Photo: Architectural Digest

A monthly round-up of what we’re reading in the world of plant styling, interior design, and more.

---

Is there any better time than now to stay indoors? The holidays are long gone, our new year’s resolutions are under way, and we’re catching up on that much-needed rest time after an ambitious start to the year. It’s the season of nesting, and allowing ourselves a bit of hibernation and relaxation is necessary! So curl up in your favorite corner with a cozy blanket and a warm beverage of choice and indulge in the great indoors. Here, a bit of reading material (and eye candy) while you do:

1. Inspiration from the silver screen

   With news of the Oscars buzzing, we couldn’t help but get inspired by happenings on the silver screen, like the gorgeous mid-century gem in Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite (which we’ve since learned was an entirely newly built set). But equally intriguing real homes there are a-plenty, like those that appeared in movies like The Big Lewbowski, A Clockwork Orange, and more.

2. Why Valentine’s Day flowers will become a thing of the past

   Flowers are gorgeous, but what are the implications when American shoppers spend almost $2 billion on them at once? That’s what happens every Valentine’s Day and as you can imagine, it’s not good for our planet. Read about where all these roses come from, and what it takes to get them to consumers’ hands.

3. The timelessness of houseplants

   Some things never change, including plant care. We love digging through the NYT archives for old houseplant musings, like this simple and delightful guide on how to take care of houseplants from 1976. Yes, all of this information is still accurate, and yes, that little Monstera was just as popular back then as it is now!

4. Guilty pleasure

   We can’t vouch for the inhabitants, but we’ll swoon over an ultra lush space anytime, especially one as unique as this. Take a peek into the Kardashian/West LA residence and get a glimpse of “the metamorphosis of the house from suburban McMansion to futuristic Belgian monastery.” And if you’re wondering, those are Birds of Paradise, Little Hopes, and various different ferns adorning their master bath garden. Creating a similar feel (even without a garden) in your own bathroom is not difficult with a few large-leafed beauties.

5. Transforming your home into a winter sanctuary

   Sure, staying in can be wonderful. But for a big part of the US, the end of winter is nowhere in sight and that may be a troublesome realization for some. If you’re feeling over it, take these light-hearted tips to embrace the winter blues and create a cozy feel inside your home. Because, as it turns out, hygge is actually a real thing.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Shane loves a clean, modern look, but keeps things warm and cozy with thoughtful and timeless pieces, big west-facing windows, and of course, plenty of indoor greenery.

--

How did you know this home was for you?

We were in the market for a bigger spot and had a few must-haves for our new space. Besides in-unit laundry and a parking spot (#citylife), we knew we wanted lots of light and an open floor plan. We found a random listing online for a loft-style apartment and decided to check it out. When we first walked in and saw the huge west-facing windows, cement floors, and high ceilings, we were sold. No questions, we had to move in! 

Shane has had his Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree for over six years.

What inspires you when you decorate?

My two favorite colors are white and gray, and I tend to gravitate towards more minimal looks. Luckily, my partner Ben and I have really similar tastes and styles, but I'd say he pulls us back towards a homey vibe when I get too carried away.  We're both super into clean, functional, and modern looks. More than anything, we don't like junk. We try to be super thoughtful about the pieces we buy and usually plan on keeping them for the long haul. The only downside is that sometimes we're slow to make decisions. It took us 9 months to decide on a couch for our downstairs living area, but hey, we love it! 

Books and plants add color and character to an otherwise minimal space. Pictured: Jade Pothos

What are your plant care secrets?

I try to be intuitive with plants and not overthink it. Typically I'll select a plant based on looks, and then research what conditions it prefers when I get it home. After that, I'll place it somewhere I think it will do well and try and check in with it regularly. If I notice any changes I try not to overreact (easier said than done sometimes) and make small changes in watering or lighting and see what happens. Other than that, I mist, clean, love on, and talk to them daily (more for me than the plants, but I think it helps)! 

---

Shop the story

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Desert Cactus

Cascading Pothos

Magenta Triostar

Photo credit: General Store

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

—

Just like humans, plants have good and bad sides! Unlike us, plants need to show both on an equal basis for balanced growth. And if you’ve ever seen a heavily leaning indoor plant, you can bet it wasn’t getting a regular rotation.

