Posts in New Products
Unleashing the Year of the Dragon: The 2024 Asian New Year

The Asian New Year or Lunar New Year is almost here and with it we will usher in a new sign of the Chinese Zodiac: the Year of the Dragon. Learn about the symbolic significance of this powerful symbol and year, and don’t forget to check out our limited edition Year of the Dragon Braided Money Tree, the perfect gift to wish someone prosperity for the year ahead!

The Asian New Year Unveiled

Unlike the conventional January 1st celebration, the Asian New Year is a moveable feast, dictated by the lunar calendar. As a result, this auspicious event falls somewhere between January 21 and February 20, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. In 2024, the first day of the new year is February 10.

This time-honored tradition is steeped in rich symbolism, with families coming together to sweep away the old and embrace the new. The air is filled with the intoxicating aroma of incense, the sound of firecrackers, and the vibrant hues of traditional red and gold decorations that symbolize luck and prosperity. Family members gather around a large table to enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner, traditionally known as Nian Ye Fan (年夜饭). During this celebration, families pay homage to their ancestors by burning incense. During this time of year, it is typical for elder members give younger family members good luck pocket money, referred to as Ya Sui Qian (压岁钱), enclosed in a red envelope.

The Year of the Dragon

In the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with one of twelve animals, each carrying its unique traits and symbolism. And guess who's headlining 2024? It's none other than the awe-inspiring, mythical creature—the dragon. The dragon holds a special place in Chinese culture, embodying power, strength, and good fortune. Far from the fire-breathing menace of Western lore, the Eastern dragon is a benevolent force, a symbol of wisdom, protection, and imperial authority. Its celestial status makes it a harbinger of prosperity, and it is believed to bring good luck.

Dragon Energy in 2024

As we dive headfirst into the Year of the Dragon, let's harness its energy to fuel our personal growth and aspirations. Whether you're chasing career goals, seeking love, or simply striving for a better version of yourself, the dragon's influence encourages us to dream big and soar to new heights.

Career Ascendance: In the professional realm, the dragon's energy inspires us to be bold, ambitious, and unafraid to take calculated risks. It's the perfect time to embark on that entrepreneurial journey or pursue that promotion you've been eyeing.

Love and Relationships: The dragon is a symbol of passion and charisma. If you're on the quest for love, embrace your inner dragon and let your magnetic personality shine. For those already in relationships, let the dragon infuse your bond with renewed vitality and excitement.

Personal Development: On a personal level, channel the dragon's wisdom to explore self-discovery and personal growth. Adopt a mindset of resilience and adaptability, as the dragon encourages us to embrace change and transform challenges into opportunities.

Don’t forget to enhance your good juju with plants that bring good luck to your home or office!

Wishing you all a fiery and fabulous Year of the Dragon! May it be filled with joy, prosperity, and the unwavering courage to chase your dreams. Let the dragon within you roar loud and proud! 🐉🔥


Year of the Dragon Braided Money Tree

A limited edition plant and pot set, to bring good luck and prosperity for the year to come. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

Neem Oil For Plants: What Is It & How To Use It

Super Neem Oil…To The Rescue!

At Léon & George, we know that the occasional unwanted visitor is a simple reality of owning living greenery. Just like us humans, plants are sometimes prone to getting sick, and we believe this human-like vulnerability is part of what makes caring for them so rewarding. No matter the color of your thumb, odds are you’ll come across pests at some point during your plant parenthood journey.

That’s why we are thrilled to offer our first curative solution for all living greenery, Super Neem Oil. Along with our natural leaf shine, vitamin boost and foliar feed, Super Neem Oil is an essential tool for keeping plants happy, healthy and thriving over time.

Super Neem Oil

Cure common plant ailments with this potent, all-natural fungicide, miticide and insecticide. Infused with lemon eucalyptus for its protection-boosting properties and aroma, Super Neem Oil is suitable for use on leaves, stems and soil. 

$24

What is neem oil?

A naturally occurring pesticide made from seeds of the neem tree, neem oil is nature’s potent cure for hundreds of pest infestations, including common indoor plant visitors such as gnats, mites and scale.

How does neem oil work?

Neem oil is highly effective as it eradicates insects at all stages of development — adult, larvae and egg. Though neem oil is comprised of many different components, azadirachtin is the active chemical that not only smothers pests but also works as an antifeedant and regulatory hormone disruptor (in other words, it will stop bugs from eating away at your plants, stop them from growing, and stop them from reproducing).

