A fast grower that's easy to care for, the Pothos is known as the perfect plant for beginner green thumbs. Here are the most common characteristics that might cause new pothos parents worry. 

Yellow & brown leaves

Finding the right light/water balance for pothos is as easy as it gets in the houseplant world. Yellow leaves = too much water, brown leaves = too little. Snip off any discolored leaves, adjust your watering amount, and your plant should make a full recovery.

Limping

If the vines are looking limp and less perky, your plant may not be retaining the water it needs. Soak the bottom of the plant in an inch of water, allowing it to drink through the holes in the bottom of its pot. Within 24-36 hours you should see the vines perk back up with life and fullness. 

Slow growth

While the pothos can sustain lower light areas, it won't grow as fast, and in some cases not at all, without proper light. If you're aiming for that sweet jungalow look with vines that can trail up to 10ft in length, keep your pothos in a room with bright indirect light. 

Varieties of Pothos

Available in a range of colors and patterns, keep in mind that the variegated species with touches of yellow and cream grow slower and need more light than their fully green cousins. The green surfaces of the leaves are responsible for photosynthesis and if there's less green covering the leaf area, more sunlight is needed to keep your plant looking its best.

Here are some of the most popular varieties of Pothos:

• Cascading Pothos

• Jade Pothos

• N’Joy Pothos

• Marble Queen Pothos

• Golden Pothos

• Neon Pothos

• Silver Satin Pothos

• Manjula Pothos

• Glacier Pothos

• Hawaiian Pothos

• Snow Queen Pothos

• Jessenia Pothos

• Silver Splash Pothos
  

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THE CASCADING POTHOS

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Did you know that Léon & George plant purchases come with lifetime access to real-life, expert Plant Doctors? Here are the top three questions our customers are asking, questions that may have been on your own list!

• I have direct light, is that good? What does bright light mean? - Direct light is wonderful, but for indoor plants, only a few can handle the intensity from uncovered South or West facing windows (ex. Snake Plants, Bird of Paradise). Bright indirect light for indoor plants is ideally a spot that is 1-3 feet away from a window. Check out our light guide for indoor plants to better understand the differences between direct light, indirect light and low light!

• I should fertilize, right? What brand of fertilizer do you recommend? - Fertilizer is like a vitamin supplement for your plant babies, and should be measured carefully. Feed your plants about two times per month during spring & summer to give them more energy for growing, and, if using a gentle fertilizer, reduce to just one time per month in the fall and winter. Our liquid plant food, Boost Vitaminé, is an excellent choice for all indoor plants, as it’s all natural, made with just four ingredients, and gentle enough to use year round.

• My plant has minor brown spots/holes. Is that bad? - Typically, no! Plants are living organisms with natural imperfections, just like us. Each plant will grow in its own manner and not always have perfect leaves and vines. Minor brown spots and holes are natural - we like to think of them as freckles. If you notice substantial browning, holes or leaf drop, then this could be a sign of needing to adjust your care. The first things to check are watering habits, sun exposure, and pest infestation. 

What are your biggest questions about plants and their care? If you’re a Léon & George plant parent, sign into your account to get in touch with our Plant Doctors today!

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THE NEW STANDARD FOR PLANTS

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Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming - photo by the National Forest Foundation

It’s #GivingTuesday.

Since Day 1 of Léon & George, we've contributed a portion of our sales to fight deforestation and protect natural habitats. Giving Tuesday is a national day of generosity and today we're ramping up our support for the causes we care about.

As part of our commitment to building a socially conscious business, we do our best to limit our impact on the environment—which includes everything from sourcing locally grown plants to using upcycled packaging materials to limit waste. However, we know that as we grow the business, we have to do even more to offset our carbon footprint and support a healthy climate for all.

More than one million acres of National Forests are in need of reforestation. And thanks to our plant-loving customers, Léon & George has helped plant over 5,000 trees as a small business partner to the National Forest Foundation.

Why now?

Our commitment to reforestation has never been more vital than it is today. The California wildfires have had devastating effects on our communities and our climate.

But the simple act of planting a tree really can make a difference. Restoring new growth has regenerating effects that impact all our lives for the better. It's estimated that one tree can absorb 1 ton of CO2 in its lifetime (about 50 pounds annually). On top of that, trees help sustain natural ecosystems and scenery, and in our cities, they bring life to our sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds.

Join us

This Giving Tuesday, we’re tripling our contributions as a way to support the thousands of plant species that call forests home.

Today, for every plant sold we'll plant not one but THREE trees in National Forests. We hope you will join us, or any cause today that speaks to you.

"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
― Warren Buffett

On the brink of Halloween, a group of wild and curious plant lovers gathered at our urban greenhouse for an evening of storytelling and science. At part two of our new discussion series, we dove into the world of supernatural plant powers, how they communicate with each other, animals, and us.