So why is it a good idea to rotate indoor plants? Unlike the sun, which moves across the sky throughout the day, windows and artificial light limit the amount of light exposure our plants are getting, and where they’re getting it. And because all plants grow towards the light, this can often lead to uneven growth patterns. Rotating them essentially ensures that our plants are getting an even amount of light, reducing the lean and also promoting new growth in areas that might otherwise stagnate.

So how often should you rotate your indoor plants? For plants that prefer lots of light, rotating them once every few months should do the trick. However, for a plant placed in a medium to low light area, you may need to rotate them more often, up to once every few weeks or once a month.

And as a helpful reminder: if it’s been a while since you’ve rotated your plant, you may need to give the side that’s been hiding a bit of a clean up! Wipe the leaves clean of dust build-up, and don’t be afraid to remove any dried out foliage while you’re at it.
 

---

FIDDLE LEAF FIG TREE

A lush and sculptural plant with elegant violin-shaped leaves.

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

Ashley and Danny have lived in their San Francisco home for almost ten years. In a way, taking care of plants together has been a crash course for the real parenting adventure they have only just begun.

--

How did you know this home was for you?

It actually took us leaving this apartment to realize how special it is. We had to patiently wait for the new tenant to move out so we could move back in! There is something about having an expansive view of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge ... seeing that beauty everyday must calm the nervous system or something. It has an ineffable quality. 

What inspires you when you decorate?

We wanted to honor the older details of this building by adding a more antique, vintage touch. Comfort is also a key decorating theme so we sought beautiful, cozy pieces that jived with the historical elements. 

What are your plant care secrets?

Top secret: pick easy to care for, healthy-already plants! We also had a bit of negotiating to do as it relates to their care-taking. One of us (we won’t name names!) is a bit more enthusiastic about owning plants than the other, and that person also happens to be the one who travels more often and needs more help keeping up with them. But even though we aren’t equally passionate about the hobby, we both benefit so much from having plants, and in the end we found a care routine that works for both of us. Splitting the responsibilities means every plant gets what it needs and we maintain our marital bliss. Kind of like regular parenting, but maybe a little easier!

---

Shop the story

Rubber Tree

Bird's Nest Fern

Cascading Pothos

A new year (and decade!) is almost upon us, and we’re looking back to reflect upon what got our customers excited in 2019. This year has been a big year, too; we started offering nationwide shipping on a selection of our large plants, and have sent these beauties from New York to Alaska and everywhere in between. We’re excited to keep growing in 2020, but for now, the best sellers of 2019!

Silver Evergreen

One of the newer members of the Léon & George family, the Silver Evergreen has been a big hit in 2019. Its unique variegated leaves and ability to survive with next to no light probably have something to do with it!

Shop now →

Monstera deliciosa

The Monstera, a popular plant from the art deco era, has been making a comeback for a few years now, and was within the top five best-selling plants from our collection. The lush, split leaves make it one of the more unique offerings of easy-care indoor plants.

Shop now →

cascading pothos

The OG of houseplants, as easy as they come, plus ultra lush, trailing, and fast-growing, the Cascading Pothos has once again made the list of best-sellers this year.

Shop now →

House of botanicals watering can

We’ve been working on finding the very best watering can out there, and this one has definitely made the cut. What do our customers love about it? It’s the perfect size for indoor plants, has a built-in mister for keeping foliage fresh, and, maybe most importantly, is ultra cute and stylish.

Shop now →

Calathea medallion

The Calathea Medallion was not just a best seller in 2019: it was also, unsurprisingly, the number one plant our customers chose to send as a gift. Who needs flowers when you can give an equally colorful (and much longer lasting) plant?!

Shop now →

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Some things never seem to change, and after years of being the “it” plant, the Fiddle Leaf Fig continues to be on the top of everyone’s wish list. While our extra large version of this beauty is only available in California, customers across the country have finally been able to enjoy getting the adorable bush version shipped straight to their door.

Shop now →

That’s a wrap 2019! And for 2020? Only time will tell! Let us know in the comments what you think the “it” plant will be for next year, and for more green inspiration, head to our website to browse all plants.

Before and after of trimming a Fiddle Leaf Fig. Photo credit: @leonandgeorge

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

—

As plants age, it's natural for them to develop the occasional brown spot or discolored leaf. Trimming and pruning is a part of maintaining our plants so they stay beautiful throughout the seasons. Here's how to keep them looking fresh.