Super Neem Oil works on hundreds of different pests, include scale pictured here on a Bird’s Nest Fern.

What makes our neem oil “super”?

With an especially high concentration of azadirachtin, it’s no surprise that our Super Neem Oil trumps the rest. Tested for its effectiveness and speed in eradicating pest infestations at all stages, Super Neem Oil is a powerful remedy to have on hand for when problems arise. After all, the next best thing to prevention is swift action.

Infused with lemon eucalyptus essential oil for a mood-boosting aroma and an extra layer of protection, Super Neem Oil is not just practical but also enjoyable to use in the home.

How to use neem oil on plants

Neem oil is incredibly simple to use! Simply spray your plant’s soil, leaves and stems once a week during infestations, or once every two to three weeks as a preventative measure. There is no need to rinse or wipe off leaves.

Keep in mind that young plants or new growth may be sensitive to neem oil. It’s best practice to do a spot check first by spraying a small area of the plant and waiting a few hours or up to one day to see how the plant reacts before moving forward.

Is neem oil safe for pets?

Neem oil is a naturally occurring product of the neem tree and is 100% safe for dogs and cats.


L’ALCHIMIE BOTANIQUE

Discover our signature line of natural plant care essentials to elevate your everyday routine.

Premium Hardwood Plant Stands

Looking for the perfect plant stand?

Give your greenery a lift with premium wood plant stands— handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces that provide a beautiful and functional way to display your plants. Heirloom quality and designed to complement any style and space, wood plant stands are the ideal accessory to give houseplants an elevated look, both literally and figuratively.

Good For You, Good for the Planet

Made with mahogany or teak wood, each stand starts with sustainably sourced plantation-grown or reclaimed lumber and is finished with non-VOC oil. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are harmful chemicals that can be released into the air and contribute to air pollution, and are all too common in the manufacturing of household items and furniture. While living greenery does much to clean the air of such toxins, let’s not make them work harder than they already do!

It’s All In the details

Our premium wood plant stands come in various sizes to accommodate different plants and planters. These stands are designed to be paired with our mid-century ceramic planters, giving your plants an elevated look and helping them stand out as a focal point in any room. Whether you have a tabletop accent plant or a large Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, there is a plant stand size that will suit your needs.

Stylish and functional, sustainable and eco-friendly, these stands are the perfect addition to any home and, paired with your favorite plant, will add a touch of natural beauty to any space.

Introducing The Easy Care Dracaena Collection

Turns out, you really can have it all. And our new Dracaena collection checks every box: a hand-picked flight of vibrantly sculptural statement plants, that just happen to be easy-care with air purifying powers to boot. 

So join us as we let the genie out of the bottle, because each of these Dracaena varieties was hand-picked to adorn your home with lush, low-maintenance style! 

Easy Care Dracaenas, At Your Service

One of the best traits of Dracaena varieties is that they are truly easy-care, because they are adaptable to varied levels of light and don’t require a study influx of bright rays. 

This makes them the perfect option for spaces that don’t receive much natural light and areas that can otherwise be difficult to adorn with living greenery, like hallways and corners. 

This family of plants also doesn’t require profuse watering. They simply need to be watered when their topsoil (the top two inches of soil below the decorative reindeer moss in your pot) are dry to the touch. It’s that simple! Water when topsoil is dry, and hold off when it is moist. This easy equation will keep your Dracaena healthy and flourishing for years to come. 

The Dracaena Air-Purifying Effect

Air purifying properties in living greenery are truly a gift from nature, and the Dracaena has this quality in spades. Not only do plants convert carbon dioxide (ew) into fresh air (ah!) through the act of photosynthesis, but indoor Dracaenas like the Dracaena Marginata also have the power to remove volatile compounds (even potentially harmful ones linked to cancer) from the air.

Airborne pollutants are no fun, and if you typically associate them with outdoor spaces and cities, you’re not alone. But benzene and formaldehyde are often found in both occupational and non-occupational indoor spaces-- even at home.

Add to that the fact that indoor plants calm the sympathetic nervous system, have a positive effect on mood and energy levels, and soothe stress, and we think you’ll agree that any space you’re in needs a Dracaena! 