Thank you to the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory for lending plants for our learning, and to Standard Wines for keeping our night classy.

A new educational series setting out to demystify the most illusive secrets of how plants live and love. Plants are living beings, just like us—and there's nothing secretive about them! They actually make their needs known in very overt ways. Spend an interactive evening in our urban greenhouse and we guarantee you'll learn something new. Space is limited so reserve your spot early!

PART I: PLANTS ARE JUST LIKE US - RSVP
Thursday, September 27, 7pm-8:15pm 
You might think your houseplant is just an inanimate object sitting in the corner… but it's truly living and breathing! At this series premiere, we’ll explore how plant behavior and survival mimics our own, and how we're not so different after all. Participate in a mini-propagation activity and take home a new plant baby of your own!

PART II: SUPERNATURAL PLANT STORIES - RSVP
Thursday, October 25, 7pm-8:15pm 
Plants communicate with the world around them to accomplish some supernatural, superpowered stuff. Come hear the most outlandish plant stories—the good, the bad, and the spooky!

PART III: PLANTS & PEOPLE BELONG TOGETHER - RSVP
Thursday, November 15, 7pm-8:15pm 
Take care of your houseplants, and they'll return the favor. Your plants can help you breathe better, feel better, and live better. We'll explore the many reasons we're thankful for the way plants enrich our lives (and spruce up our style).

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About our professor

A native of New York City, Emily Bick is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Davis. She received her bachelor's degree in entomology from Cornell University and her master's degree in entomology from UC Davis. She is a Board-Certified Entomologist, specializing in medical and plant entomology. Her work has focused on leveraging entomological knowledge to best benefit people, and developing practical solutions for invasion biology of urban forests. Emily holds a national Linnaean Games championship title and is delighted to list “published theater critic” to her resume.

More about Emily:

https://entomologytoday.org/2018/05/21/entomologist-review-an-entomologists-love-story/
http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=28047

These plants had a blast partying this past weekend! We enjoyed meeting so many new plant lovers and the dance party Salt-N-Pepa threw right in front of our tent! Can't wait till next year!

Did you know that your houseplants might benefit from listening to music? That’s right, they’re not just sitting there looking pretty, but they also apparently like listening to music just as much as you do.

But why do houseplants like to listen to music? Though there are many schools of thought, given plants are living beings, it’s no surprise they they’re quite sensitive to their environment. They respond to stimuli such as light, temperature, and even sound. Yes, you heard that right, plants can hear, though maybe not in the traditional sense of the word! Research has shown that plants can detect vibrations and frequencies, which can affect their growth and development.

So, what kind of music do houseplants prefer? While they don't have the ability to hum along to their favorite songs, some studies have shown that plants respond well to classical and instrumental music, while others found that they responded best to heavy metal!

Not only does music have a calming effect on plants, but it can also help them grow. Studies have shown that plants exposed to music tend to grow faster and larger than those that aren't. This is believe to be due to the vibrations from the music, which can stimulate the plant's cells and increase photosynthesis. Furthermore, playing music for your houseplants can also help keep pests away.

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The Pink Rubber Tree gets some much needed support!

Like us, sometimes our houseplants need a little extra support. If your plant has stems that look to be leaning, give them something to cling to! Follow these simple plant staking steps to straighten out your greens.

1. Measure the length from the base of the soil to the top of your plant. Add a few inches to allow room for growth.

2. Cut a bamboo stake to match this length.

3. Insert stake into the soil at least 2 inches away from the base of your plant and at least 2-3 inches deep. Ensure the stake is sturdy.

4. Tie the stem of your plant to the stake using flexible materials such as nylon, wool, or twine.

5. Monitor your plant’s growth every 2 weeks and check that the stems have wiggle room. You want to guide your plant’s growth in the proper direction without being forceful. Add additional ties as needed.

Need additional help caring for your greens? We can help! Feel free to email us anytime: plantdoctor@leonandgeorge.com  

Insects can be a real pain for us and our houseplants. Whether they come in from outside and make homes on our plants or they develop on our greens over time, here are some tricks that can help you prevent and cope with pests.

pest prevention on houseplants

Here are some tips to help you get ahead of the problem:

• A houseplant that is stressed from inadequate light is more likely to develop insect problems than one that is growing steadily so make sure your plant is getting the light that suits its needs.

• Dust can attract insects and harbor pests like spider mites so wash leaves regularly to prevent the build-up of dust and dirt.

• Check for signs of insects with each watering because the earlier you catch any pest issues, the better chance you’ll have of controlling them.

• Herbal spray - if you aren't familiar, herbal foliar feed often has pest repellent essential oils that will do a great job keeping pests away. Check out Potion Magique, a specially formulated foliar feed and pest control.

• Soap - mild soaps act as a natural insect deterrent. Organic Black Olive Oil Spray is a great way to keep plants not only glowing but also pest-free over time.

