You probably know me by now, but if you’ve just swooped in, I’m George: feathered co-founder of Léon & George, and resident Green-Cheeked Conure, often found tweeting! I’m always amped to celebrate Father’s Day (shoutout to my human Dad, Nico!) and this year it falls on June 20, so I’m not a moment too soon in sharing my gifting insights for this extra-special Springtime celebration. 

Without further ado, check out my shortlist of the very best Father’s Day Gifts. And shop with confidence, because all of the products listed here are sustainably crafted, friendly to Mother Earth (of course!) and sure to thrill Dad!

Incense of the West Teepee Burner 

Is there anything more nostalgic than a classic, Incense of the West terracotta incense burner? I think not. And Incense of the West’s incest is handcrafted and all-natural, so you can be sure that there’s no adverse effect on the air quality of Dad’s house (which, if it’s full of Léon and George plants, should be very clean and purified indeed!).

Druthers Organic Cotton Gradient Crew Sock

It is a truth universally acknowledged that all Dads love socks. And if you have a stylin’ Dad (or a Dad you’d love to style) you can’t go wrong with the groovy gradient of these organic cotton, vibrantly purple crew socks from NYC-based Druthers.

Left to right: House of Botanicals watering can, Incense of the West teepee burner, Léon & George Braided Money Tree

Léon & George Tiger Evergreen

We can’t get over our brand-new Tiger Evergreen. It’s so lush, so vibrant, and just so cool. Add some jungle vibrations to Dad’s man-cave with the ultimate low-maintenance, verdant Evergreen!

Juniper Ridge Coastal Pine Candle

We love Juniper Ridge. They’re Bay Area based (where our company began!) and their products are made through a painstaking process of hiking, distilling and wildcrafting. A Juniper Ridge product is always something you can feel good about buying, and their scents are bar-none exquisite: directly reminiscent and redolent of the environments in which the ingredients were hand-harvested! I recommend their Coastal Pine Candle above all, to bring to memory camping trips and walks spent with Dad.

Mollusk Scallop Trunks

Are you hitting the beach with Dad this Father’s Day? If so, don’t skimp on the trunks! These classic-cut trunks are the perfect indigo shade and trust me, they’re comfy. We love CA-based Mollusk for their nostalgic style- think Gidget, Endless Summer, etc!

Left to right: Druther’s gradient crew socks, Léon & George Tiger Evergreen, Juniper Ridge Coastal Pine candle

Léon & George Braided Money Tree  

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the best gift of all- bestower of good fortune, friend of feng shui, and, some say, a mystical catalyst for increased cash flow! It’s the large Braided Money Tree, and it’s an easy-care, low-maintenance plant that’s the perfect fit for Dad’s home or office. 

House of Botanicals Watering Can & Mister and Moisture Meter Five Pack

Like peanut butter and jelly, these gifts are best enjoyed together! The House of Botanicals Watering Can & Mister is a handy two-for-one, with a long spout for watering as well as a spray nozzle, so Dad can mist his plants to his heart’s content! Our Moisture Meter Five Packs are available in small, medium and large sizes to correspond with the size of Dad’s Léon & George plants, and they take the mystery out of any watering routine! Oh, and if Dad has run out, our Core Refill Pack includes five refills, so we’ve got him covered! 

---

George is the co-founder of Léon & George. Along with his feline business partner, Léon, he helps reconnect people with nature by offering stylish indoor greenery that fits busy lifestyles and enhances indoor spaces. George resides in Los Angeles, California, and you can find him on Twitter.

Bonjour! Léon here, dropping in from Paris to assist our American customers with the gifting occasion that can stump even the most savvy son or daughter: Mother’s Day!

In preparation for this special Spring day, I’ve curated a collection of gifts for Maman. Some of them are French (like me!) some are local to Southern California (where our headquarters resides!) and some are simply dreamy, one-of-a-kind gifts that no Mother could ever forget. (As for our plant sets, they are all three, and sure to thrill Maman’s green thumb!).

So enjoy this list, mes amies, and in case you are wondering, I will never refuse a gift of catnip, dry champagne, or a bit of ripe fromage (as a treat!).

Wary Meyers Mediterranean Fig Candle

I like this American brand, with its aesthetic so reminiscent of the 1970s. All of their candles are simply magnifique, but why not try the Mediterranean Fig Candle? It’s a vacation in a (recycled glass) jar, sure to remind Maman of that trip she took to Saint-Tropez back in the day. If you’re lucky, she might even tell you the story of what happened there!