Dracaena Varieties: An Abundance Of Wildly Stylish Foliage

Indoor living greenery is having a heyday-- and we are here for it! But you may feel a bit fatigued if you notice what seem to be the same plant varieties in every stylish space you enter. We’re firm proponents of the idea that all living plants make great adornments and function as fantastic decor. But if unique, frisky foliage is what you’re looking for, the Dracaena is for you. Consider the unique foliage of these Dracaena varieties:

  • Dracaena Marginata aka Dragon Tree - Long, slender striped leaves with a striking and energetic appearance

  • Dracaena Compacta aka Dracaena Janet Craig - Tightly knit tufts of waxy, emerald green leaves

  • Dracaena Lisa aka Dracaena Fragrans - Shiny lush leaves that grow to towering heights

Textural, layered, lush and deeply hued, the Dracaena plays well with any style of interior decor, from energizing a neutral palette and adding intrigue to a minimalist space, to incorporating a deeply natural, spirited jungle aesthetic to detail-oriented spaces. 


Easy Care Plants, Delivered

Beautifully potted plants, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

Introducing L'Alchimie Botanique
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At our brand’s inception, we chose to become a purveyor of premium plant sets because of our belief that gorgeous, healthy plants are the key to a transcendent indoor space: an aesthetic focal point, a source of clean air and natural detoxification, and a mood-boosting, tranquility-enhancing addition to carefully curated interiors.

Now we expand beyond the plant set, to offer a lifestyle collection of goods designed to provide a myriad of rich sensory experiences.

Introducing L’Alchimie Botanique, a line of apothecary elixirs that champion the inherent luxury of simple, natural products. We disrupt the status quo of fertilizers, insecticides and household cleaners, which often rely heavily on chemical ingredients, and offer aromas that won’t wear on your senses, as so often happens with synthetic scents. After all, nobody gets sick of the smell of an olive grove in late afternoon, a profusion of fresh lavender, or wall of undulating blossoms.

We hope you enjoy discovering this new collection as much as we enjoyed creating it, and that it not only completes but also enhances your plant's healthy diet of light, water and love.

L’Original

A natural leaf shine, insecticide and fungicide for all living plants.

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Boost Vitaminé

A specially-formulated liquid fertilizer made with nature's most potent nutrients.

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Potion Magique

A nutrient-filled foliar feed mist, with a fresh, mood-enhancing aroma.

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Introducing Luxurious Greenery for Vibrant Outdoor Spaces

New this summer, our hand-picked collection of outdoor potted plants was inspired by the tradition of Mediterranean container gardening and our personal connection to Southern California’s legendary climate. We are so excited to bring you beautiful outdoor plants that will flourish and adorn your outdoor space for years to come. Each plant is sourced from our trusted, California-based nursery partners, and nurtured from the very start for a lifetime of good health and strength. 

You don’t need ample outdoor space to enjoy the magic of watching a tree grow, thrive, and bring forth delicate foliage and glistening, colorful fruit. We’ve ensured that this pleasure is accessible to all our customers, by pairing our outdoor plants with weatherproof, hand-finished ceramic stoneware pots that are suitable for small and large spaces alike. Whether you’re decorating a small balcony or a spacious entryway, these outdoor plants are a perfect fit.

The varieties we’ve chosen for this collection are classic legacy plants, with timeless, painterly  silhouettes and the strength to thrive over years and become a part of your home’s heritage. They create enchanting focal points for the welcoming atmosphere of porches, doorways or patios, and are a natural complement to our indoor plant varieties. With their requirement for generous light, these new plant varieties are intended exclusively for outdoor placement.

The Olive Tree and Bush, Olea europaea have elegant, silvery green foliage, and are naturally both pest and drought resistant. With generous light, these varieties produce a profusion of fruit within months, featuring a classic olive flavor profile and rich in antioxidants.

The Meyer Lemon Tree and Bush, Citrus meyeri, are adorned with vibrant green foliage and emanate an enchanting, fresh citrus aroma. With ample light, and over the course of several months, these varieties push forth delicate, white blossoms and exquisite, sun-sweetened fruit. From cocktails to baked goods, you’ll always find a good use for your Meyer lemons. 

The Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, is a textural dream, with feathery, high-gloss fronds and a richly tactile, deep mahogany trunk. With their preference for indirect bright light, Sagos are well situated for outdoor areas that receive some shade. Slow growers, Sagos have been known to live for hundreds of years. 

Shop our new collection of luscious greenery for inspired outdoor spaces.

Behind The Design: Nouvelle Ceramics
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Where classic meets modern you’ll find the newest member in our family of premium ceramic planters: the Nouvelle.