Treatment of pests

If you've missed the warning signs and find yourself dealing with a pest issue, try some of these tips:

• Get a bottle of Super Neem Oil and douse away. Neem oil is an all-natural, powerful pesticide that smothers insects at all stages of development, from larvae to adult.

• Squish or wipe away small insects and webs with a damp cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution (e.g. standard dish soap).

• Shower your houseplants in your sink or tub with lukewarm water - this will disturb any insects that have taken home on your plants and will flush out their soil of build-up and residue.

• Prune affected leaves or branches to contain the pest problem from spreading.

*Protip: Push a clove of garlic into the plant’s soil, the smell will dissipate but will still be active enough to keep bugs away!

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Sometimes you just want that in real life experience before buying online. Other than our Sunday shops this Spring, you can also check out our plants #IRL in the latest Spring collection at Batch! 

Photo by Batch

Batch is a thoughtfully curated selection of up-and-coming products and innovative online brands. They have a stylish, stunning showroom that allows you to browse these pieces in a beautifully crafted setting.

Now through May you can pop in and shop their pink paradise! Along with many of our gorgeous greens, you'll also find other incredibly creative brands and interior decor options. 

Photo by Batch

 

Want to check it out for yourself?

Batch is housed in an historic 1916-era firehouse, and they’ve gone to great lengths to preserve, restore, or re-use its original features.

We'll be featured in this space until May 26th, so don't miss it!

Visit 1648 Pacific Ave in SF and get your pink on!

Also, be sure to follow @leonandgeorge and @visitbatch on IG to stay in the know about any upcoming events.

No season calls for change quite like spring, and along with it we’ve decided to open our doors to Bay Area residents who’d like to meet our plants in person… To put it simply, we’re open!

This spring, come visit Léon & George on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm and have a look around our urban greenhouse. Immerse yourself in a jungle of fiddle leaf figs, marvel at the beauty of our 6-feet-tall cacti, or just take a deep breath of that ultra-clean, earthy air. In addition to the plants seen on our website, we will also have plenty of in-person-only deals! Whether you’re in the market for some leafy greens or just enjoying a beautiful San Francisco Sunday in the Mission, all are welcome to drop by!

Mark it down in your calendar:

• Sundays from 12pm-4pm @ 3465 Cesar Chavez St

• Wide selection of plants and pots as seen on website

• Limited edition pots available in person only

• Special deals! Discounted prices on cosmetically challenged plants (also available in person only)

• Take home immediately or opt for delivery to your front door

Stay tuned by RSVPing on Facebook. Hope to see you there!

Photo cred: Patina Studios

Capturing the pulse of LA and simplifying it down to just a few adjectives is an impossible task (which is also what makes it magical). Los Angeles is as classic as it is wild, and is a city iconic for being both timeless and trendy all in one. 

At Léon & George, we love keeping up with and getting ahead of interior styles –– especially styles that truly encapsulate the essence of our home state of California! As we head into spring, we felt it fitting to capture everything that inspires ‘Lush Living’ –– a SoCal-infused style concept that runs parallel to the interior trends of recent years. Here are our own tips for creating this ornately lavish look in your space!

The Style

Somewhere between boho and mid-century, Lush Living brings outdoor LA vibes in! Using the paradise feels of Rodeo Drive and Venice Beach as its muse, this lush look can be accomplished by mixing a gorgeous palette of contrasting colors, textures, and living elements. Extracting pale pinks from LA's cotton candy skies and the stark, saturated greens from its overarching palm trees, lush living is not only stylish, but it’s also punchy and impactful. And what’s more is it’s easy to emulate as any blush + botanical pairings in a concentrated space can truly establish this look and feel!

Photo cred: Léon & George, Large Zanzibar Gem

How to do it

Texture plays a massive role in creating this look. When choosing fabrics and furniture, consider velvet or velour (that’s right, think 90s revival!). Mid-century modern pieces also go hand-in-hand with this style, and the simple lines, stark edges, and acorn wood coloring will round out any space in a timeless and elegant manner.

Like most styles, color is extremely important. Rich green and pale pink palettes are a great place to start, adding accent items like pillows, rugs, throws, or coffee table reads to your already existing decor.

Photo cred: Léon & George, Elephant's Ear

Even further, the best way to accomplish deep, rich, textured greens in your space is by adding beautiful botanicals. No matter what plants you choose as your statement pieces, all of them will help accomplish this look.

Our plant stylists recommend large-leafed plants like the Bird of Paradise, Monstera Deliciosa, and Fiddle Leaf Fig to create those jungle-like feels, or for a more boho look, the Desert Cactus, Snake Plant, or Zanzibar Gem. The natural greens that indoor plants provide are a vital element of lush living. Don’t be afraid to go overboard either! After all, there is no such thing as too many plants.

In love with Lush Living vibes? Share yours with us by tagging us on Instagram: @leonandgeorge

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

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