Officine Universelle Buly Alabaster Set

Officine Universelle Buly is more than just a Parisian iconoclast (and it takes one to know one). They carry some of the most rare and luxurious home interior scents around! With a whole flock of unique fragrances from which to choose, the alabaster set is an elevated alternative to incense or diffusers. I guarantee that your Maman will be the only one on her street in possession of this olfactory treasure! (That is, until they inevitably explode in popularity).

Left to right: Officine Universelle Buly Alabaster Set, Léon & George Ruby Ficus, Olo Cedar & Rose Perfume Oil

Léon & George Ruby Ficus

Your Maman is a rare jewel, and deserving of a rare and precious gift! Treat her to the Ruby Ficus. Its sangria-hued foliage and lush texture make the Ruby Ficus truly one-of-a-kind among indoor plants. But don’t wait, readers, because this enchanting variety is Limited Edition! Paired with our hand-finished, high-fire ceramic planter and overflow saucer.

Erica Tanov Lovebird Hand Stitched Cotton Quilt 

George and I have special places in our hearts for San Francisco, and we never miss the latest release from the beloved Bay Area designer, Erica Tanov. Her cotton is as soft as a cloud, and this limited run of bedding featuring her iconic Lovebird print will sell out soon, so now is not the time to catnap! Snap up a piece of this storied textile now— it’s even available in luxe tablecloths and napkins. 

House of Botanicals Watering Can & Mister 

If your Maman is anything like mine, her mantra may be “Simplify, simplify!” And with a to-do list that’s always chock full, your mother will appreciate a treat that’s both streamlined and charming. The House of Botanicals Watering Can & Mister is available in classic black and Robin’s egg blue, and is outfitted with both a traditional spout and a spray nozzle for misting. A perfect addition to any of the plant sets that George and I have painstakingly curated for you, mes amies.

Left to right: Erica Tanov Lovebird Hand Stitched Cotton Quilt, Léon & George Zanzibar Gem, Wary Meyers Mediterranean Fig Candle

OLO Cedar & Rose Perfume Oil   

What is it about the scent of cedar that’s so... transcendent? With its dreamy accord of earthy, arboreal cedar paired with an exceptionally dewy and natural rose note, we think that OLO’s Cedar & Rose is a perfect fit for the force of nature that is Maman. 

Jungmaven Hemp Napkins and Tablecloths

J’adore Jungmaven, and their stylish and elegant hemp goods! Did you know that their hemp has been sustainably sourced by the same partners for over 20 years? Wildly (no pun intended) more sustainable than cotton, hemp is a renewable resource. The hemp-centric Jungmaven is a SoCal mainstay, and their gorgeous tablecloths and napkins make it a no-brainer to say “Environment, Je t’aime,” and choose hemp! 

Léon & George Zanzibar Gem

Get dear Maman a plant that will care for itself! And while you’re at it, why not pair it with our charming Nouvelle planter, hand-finished and made of super-strong stoneware? The Zanzibar Gem is a delight: it needs to be watered only every couple weeks (when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry) and it doesn’t have high-maintenance light requirements- simply provide it with bright-to-medium indirect light, and it will thrive. 

Léon is the co-founder of Léon & George. Along with her feathered business partner, George, she helps reconnect people with nature by offering stylish indoor greenery that fits busy lifestyles and enhances indoor spaces. Léon resides in Paris, France.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Keeping your work environment fresh and energized can be a challenge, but did you know that nature has a leafy, green solution to workplace lulls? That’s right, in addition to the list of mental and physical health benefits of indoor greenery, studies have shown that plants can promote innovation, spark ideas, and help us focus. Who knew that natural, beautiful plants could have even more benefits in store? But it’s true! Read on to learn about the plants that inspire creativity, and then add some greenery to your workplace to try for yourself!

The Fiddle Leaf Fig

What’s not to love about the gorgeously structural Fiddle Leaf Fig (ficus lyrata)? It’s no wonder why this luxurious, leafy plant is incredibly popular for homes and offices — its enormous, dramatic foliage and pencil-thin trunk bring us a sense of wonder, calm, and happiness simply by gazing at it.

The Magenta Triostar

The Magenta Triostar (stromanthe sanguinea triostar) is a true work of art by Mother Nature herself. With beautiful foliage that appears hand-painted, it’s no surprise that this plant inspires feelings of creativity and growth.