Light, playful, and feminine, the Nouvelle ceramic is a fresh update on the classic bell planter shape first popularized in the 1960s. When we explored the idea of a bell-shaped planter, we looked to that decade, of course, for inspiration.

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What came to mind was both vintage and modern, playful but chic, and something of the je ne sais quoi style of 1960s Paris, a city where much of our roots lie.

But the initial sketches of Nouvelle began to tell a different story: her delicate rounded curves transported us outside the grids, chaos, and confines of urban life, and into the peaceful surroundings of southern France during that same time…

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From impromptu road trips to Saint-Tropez to sun-soaked weekend retreats in the countryside, Nouvelle was born out of the relaxed aesthetic of 1960s Mediterranean life.

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Say bonjour to the enchanting and playful Nouvelle, and discover the collection of ceramics now available with all medium plant sets.

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4 Easy Care Flowering Plants For Indoors
Flowering plants for indoors: a few of our favorite picks, and where to buy them online

Flowers or plants? Have both, with these easy care flowering plants for indoors.

There’s no denying the beauty of fresh flowers, but wouldn’t it be nice if they lasted longer than a week or two? Luckily there’s more ways than one to bring nature’s beauty into your home, and flowering plants for indoors are a great way to enjoy both fresh flowers and fresh greenery year round.

With the right care, many flowering plants can last for years and even decades, bringing fresh blooms and beauty without pause. While some flowering plants will only bloom a couple times a year while indoors, others will bloom year round with just minimal care.

At Léon & George, we also know how much you love to send plants to your loved ones near and far; after all, plants are a symbolic and attractive gift for any occasion. But sometimes the occasion calls for flowers, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce our first collection of flowering plants for indoors. Combining the ephemeral beauty of cut flowers with the enduring longevity of potted plants, we’re happy to say that you no longer have to choose!

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a gift, here are a few of our favorite flowering plants, potted in our signature handcrafted ceramic planters and acclimated for life indoors.

Queen of Spades Anthurium

Dramatic in looks yet unfussy in character, this Anthurium is a head turner to say the least. Bright light and water once a week are all this plant needs to bloom year round.

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Snowdrop Calandiva

As a member of the succulent family, it should be no surprise that the Calandiva is an incredibly hardy houseplant. With small clusters of white flowers that last 6-8 weeks, this plant generally blooms in winter and spring, though it can be easily “tricked” into blooming year round.

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Peace Lily

A popular, incredibly resilient indoor plant, the Peace Lily has lush, deep green foliage complimented by delicate white spathes, attractive flower-like leaves that can last for months.

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King of Hearts Anthurium

Bright scarlet red flowers are what make this small Anthurium the perfect alternative to a bouquet of roses. Though there is no fragrance, with bright light the plant will continuously produce fresh flowers for years to come.

Shop now →

 
Mid-Century Ceramics: Behind The Design
The Zanzibar Gem in our white mid -century ceramic with an optional wood stand.

The Zanzibar Gem in our white mid -century ceramic with an optional wood stand.

Getting to Know Our Mid-Century Ceramics

When we started Léon & George, we knew we wanted to offer not just beautiful plants, but also beautifully designed vessels as well. But finding the perfect ceramic pot was not easy. We didn’t want something that just looked good. We wanted something that would last, too— high quality, durable, and stylish enough to stand the test of time. We believe that truly great design encompasses form and function, and what we found was that many ceramic planters fail to meet both.

That’s why we decided to take things into our own hands, partnering with LBE Design to create something that met each and every one of our standards, and with that our mid-century ceramics were born. Crafted with high-fired stoneware that is both durable and 100% waterproof, our handmade mid-century ceramics are modeled after vintage designs and made to stand the test of time. We use sustainably sourced wood for our stands and reduce their environmental impact with a non-VOC natural oil finish.

Our mid-century ceramics are 100% handmade, using high-fired stoneware and sustainably sourced reclaimed wood.

Our mid-century ceramics are 100% handmade, using high-fired stoneware and sustainably sourced reclaimed wood.

A perfectly-designed pot = a happy and healthy plant.

