Costa Rica. Others remember Joshua trees, or mediterranean citrus, or so many other beautiful outdoor varieties. Our Outdoor Plant Collection features a little bit of every aesthetic you could want, so let’s take a closer look at the varieties and go from there.

Olive Trees

The Olive Tree, or olea europaea, features elegant, silvery green foliage, and is naturally pest and drought resistant. They love plenty of sun, so they’ll be a great choice if you get a lot of light on your patio.

This plant is incredibly popular, and for good reason. They aren’t just beautiful, but they are storied: sun-drenched islands, warm earth, Greek myth, artfully adorned hummus! The Olive Tree conjures them all. If you’re looking for outdoor plants that are classic and luxurious, these fit the bill. The Olive tree will produce fruit over time and with appropriate care, and also comes in an adorable bush shape!

Meyer Lemon Trees

Citrus trees are so romantic, aren’t they? And fun: the fruit they produce is so sculptural and vividly colored. Meyer lemon trees (Citrus meyeri) are lush and vibrant, with that enchanting citrus aroma we all love. With ample light, and over the course of several months, these plants will also fruit- first pushing out fragrant white blossoms, then meyer lemons, which are the ultimate multi-purpose citrus!

Sago Palm

If you love a jungle (who doesn’t?) the Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is really a special treat. It’s incredibly textural, with feathery fronds and a rich, coffee brown trunk. Sagos prefer indirect bright light, so they’re happiest in a spot outdoors that receives some shade. They are a match made in heaven for our ceramic pots— you’ll be delighted by how perfectly the proportions complement each other.

Indoor Plants for Outdoors

Some of our indoor plant varieties can be suited for the outdoors, most notable the Bird of Paradise. Put it in a shady spot or spot with morning light, and watch it thrive! Their jumbo, quill-shaped foliage is stunning in outdoor spaces, and they’re exceptionally low-maintenance. If you’d like it to bask in full sun, slowly introduce it over the course of several weeks, as putting it directly in harsh sunlight will scorch its leaves. The Desert Cactus may also be placed outside and is less picky about the type of light it receives.

The Bird of Paradise can be transitioned outdoors for spring, summer and fall.

You’ve got options, C. And we usually find that the best approach is to follow your heart. There’s no need to try to match a trend to a “T”: plants are all about love. So choose the outdoor plant that makes you feel like breaking out in song. Then grab a good book and your sun hat, because you’re ready for patio time!

Outdoor collection - blog.jpg — OUTDOOR PLANTS BY LÉON & GEORGE

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Dear Plant Stylist, Lifestyle, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeMarch 14, 2023Plant Stylists

10 Perfect Desk Plants For Your Workspace

The research is clear: plants are good for you. But they can also help increase productivity at work, according to researchers from Washington State University. The results found that productivity was increased by over 12% when plants were present during simple computer tasks:

“Productivity increased 12 percent when people performed a simple task on a computer in a room with plants compared with workers who performed the same task in the same room without plants.”

Business owner Kamal Meattle gave a TED talk about this very same effect, and how his employees became significantly more productive after he introduced plants in their workspace.

Your office may already have scattered plants throughout, but consider the benefits of caring for your very own desk plant — there are lots of them!

What Are Plants’ Benefits Beyond Productivity?

Great question! We know that our overall well-being is derived by more than than just our work performance. Vibrant, living greenery addresses many of our physical and emotional needs, with their natural ability to provide air purification, their serene aesthetics, and their scientifically proven power to improve our mood. Studies have shown that the mere act of watering an indoor plant can release feel-good chemicals in our brain. Who wouldn’t want that while at work?

Need To Boost Your Work Desk’s Feng Shui?

Feng shui isn’t just an ever-present buzz word! This ancient study is all about maximizing the flow and positivity of your space, and we think there’s no better place to explore it than at your work station! Snake Plants and Braided Money Trees are feng shui stalwarts, and they are renowned for bestowing prosperity (yes, please!) protection and good luck to their owners. They are also both exceptionally low-maintenance. Perfect desk plants!

Okay, Which Plants are the Best Desk Plants?