The Dracaena Compacta

A unique plant reminiscent of the truffula trees appearing in Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, the Dracaena Compacta (dracaena fragans ‘Janet Craig’), sometimes referred to as the JC Compacta has ample, emerald foliage, and a stylish laddered structure that sparks our creativity, all while it cleans our air. That’s right! This stunning plant is a natural air purifier.

The Pilea Peperomiodes

The Chinese Money Plant (pilea peperomiodes) is one of the best desktop plants for your office or workspace. Not only is it incredibly easy to grow, but it also inspires us with the unique, globe-like shape it takes on as it matures. It may look like this plant is straight from Mars, but it actually hails from the Chinese Himalayan mountains, and apart from growing like a weed, is very easy to propagate and pass on to friends!

Of course, plants don’t only inspire creativity. They also clean our air, promote feelings of well-being and happiness, and beautify just about any space: offices and workspaces included! What are your favorite plants to have in your workspace? Let us know by commenting below!

---

Easy Care Office Bundle

A curated set of office plants, delivered straight to your door. Our Easy Care Office Bundle was designed with workspaces in mind and is an easy way to bring instant, thriving life into your place of work.

SHOP NOW

The best easy-care plants for your office, including this adorable Zanzibar Gem.

It’s no secret that working around plants is good for us. From cleaning our air to boosting our productivity, indoor greenery is much more than just a “nice to have” office perk.

But what happens when the office has limited to no sunlight, or when none of the team feels confident in keeping the office plants alive? Cue in easy care plants for the office, the ultimate indestructible beauties that even the blackest of thumbs can handle. Read on to learn about some of our favorite easy care office plants for your workspace!

Large Office Plants

Looking for something low maintenance but high impact? Here are some of our top selling, low maintenace tall plants for the office:

Dracaena Lisa

The Dracaena Lisa is one of the easiest large plants to care for. This member of the Dragon Tree family is known for its resilience in the face of neglect and low light, and also does a wonderful job cleaning the air.

Shop now →

Cast Iron Plant

An indoor plant that thrives in dark, drafty corners, the Cast Iron Plant is one tough cookie, earning its name from the sheer resilience of its fronds. This plant simply requires a bit of water once a week, but otherwise and with minimal care will survive and thrive for many, many years to come.

Shop now →

Snake Plant

One of the best air-purifiers out there, the Snake Plant is a wonderfully indestructible office plant that can withstand weeks without watering and can also adapt to just about any light environment, from low-light to direct sun.

Shop now →

Silver Evergreen

Looking for something that can survive in the absolute dark and also has unique, variegated foliage? The Silver Evergreen is an easy care plant with beautiful multi-colored leaves.

Shop now →

Dragon Tree

With the ability to reach over eight feet tall indoors, it’s no wonder the Dragon Tree is such a popular statement plant for offices! Adaptable to various lighting scenarios and requiring just an ocassional watering and pruning, the Dragon Tree is a great plant for any office.

Shop now →

Dracaena Compacta

A tall yet narrow slow grower, the Dracaena Compacta requires almost no maintenance and is the perfect choice for smaller spaces and tighter corners

Shop now →

Léon & George offers easy care plant bundles for offices, including this five piece set delivered directly to your (office) door!

Easy Care Office Plants for Desks

There’s nothing better than working with a leafy companion by your side, and even better when it’s always glowing and making you look like the office green thumb! Here are some fabulous desk plants that are incredibly easy to take care of in almost any environment:

Braided Money Tree

Given their reputation as bearers of good luck and wealth, it’s no surprise that the Braided Money Tree is a popular plant for offices! This adorable bonsai sits perfectly on a desk and will hopefully bring good luck at work, too.

Shop now →

Zanzibar Gem

For care-takers that often forget to water, the Zanzibar Gem is the perfect plant. This plant stores water in its roots, which means it can go over a month without any water. It can also survive in low light, though it will grow much faster in bright indirect light.

Shop now →

The Zanzibar Gem, the perfect little desk plant.

Parlor Palm

Craving a dose of tropics while you work? The Parlor Palm is a miniature palm that brings all the vacay vibes to any space it graces. Adaptable to low light and requiring regular watering, this perfect pick-me-up is a great choice.

