Nicolas and Ron, Léon and George co-founders

When we started the idea of doing a plant business we came up with a lot of different names. For three months every week we were coming up with something new - Plant Boys, Nice Jungle, Jungle Bits, Folium 365, FoliJoy, Bay Area Plants. One name that stuck around for a bit was Forestical, but then we realized it rhymed with testicle. We were starting to feel a little hopeless since we were almost ready to open the site and wanted to begin building a brand. 

Like most startups we got started in our homes, coding on the couch, and figuring out how to take product pictures in our small spaces. Ron has a cat, her name is Léon. She was named after the character in the movie Léon: The Professional. As we set up the plants and tried to take pictures, she'd walk coyly into the shots, brush her body and tail against the pots and circle around to be the center of attention. She’d come over to snuggle every now and then and ask to have her photo taken. 

I have a parrot, a Green Cheek Conure to be exact, and his name is George. He was named after the French singer-songwriter and poet Georges Brassens. The full spelling of my bird's name is officially Georges, with an s. Unlike Léon, George didn't ask to be in the pictures, but we included him. He's just so colorful and photogenic. One time we had a Kentia Palm that we were taking pictures of and all of a sudden George started flying around the tree in circles. The wind he was making with his wings moved the palms in a way that felt like being in a jungle. It truly felt like bringing nature indoors. 

As we continued those early days in our homes, we realized our pets were an integral part of keeping us inspired and helping us build the company. So we named the company after them. Léon the cat and George the bird, officially the cutest co-founders around. 

-Nicolas

Léon and George facetime

Ah, the Kentia Palm. We love it for the effortless tropical vibe it creates, striking beauty, and easy going attitude, but yellow leaves are never fun and sadly they can be quite common on this variety. Discoloring fronds won't change back to green so you'll have to trim them off, but here are a few things that could be causing them, plus adjustments you can make to keep your palm lush and green.

Overwatering

Yellowing spots are more often than not the result of stagnant moisture in the soil, typically due to watering too much. Try drying out the soil a bit before the next watering - this could take a few weeks. If the yellowing continues, root rot may have set in. Check the soil and if there is plenty of moisture, offer your Kentia a soil change and trim damaged dark and soft roots. Healthy roots will be white and firm.

Lack of Moisture

Browning tips are typically caused by under watering, but a thirsty Kentia Palm may also show some yellowing or dying fronds. This plant loves a humid environment, so make sure to water when the top two inches of the soil are dry and add misting to your routine.

Too Much Fertilizer

Kentias are slow growers and don't require much fertilizer. If you overdo it on the fertilizer, this may cause discoloration or fertilizer burn on the leaves. Moving forward, fertilize only in the growing season (spring and summer), and never more than once a month.

Light Imbalance

Kentia Palms are prone to sunburn, so keep them out of harsh direct sunlight. Instead, try soft dappled light, indirect light, or medium light (see our light guide if you’re not sure!). Keep in mind the more light your Kentia gets, the thirstier it may be and vice versa.

A Note on Leaning

Leaning branches are common for Kentias as the fronds can get top heavy. Stake or loosely tie the branch back into place, and make sure to rotate your plant regularly for even growth on all sides.

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KENTIA PALM

With long majestic leaf fronds rising up from the bottom, the Kentia Palm is the ultimate statement plant. Surprisingly resilient and easy to care for.

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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

Gorgeously potted and delivered straight to your door, plus lifetime Plant Doctor support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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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

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime access to Plant Doctor support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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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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Indoor Plants, potted & delivered

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

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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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Indoor plants, potted and delivered.

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

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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.