So glad you asked! No matter your environment, there is a plant for every work space. Here are some of the best, and keep scrolling to see our top picks:

Calathea Medallion

For those looking for a plant to truly dote on, the Calathea Medallion is an excellent choice. This humidity-lover needs its soil consistently moist, which makes it the perfect work companion for someone who likes to take frequent “coffee breaks” to coddle their plants.
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Parlor Palm

It’s no wonder why people love the Parlor Palm to decorate their home office or desk: it’s not only rated one of the top air-purifiers, but it’s sprightly foliage is an immediate energy boost!
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Bird’s nest fern

Of all the ferns out there, there is none easier to care for than the Bird’s Nest Fern, a bright green breath of fresh air for your desk.
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the perfect desk plant — Rubber Plant

Looking for something dramatic? With its deep burgundy leaves, the Rubber Plant is a true stunner that comes in various different sizes for a home office.
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desk plants — Jade Pothos

How adorable is the Jade Pothos? This easy care cutie is such a delight to watch grow, and as a fast grower, you will enjoy its new leaves unfurling day in and day out as you work.
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Braided Money tree

Said to bring good luck and prosperity, the Braided Money Tree is an obvious choice for a desk plant, and an excellent gift idea for colleagues, employees and clients, too!
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the snake plant as a desk plant — Snake Plant

A great air-purifier that thrives off neglect, the Snake Plant is an excellent desk plant for beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike.
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colorful desk plants — Golden Petra

If you’re looking for a splash of color for your desk, go for the Golden Petra. This plant prefers bright and even direct light, so it’s the ideal choice for sunny desks.
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desk plants zz gem — Zanzibar Gem

One of the many famous “lucky” plants, the Zanzibar Gem or ZZ Gem is a low-light-lover that can survive and even thrive with minimal watering. Don’t go to the office all the time, or travel a lot for work? This one’s for you.
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The Cascading Pothos is an excellent choice for desks in any lighting scenario. — Cascading Pothos

For bigger desks and workspaces, look no further than the lush and trailing Cascading Pothos, a fast grower that easily adapts to medium, low and even artificial light.
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Shop our collections of small and medium plants for the perfect stylish addition to your desk. All of our plants come with simple care instructions, a 45 Day Guarantee and lifetime Plant Doctor support.

desk plants are the ideal corporate gift — the very best corporate gifts

Green up your office with curated plant selections and stylish ceramics, or give the gift of lush, living greenery to your employees. Streamlined bulk gifting with branded options available.

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Office Plants, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeOctober 9, 2022Plant Benefits, Office plantsComment

At Home With Angela Tafoya: Taking Style To The Max In A Stunning San Francisco Craftsman

Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag and self-professed maximalist in her gorgeous San Francisco Craftsman home.

On a bustling block in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, a row of enchanting Craftsman homes quietly sit and observe the neighborhood’s daily activity: a Muni bus rumbles past, pedestrians wait at a crosswalk, and the Catholic school down the street just sounded its recess bells.

These Craftsman homes have been here for over a century, built just after the 1906 fires and seemingly unchanged since. But what lies behind their impressive facades tells another story, and we were lucky enough to take a peek for ourselves inside the beautiful family home of Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag, the go-to online publication for inspiration on accessible home design.

Join us as we tour a home which proves that the luxury of maximalism and the nuanced impact of minimalist style can more than coexist: these decor trends are actually the perfect pairing!

A glossy Rubber Tree is the perfect greeting on this bright landing.

Originally hailing from New Mexico, Angela has called the Bay Area home for over 15 years. And not long ago, she and her husband took on the opportunity of a lifetime: the exciting (albeit daunting) task of renovating their family’s 7th Avenue craftsman, with the goal of creating a space that honors original details while also feeling modern and fresh. The result is a unique blend of classic yet contemporary, luxe yet minimal: the ideal canvas for exploring the latest trends.

After all, somebody has to do it, right?

A lush Pink Rubber Plant is the perfect addition to highlight the texture and creamy tonality of whitewashed brick.

Angela has always found herself inherently drawn to lifestyle inspiration and considered interiors, and for her, the fast pace of digital media couldn’t be a better fit. Like a snapshot taken directly out of the latest issue of Lonny Mag, her living space is truly a dream. Unique details abound, with varying textiles and cushions juxtaposed by glossy coffee table literature and standout pieces of original art.

Thriving plants, of course, are a trend that Angela is more than happy to welcome into her home. With over 30 different varieties adorning the built-in bay window typical in San Francisco homes, she credits her plant-friendly husband for the lushness that completes their spacious layout.

“My husband is the green thumb around here. He’s also a minimalist, but not necessarily when it comes to plants!”

Following the latest trends can have its drawbacks, though, and Angela prizes individuality. She tells us that she’s become more intentional about what she brings into her home, choosing pieces that, while on-trend, will also stand the test of time. And when restlessness hits, switching up the paint colors is always a good solution. As she says, “We’ve been in this home for three years, and I’ve painted the reading nook three times.”

Suffice it to say, we’re confident that following her whims will always serve Angela well: by intuiting her passions and cultivating a sense of play, she’s sure to maintain a luscious space with lively, original style wherever she goes.

Angela’s Plant Picks: The Desert Cactus, Rubber Tree, and Pink Rubber Plant are living, glowing standouts. Beautifully variegated, they pack a punch with height, rich color and sculptural silhouettes.