Shop now →

Cascading Pothos

If you’re looking for a fast-growing plant that will literally remind you when to water, the Cascading Pothos is your best bet. These plants need nothing more than water once every week or so, and will start to shrivel when they get extra thirsty. Worry not! Water this plant and watch it within hours spring back to life.

Shop now →

Get Your Office Plants Delivered

The easiest way to spruce up your office with living greenery? Get it delivered! Léon & George makes it easy to bring beautifully potted plants into any space, and with on-going care tips and lifetime Plant Doctor support, it’s even easier to keep them glowing over time.

---

INDOOR PLANTS, potted & DELIVERED

Green up your office with curated plant selections and stylish ceramics. Simply order online and we’ll deliver.

SHOP NOW

Buying plants for your home isn’t always as simple as it seems. Which plants will look good in your space, and more importantly, which ones will thrive? And once you’ve narrowed down your selection, how do you get them home? Needless to say, finding the time and energy to get beautiful greenery can be overwhelming.

But lucky for you, times have changed. Gone are the days of spending a sunny Saturday under the fluorescent lights of a crowded Home Depot, sifting through picked over plants and ugly pots and then lugging it all home. Nowadays, there’s a new way to shop for houseplants, and you can do it all with just a few clicks from home. At Léon & George, we make it simple for you to find, customize, and purchase your dream plants, elevating and improving your indoors with zero stress along the way. If you’re a newbie to houseplants, or you’ve simply never bought plants online, here are a few things to know.

Where to buy plants online

There are several things to look for when researching reputable online plant shops. First and foremost, look at reviews to see what other people have experienced in terms of plant quality, packaging, and customer service. Live plants are perishable products, and real customer reviews help you understand how seriously a company takes shipping these sometimes delicate items. Keep in mind that when it comes to buying plants online, you often get what you pay for, so make sure to check your plants are guaranteed. All Léon & George plants are insured for their journey to you, and also come with a 45 day guarantee in case they don’t adjust well to their new environment.

@nicoleaubreyart

Choosing the perfect plant online

One of the perks of when you buy plants online is that you can painlessly get an idea of which plants will work well in your space (and which won’t!). On the Léon & George website, you can easily filter by size, light requirements, and care levels. If you’re still not sure which plants to get, simply email us with a few pictures and a plant stylist will send you tailored recommendations for your space. Our blog also serves as a wealth of resources, with everything from plant care guides to design inspiration and more. Looking for the perfect plant for your bathroom? What about the bedroom? Browse around and see which plant speaks to you!

Choosing a planter online

Finding the perfect planter can be tough. As a start, it’s crucial that your planter has proper drainage, the key to a healthy and happy plant. You’ll also want to make sure it’s the right size, as planters that are too big can lead to weak root systems and sad looking plants.

There are hundreds of places to find planters online, but we decided to do that work for you. Once you’ve chosen your plant, simply select the pot style you like best and we’ll put it all together for you. It’s plant shopping for the 21st century, and we promise you’re going to love it! Our timelessly designed planters and wood stands are handmade by artisan ceramists and woodworkers, and made to beautify not just the home you live in now, but the home you might. In short, they’re made to last.

Ordering & delivery: what to expect

You may be wondering how plants are safely shipped from the greenhouse to your home. We ship nationwide (as well as France, Belgium, and Luxembourg!), and no matter where you are, we guarantee that your plant will arrive in pristine condition. Here's what happens when you order a houseplant online:

• The plant is personally selected by a member of our prep team. While each plant can vary in size and shape (no two plants are the same!), we make it a priority to select only plants that closely match what you see on our website in size and shape.

• We clean, trim, and shine each and every leaf so that it arrives to you glowing, ready to love.

• We fit and pot your plant to the ceramic planter you’ve selected, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.

• We carefully wrap and package your plant set in a highly customized, innovative box, and ship it via UPS.

• Once it’s in transit, it usually only takes a few days to arrive. Unboxing is easy, and your plant will come with simple care instructions to keep it looking great over time.

Greenery to feel good about

Beautiful plants have a big impact in improving our homes and our health. But what if they could do more? Choosing to shop from reputable online plant stores that give back to their communities is a great way to make your dollar count. That’s why with every plant sold we support various initiatives that we believe bring positive lasting impact to society.

Plus, ever wonder why houseplants are so cheap at big box retailers like Home Depot and Lowes? Read more about why shopping at these stores both on and offline hurts the people who work to nurture and grow our favorite plants.