We strive to set our plants (and customers!) up for success. We don’t want our plants to just look good— they need to feel good, too. That means our 100% waterproof ceramics are designed to fit most grow pots, allowing us to “stage” plants inside them and thus set them up for optimal health. The plant not only has sufficient room to breathe in its grow pot, but it’s also raised up inside, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Inside their decorative mid-century ceramics, our plants live in their nursery pots, allowing for better control over moisture levels, optimal root health, and easy repotting (when the time comes!). Illustration by Kailie Barnes

Inside their decorative mid-century ceramics, our plants live in their nursery pots, allowing for better control over moisture levels, optimal root health, and easy repotting (when the time comes!). Illustration by Kailie Barnes

A partnership with a purpose.

Building a socially and environmentally sustainable business is core to our values. It drives our choice to work with makers who care deeply about the materials they use and the people they employ. With LBE Design, we traveled the world to find the best partners in ceramics and wood working. We visited multiple factories, met with artisans and managers, and ultimately built relationships with the partners that aligned most with our desire for quality and opportunity for each and every employee. From the nurseries where our plants grow to the natural wood finish of each stand, our plant sets are truly made with love by mother nature and humankind. 

Our mid-century ceramics and plant stands are available for purchase here, and can be shipped nationwide!

 

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

Introducing the Scandinavian Ceramics Collection
Scandinavian ceramic design: now available with our plant & pot sets shipping nationwide!

Scandinavian ceramics have arrived.

What’s clean, airy, minimal… and cozy? Say hello to Scandinavian ceramic design, the newest collection of sleek modern planters for your indoor greenery.

What is Scandinavian design?

Scandinavian Design is a design movement that emerged in the 1950s and flourished throughout the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, & Norway) around the same time mid-century modern styles were taking hold in the United States.

It’s all in the details: Scandinavian ceramic design is all about form + function.

Marked by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, Scandinavian design brings to mind bright, airy spaces, muted tones and textures, and natural elements like stone and wood. Other features include furniture pieces with simple and clean lines, the use of white negative space, and, inspired by a deep appreciation for nature, plenty of indoor greenery.

Scandinavian ceramic design for your indoor plants

Given Scandinavian design is so deeply inspired by natural beauty, it is no surprise that this style of ceramic so wonderfully complements indoor plants. Simple, clean lines and soft, neutral colors bring out the best in the foliage of our favorite houseplants, making bright tones pop and deeper shades glow. And when it comes to Scandinavian design, form never compromises function: 100% waterproof and complete with a deep overflow saucer, they are designed for optimal health of your indoor plants.

Shop our Scandinavian ceramic design with free shipping nationwide!

Available in white or gray, to pair with any plant from our collection of medium plant & pot sets. Order online for free nationwide shipping, and bring home a piece of Scandinavian design that will inspire tranquility, upgrade your style, and above all, last a lifetime.

Remember that all Léon & George plants come with care instructions, lifetime plant doctor support, and of course — a lot of love! Learn more about who we are, and order online today!

Large Indoor Plants: Now Shipping Nationwide!
Large indoor plants online: order online and we’ll deliver!

Large indoor plants online: it’s a thing!

You asked and we answered. A curated selection of our large indoor plants is now available to order online for delivery nationwide!

Gone are the days of lugging home cumbersome plants and heavy ceramic pots. Order online and get the full set — a beautiful (and clean!) indoor floor plant paired with a stylish designer ceramic of your choice — delivered straight to your door and ready to love.

Wondering which plants we’re launching with? Check out some of our best-sellers that can now ship nationwide:

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush

Our best-seller, a structural beauty with large violin-shaped leaves.

 
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Monstera Deliciosa

Stylish and unique, and straight out of the Art Deco era.

 
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Cast Iron Plant

Low-light, low-maintenance, ultra-lush.

 
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Snake Plant

An air-purifying plant that’s as easy to care for as it is to love.

 
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Zanzibar Gem

A gorgeous plant that’s perfect for beginners.


Remember that all Léon & George plants come with care instructions, lifetime plant doctor support, and of course — a lot of love! Learn more about who we are, and order online today!

Art, Architecture, & Design: Charlotte Taylor's Reimagined Spaces
Images courtesy of Charlotte Taylor.

Images courtesy of Charlotte Taylor.

Take a peek through Charlotte Taylor’s Instagram and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of dreamy geometric buildings, playful interiors, and spaces that invite the eye to wander through them.

Combining her passion for architecture, design, and photography, London-Based artist Charlotte Taylor creates intriguing digital paintings of real and fictional spaces that, with each glance, leave us longing for more.

This month, shop a selection of her limited edition prints, exclusively at our San Francisco showroom and on our website.

 
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Indoor plants, potted & delivered.

Order online at leonandgeorge.com