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Lifestyle, Interior Design, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeSeptember 17, 2022Plant Stories, RPRP Comment

Dear Plant Stylist: "Can you help me choose a plant for my child's bedroom?"

Cast Iron Plant in Nouvelle White, Photo by Léon & George — The Cast Iron Plant is an excellent, ultra-hardy choice for a child’s bedroom or playroom.

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Dear Plant Stylist,

We are finally getting around to decorating our kid’s room. He’s a super creative kid that loves all things visual and we want to brighten up his space with child- safe (preferably air-purifying) plants. Obviously, nothing too easy to kill or too delicate/breakable. Advice?

Best,

C.R.

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Hi C.,

This sounds like a fun project! Kids epitomize creativity and because there are well-known links between the presence of living greenery and boosted mood, creativity and tranquility, we think that emphasizing greenery in kids’ rooms is a great idea.

Let’s focus on child-safe plants that have a fairly vertical silhouette, to minimize the chance of mishaps or foliage breakage. The presence of any plant will help to freshen the space and there are certainly no plants that are bad for air quality— though some are more widely regarded for their air-purifying properties than others, and you can find a comprehensive collection of the most highly-rated air purifying plants on our website.

Large Snake Plant and Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush Photo Credit: @mothermag — Large Snake Plant and Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush
Photo Credit: @mothermag

Monstera Deliciosa in Nouvelle White — Monstera Deliciosa

Rattlesnake & Bird’s Nest Fern Duo, Photo by Léon & George — Rattlesnake & Bird’s Nest Fern Duo

Good options for large plants include the large Monstera Deliciosa and the Cast Iron Plant. Monsteras are renowned for their fun, sculptural foliage. They’re also incredibly easy to care for and flexible when it comes to light! Cast Iron Plants are—you guessed it— virtually indestructible; a good option should you have a fledgling experimental botanist on your hands. Another great benefit of the Cast Iron Plant is that it thrives in shade, so if this room will usually have the curtains closed, the Cast Iron Plant will be perfectly content.

Moving along to accent plants: in keeping with the fantastical aesthetic of children’s books and the desire for air-purifying prowess, the Parlor Palm is a great choice. There’s so much to love about these petite dynamos: their fun, feathery foliage and non-toxic nature are complemented by their super-relaxed light requirements. (Low light? No worries! They’re fine with anything from medium indirect to low, artificial light.)

Cap off your new biome with a decidedly Seussian Pilea Peperomioides. It just doesn’t get more fun than the Pilea: like a solar-system mobile, its lily-pad shaped leaves orbit around its base of stems. Keep in mind, though, that Pileas are sensitive to high temperatures. So if you’re cranking the heater, you’ll want to forego this option and perhaps opt for a Calathea Rattlesnake. Who wouldn’t love that colorful, Jurassic foliage!

Note: Looking for plants for a baby’s room? Read our full post on the best plants for a nursery, which only features non-toxic plants that are safer with younger children who may be inclined to take a bite out of their leafy friends! It is important to note that while none of the plants mentioned in this post are dangerous, some are considered mildly toxic if consumed.

Dear Plant Stylist, Lifestyle, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeAugust 31, 2022Plant Stylists

Real Plants, Real People: Christine & Nick

Real Plants, Real People: Christine and Nick — Two design-savvy Angelenos, Christine and Nick, give us a peek into their bright and beautiful home on LA’s breezy westside.

Teachers, partners, and plant parents: angelenos Christine and Nick share about what they and their plants did this summer, and the best part about starting a new school year.

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Summer’s coming to a close and school’s back in session: there’s no better time than the present to find our rhythm, settle into routine and set new goals.

For inspiration, we talked to Christine and Nick, two Los Angeles based educators, about how they kick off the new school year and how their plants serve a valuable role in settling back into routine.

From Roger the Rubber Tree to an enormous Zanzibar Gem named Nigel (“He just does what he wants, when he wants to!”) the thriving plants at Christine and Nick’s were truly a treat to meet, and an intrinsic part of this fun and energetic modern family.

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER BREAK?

This summer we had a chance to do some planning for our wedding - we picked a venue and I found my wedding dress with the help of some friends! We also spent time with family, read a lot of great books, played soccer, and watched Roger (our Rubber Tree) grow a ton of new leaves.

Extra Large Rubber Tree — Roger the Rubber Tree

WHEN YOU WENT ON TRIPS, DID YOUR PLANTS MISS YOU?

We didn’t leave the plants alone too much this summer, but when we did, Nick made sure they were fully watered before we left. We also moved a few plants around so they could get the appropriate light while we were away.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND THE START OF A NEW YEAR?

Seeing and catching up with all the students from previous years and meeting our new students!

HOW DO PLANTS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR HOME?