Keep growing along the way

So you’ve ordered plants online, and you love how beautiful they look in your space. But what next? Your plant will need a bit of TLC to thrive, but don’t worry, we promise it’s simple (and guarantee it’s rewarding!). All Léon & George plants come with simple care instructions as well as lifetime plant care support with our digital plant doctor service. Our blog also has many resources for the curious new plant parent.

If you want to know more about what customers think about Léon & George, check out our reviews and see what they’re saying!

Say hello to the new way of plant shopping. Buying plants online at Léon & George is not only easier, faster and more convenient—it’s also a lot more inspiring, too!

In the mood for some fun plant-related activities to do with kids? We tapped into our resident super mom, Léon & George France operations manager, and creative craft project extraordinaire, Angèle, for some inspiration and ideas she’s either tested out or are on her list to try with her daughter at home.

According to Angèle, you don’t need to be a Pinterest expert, nor do you need special materials beyond what you might find around the house. Above all, she says, “keep things simple, let nature inspire, and voilà! You’ve got activities to keep your kids curious for weeks!” Read on for a handful of different plant-related activities to do at home with (or without!) children.

Build a (paper) cactus garden

Having a cactus in the house is probably not a reality for most parents with young children. But a cactus that doesn’t stick?! These adorable paper cacti are not only fun to make but look great on any shelf (and need even less care than real ones!).

Angèle’s daughter, Michelle, watering her sprouted sunflower seeds.

Sprout seedlings

A classic tried and true home experiment, starting a seedling project with seeds or beans takes almost no time yet will fill subsequent days and weeks with wonder as your kids check in with their mini gardens (I have my daughter document their progress each day with a drawing!).

Construct origami plants and flowers

For older school-age children (and us adults!), making origami is not only a fun way to pass the time but also incredibly therapeutic. I’ll admit there are some relatively complicated patterns out there, but for the difficult ones I have my daughter decorate the paper and I construct. A few of my favorites are the plant seedling, lavender flowers, and Elephant’s Ear.

Make simple macrame hanging planters

Have some rope or yarn lying around the house? This simple pattern for a macrame hanging planter is a unique way to let your kids display their favorite indoor plants with something they made on their own.

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

This paper sprouts! Tutorial + photo by alphamom.com

Make plantable paper

We all know that the best projects are the messiest ones. Let your kids enjoy the truly hands-on nature of making their own plantable paper—and then use it to send letters to all their loved ones!

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

Press flowers for bookmarks

Another classic activity with plants, teach your children the beauty of pressing and conserving flowers, and use them to make an art project like a bookmark or a letter.

Practice still life drawing with plants

The basics of still life drawing are accessible to children of all ages. Use the plants around your home to inspire a quiet drawing session (and play the Léon & George Sounds of Nature playlist to really set the mood while you do it!).

What are your favorite activities to do with plants and children? Let us know in the comments!

---

Meet Angèle

Angèle is the Operations Manager of Léon & George France, and has been helping bring plants and people together in France, Belgium and Luxembourg since 2018. Follow Léon & George Europe on Instagram!

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Brittany Gowan leads mindfulness workshops Pause With Plants.

It’s no secret that plants are good for us. But what happens when we are truly cognizant of their powerful effects?

Brittany Gowan, founder of Pause With Plants, might have the answer. Combining both her passion for greenery (see her Instagram @IHaveThisThingWithUrbanJungles) and a background in psychology and executive coaching, she leads mindfulness, movement, and meditative practices that connect us to nature. We asked her a few questions about Pause With Plants, why greenery is so important for our wellbeing, and how we can lower our levels of stress with the help of our leafy friends.

---

What are the origins of Pause with Plants? Where did you come up with the idea?

As a long-time New Yorker I attribute my love of, and longevity in, city life to the intentional daily practice of connecting with the natural world. In the rush of the busy city, I take time to "pause" with nature as a way to practice self-care and focus on my well-being. In 2018, I gave this practice a name and founded Pause with Plants to connect people with the natural world, elevate personal well-being and encourage collective environmental action. My work is centered around the belief that we all can breathe in nature and breathe out stress.

“My work is centered around the belief that we all can breathe in nature and breathe out stress,” explains Gowan.

Where do the worlds of nature and psychology intersect?

Nature and psychology meet at many intersections. Psychology studies how our minds work and how our behavior is influenced by people, situations and environments. To be well in mind and body, it helps to interact with natural environments. Exposure to nature is proven to have significant psychological benefits, supporting positive self-awareness and mental health. The more we draw parallels between nature and psychology and teach what specifically happens when we connect with greenery, the more people will activity seek out nature to support their mental and physical health.

Why is it important to incorporate nature into our daily routines?

By incorporating plants and nature into daily life we gain the opportunity to stay connected to the calming qualities of the natural world in all settings. Being in the presence of greenery serves as a powerful wellness tool, helping to relieve stress and anxiety, boost our mood and increase positivity.

Bringing plants into our homes and tending to their needs so they can grow and thrive can translate into increased gratitude, compassion and serve as a rewarding act of self-care.

Mindfulness has essentially become mainstream over the last few years. What is your definition of mindfulness, and why is it important to practice?

I define mindfulness as in the moment, non-judgmental awareness. Through the conscious act of mindfulness, we can see ourselves, others, settings and situations more clearly and respond more thoughtfully. Awakening our senses and focusing our intention to stay in the present can benefit our mental, physical and emotional well-being.

“As a long-time New Yorker I attribute my love of, and longevity in, city life to the intentional daily practice of connecting with the natural world.”

What are some tips you have for keeping our stress levels down at work?

We can get in a routine of taking shallow breaths, not fully breathing in and letting it go slowly out. I encourage the people I work with to practice intentional deep breathing while focusing on being in the present moment. Not ruminating about the past or what is yet to come. While you breathe, bring to mind a natural scene or if you have plants or nature in view, focus your gaze on greenery during this exercise. The daily practice of breathing for stress management is a great way to increase calm and the mind/body connection. 

I also teach the value of movement and the importance of stepping away from your desk for a quick walk outside and engaging in whatever nature is available. Also, doing some light stretching is a great way to reconnect with yourself, align your mind and body, and release stress.

You do a lot of corporate workshops. What does one of these typical workshops look like? 

A Pause with Plants workshop typically runs 1-hour and is interactive, experiential and collaborative. Employees learn and practice the Pause with Plants Method to breathe in nature and breathe out stress. Through exercises to connect, move and meditate, these workshops provide tools for sustainable nature-centered stress management and well-being.  

Research from my Applied / I-O Psychology Msc and NYU Professional Coaching Certification and experiences in mindfulness exercises, teaching and team building are woven into each Pause with Plants workshop.

You’re also the human behind @IHaveThisThingWithUrbanJungles. What spurred the start that project?

@IHaveThisThingWithUrbanJungles started in 2017 out of my love for plants and nature in urban settings, and connecting nature to wellness. I really enjoy sharing my favorite nature-in-the-city spots with all the plant people on Instagram. I also wanted to share other people's nature photos to celebrate our online community, as well as inspiring collective environmental awareness through the words in my post captions.

Any notable urban jungles you’ve discovered along the way?

I'm partial to all the unique pieces of nature that make up our urban jungle of New York City, especially the West Village but I also love where nature and city life combine in cities like Rome, Paris and Istanbul.

---

About Brittany

Brittany Gowan is a nature girl in an urban world and the founder of Pause with Plants. The mission of Pause with Plants is to teach and empower all people to integrate nature-focused self-care and wellness into their lives. Though accessible mindfulness, movement and meditative practices that connect us to the Earth, Pause with Plants elevates healthy living and inspires collective environmental action.

Brittany's Instagram accounts @Ihavethisthingwithurbanjungles and @PausewithPlants, combine her background in athletic and executive coaching, MSc psychology and mindfulness practices to show how to stay in the moment with the natural world.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Owning houseplants can be a little complicated for those of us with pets or children in the house. Is this plant toxic? And what happens if my pet (or child!) consumes it? Should I only have non-toxic plants in the house? These are questions that our customers ask all the time, and we’re excited to shed some light on myths around pets and plants, as well as share some of our best-selling pet-safe plants!

Pet Safe Houseplants

Before we get to which indoor plants are safe for pets, it’s important to understand the definition of “unsafe”. Many common houseplants are labeled as toxic to pets and humans, but that can be a bit misleading.

Why? That’s because most indoor plants that are not considered safe for pets will only cause minor irritation if consumed, and in the majority of cases, only if consumed in vast quantities. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center actually classifies houseplants into three groups based on their toxicity levels, which are outlined below.

The Monstera Deliciosa is a perfect example of a mildly toxic plant that is probably just fine to have in the home with pets.