Our plants bring us a lot of joy. We talk about them a lot and celebrate their growth! This whole experience has brought us a lot of joy. And the ritual of pruning the Dracaena and watering, and just paying attention to the things around us in our space. It’s been a nice routine and has brought life to our home, especially during this past year as we spent more time indoors.

CAN YOU SHARE A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR PLANT CARE ROUTINE?

Nick really handles most of the plant care (thank you, Nick! :) ). We have water meters from Leon and George in most of our plants, so Nick waters our indoor plants whenever the water meter is white and he waters our outside Leon and George trees 1-2 times per week. We also try to fertilize the outdoor trees once a month. Every once in awhile I wipe the leaves on Roger the Rubber Tree and Nigel, our Zanzibar, with warm water and dish soap. After talking with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George we're considering repotting a few of our plants to give them some more room to grow!

What are your plant care secrets?

We talk to them a lot! We use our hands to feel how they’re doing, we feel their soil, rotate regularly and make adjustments to make sure they’re getting what they need.

*And two key hot pro tips*: we read the weekly Leon and George newsletter every Sunday morning. As soon as it comes in, we immediately go do the thing it says to do! It’s been a helpful reminder to check on them and expand our care techniques.

Secondly, any time we’re panicked, or are trying to figure something out, we either Google it, or check in with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George. These methods keep our anxiety down and overtime we’ve learned just how resilient plants are!

Floor to ceiling sliding doors gives their home a spacious indoor/outdoor opening, a must for enjoying Southern California’s beautiful weather! Their plant collection includes a Rubber Plant, Dracaena Compacta, Meyer Lemon Tree and Olive Tree.

Photos by Jess Issac

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Dracaena Compacta

Rubber Tree

Zanzibar Gem

How to brighten your space

Even if you don’t have much natural light to work with you can still create a space that feels light and airy. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your space feel brighter:

Layer whites - white reflects light, making a room feel both lighter and more spacious. Try painting your walls warm shades of white, or the ceiling a bright matte white. Look for lighter pieces of furniture or accents, layering shades of white and beige.
Use mirrors strategically - it’s no secret that mirrors also reflect light. Create a bit more of it with a beautiful mirror you love, placed just so that it reflects any light coming in.
Utilize layered lighting - a single overhead light is not going to cut it for a low-light space. Try creating layered, diffused lighting with various heights and shapes of lamps. And while we’re on the topic, use light lampshades with translucent material (i.e. linen) so that light is gently defused versus blocked.
Streamline the furniture - go for minimal pieces and avoid ornate or chunky furniture. Select pieces that allow light to pass through or under them, like ghost chairs or sofas with a bit of space below them.

Embracing the Darkness

Sometimes the best thing you can do in a dim room is embrace its moodiness:

Use bold colors and patterns - deeply rich and dark hues (and wallpapers!) can be beautiful in already-dark spaces.
Invest in statement lighting - instead of using layered lighting having one or two statement lighting fixtures will create shadows. Shadows can be alluring when styled just right.
Be a maximalist - in a dimly lit space it can be harder for pieces to stand out. Use bold accent items like brass mirrors or lush velvet fabrics that will stand out from their surroundings.

Tips for Using Plants in Low-Light Spaces

Indoor plants do wonders for any space, but maybe even more so for the darker areas of our home. Here are a few of our plant stylists’ tips on decorating low-light areas with houseplants:

Find plants that won’t miss the light - Contrary to what you might think, many plants can do just fine in a low-light setting! Do keep in mind that you will water them very infrequently, and consider using a artificial light source for truly pitch-dark spaces.
Go for brighter foliage - plants with bright green or lighter hues (think the Snake Plant or Little Hope) will pop in darker spaces. Alternatively, go for deeper greens if you’re embracing the moodiness! Plants with dark green foliage like the Zanzibar Gem or Cast Iron will give a more jungle feel.
Invest in statement greenery - when it comes to bringing a dim or dull space to life, a little bit goes a long way with a large floor plant. Invest in just a few plants, at least one that’s large and draws the eye, versus cluttering the spaces with multiple small plants.

The Best Low Light Indoor Plants

Ready to improve your space? Here are some of the best low-light houseplants that can survive and even thrive with minimal natural or artificial light:

Zanzibar Gem - the emerald-green wands of the ZZ Gem as it’s commonly called are nearly indestructible nature. It can withstand low light and neglectful watering habits.
Snake Plant - this large succulent can adapt to just about any environment and also requires little to no maintenance.
Parlor Palm - is a hardy plant that infuses a tropical atmosphere into its surroundings.
Cast Iron - the name says it all: this plant is indestructible and does well in dark, humid, and drafty spaces.

Check out our full collection of low light plants, and give your space the love and attention it deserves!

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Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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Education, Interior Design, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeAugust 17, 2022Living room plants, Plants for every room, Low light plants Comment