Mildly toxic plants

Mildly toxic plants may cause minor irritation of the skin or mouth or gastrointestinal distress if consumed. Depending on your situation (i.e. older children, or a pet that seems uninterested in your houseplants), mildly toxic plants are probably just fine to have in the home.

A few plants that are mildly toxic include

• Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Spider Plant

• Pothos

• Silver Evergreen

Moderately toxic plants

Moderately toxic plants can cause more severe gastrointestinal problems or skin irritation. That said, many toxic plants are also often unpleasant to taste, so even if your child or pet does eat or chew on a piece of the plant, they probably won’t consume much of it.

Some plants in this category include:

• Dracaena Compacta

• Dragon Tree

• Jade plant

Highly toxic plants

Some plants can cause liver or kidney failure or even seizures, particularly in cats. There are not many common houseplants in this category, but one we often see is the Sago Palm.

Non-toxic plants

If for whatever reason you are worried about your pets or children consuming large amounts of indoor plants, your safest bet may be to avoid toxic plants all together (or place them out of reach). Below are some of our favorite easy to care for and 100% pet safe houseplants!

Parlor Palm

An instant miniature jungle, the adorable pet-safe Parlor Palm is also an excellent air-purifying plant.

Shop now →

Braided Money Tree

For those in search of a real indoor tree, the Braided Money Tree is not just pet-safe but also a bearer of good luck!

Shop now →

Cast Iron Plant

For a pet-friendly plant as hardy as it is beautiful, try the Cast Iron Plant (it gets its name for a reason!).

Shop now →

Calathea Medallion

A colorful member of the prayer plant family, the Calathea Medallion is a beautiful, pet-safe addition to any home. In fact, all prayer plants are considered pet-friendly!

Shop now →

Bird’s Nest Fern

Bright, low maintenance, and 100% non-toxic, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a leafy beauty that loves shade and plenty of humidity.

Shop now →

Kentia Palm

A true statement plant, pets will love living in their indoor jungle with the Kentia Palm.

Shop now →

This list is far from exhaustive, but we’ve found them to be some of the most popular pet safe houseplants among our customers. Find our full collection of pet friendly plants here.

The main takeaway

Just because a plant is toxic does not necessarily mean it’s dangerous, especially depending on who may or may not be chewing on them! All the same, stay on the safe side and always check first before introducing a new plant variety to your home.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

The benefits of plants are many.

They not only clean our air, help us concentrate at work, and spark our sense of creativity, but they also have incredibly powerful benefits for the mind, body and soul. Wondering how? As it turns out, it’s pure science, and part of human nature. Here are just a few therapeutic benefits of indoor plants.

They work as natural anti-stressors

Over the years, science has proven that working with plants lowers our cortisol levels: whether you are tending to your outdoor garden or your indoor greenery, contact with nature to any extent helps us feel more relaxed and at ease in our environment. Take this study, for example, which compared groups of people working with a computer versus working with (namely, repotting) indoor plants. Those tasked with the plants felt more comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings than those who worked on the computer.

They can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression

Tending to plants reminds us of our connection to nature, and this connection can help us better see things in a “big picture” kind of way. Furthermore, there is a physiological link between nature and our cerebral activity— in one such study, participants who walked through the woods experienced lower levels of rumination and reduced activity in areas of the brain associated with mental illness. By mimicking the outdoors in our indoor spaces, we may achieve similar effects.

They literally make us feel good

Did you know that merely touching the soil of a plant can release serotonin in our brain? It’s true — plant soil contains a certain bacteria that acts in similar ways to many prescription anti-depressants — studies have shown that touching soil can release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in the brain.

They reduce background noise

City life giving you the blues? It’s no wonder why. Background and traffic noise is one of the primary sources of stress for many urban dwellers, even though they may not even be aware of it. But the good news? Indoor plants can help. Plants, particularly those with large leaves, reduce background noise and make our urban homes just a little more pleasant.

They are beautiful

No one can argue against the beauty of nature, and perhaps this beauty is part of what we find so calming, nurturing, and fulfilling about it. Simply imagine yourself in a stark indoor setting versus one with lush indoor greenery? As human nature has it, we’d almost always go with the latter.

So what are you waiting for? Add some greenery to your life and enjoy the myriad of benefits that come with it.

---

INDOOR PLANTS, potted & DELIVERED

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

SHOP NOW