1. Grab a pair of clean scissors and work your way from the bottom leaves to the top.

2. For trimming, follow the natural shape of the leaf - it takes a bit of practice and artistry. Think natural curves instead of straight lines.

3. Ideally you should leave a bit of the brown edge so as not to create a fresh wound. If you do cut into the leaf, use a tissue paper to help the edges dry.

*BONUS TIP* Don't overdo it! Take a step back and admire the shape of your plant. It's okay to leave a few discolored areas, especially if they contribute to the overall fullness and allure of your plant's natural shape. 

---

Natural Plant Food

Nourish your plants with this specially-formulated organic liquid plant food. Our Boost Vitaminé is made with potent nutrients from nature to help your plants grow and thrive all year long.

$24

SHOP NOW

Shopping for someone who’s just discovered their love of plants? Lucky you! Plants make incredible gifts, and even more so for the eager new plant parent. Check out our suggestions for your favorite budding green thumb, from easy care plants perfect for beginners to fun plant care tools and accessories!

Jade Pothos

The Jade Pothos is not only an easy-care plant: it’s also an incredibly fast grower that will please eager plant parents impatient for new growth. Shop now.

Shop all easy care plants.

House of Botanicals Watering Can

Help them water their new plants in style with this adorably practical watering can, complete with integrated mister. Shop now.

Propagation Station

For those of us who are just discovering the world of plants, there is nothing more fascinating than propagation. Help your new plant enthusiast discover how to make two plants out of one! Shop now.

Snake Plant

Known for its resilience and air-purifying qualities, the Snake Plant is perfect for newbie plant parents. Shop now.

Plant Animal

Jewelry for their plants? Yes, please! Both newbies and seasoned plant parents alike will be tickled by these etched brass plant animals that hang from the leaves and stems of their plants. Shop now.

Zanzibar Gem

The Zanzibar Gem, also known as “the eternity plant” is an excellent choice for beginners. They can grow with almost no light or water, and are generally forgiving of neglect. Shop now.

Shop all easy care plants.

Octahedron pedestal

Give the new plant parent in your life something to show their plants off with an Amigo Modern pedestal, a stylish plant stand for their greens. Shop now.

House of Plants

There are so many great houseplant books out there, but none that is at once as beautiful as it is practical as House of Plants by Carol Langston and Rose Ray, perfect to inspire the new plant parent to care for, style, and dive deeper into their hobby. Shop now.

For more gift inspiration for all the people on your list, visit our holiday gift guide.

Black Friday is upon us and this year, we’ve curated a special selection of stylish greenery for our customers.

Starting this Friday at 12:01am, take advantage of your chance to save big on our best-selling plants, potted in luxe black ceramics for the special occasion. And not only is this the perfect pre-holiday upgrade you’ve been waiting for: it’s also a Black Friday purchase that gives back. As always, each plant purchased will plant a tree in the forest.

Limited quantities available, so make sure not to miss it!

---

Léon & George started as a simple business in our co-founders’ San Francisco homes back in 2017. Their idea was simple: to help people easily get their hands on stylish, top-quality potted plants by delivering them, ready to go, straight to their door.

Fast forward almost three years later, and we’ve expanded to Los Angeles, launched nationwide shipping, and delivered plants to over 10,000 happy customers. But this is just the beginning, and what we’ve realized is that we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface.

Creating a new way to shop for plants

The plant market is dominated by big box retailers with outdated sales methods and a lack of personalized service. From day one, we have seen an opportunity to change that by offering a better experience through and through, from an easy-to-browse website to simple and affordable delivery to our post-purchase plant doctor service. It’s plant shopping for the 21st century, and we are excited to be disrupting this outdated market and growing our offering not just in California, but across the entire United States.

You’re chance to invest

We’re running an equity crowdfunding campaign to catalyze our nationwide expansion, and we’re giving all our early supporters a chance to take part by investing in our campaign. We have big plans to grow, and hope to one day see Léon & George plants in the windows of homes and offices across the country. We hope you’ll join for the ride.

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

Also the home of George of Léon & George.

Barbie and Nico are team members at Léon & George, and partners in real life. Here they share with us some of the behind the scenes of getting this startup started in their very own home.

--

How did you know this home was for you?

A very finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig we named Fifi #2.

The morning we saw our apartment listed, there were no photos and we were feeling hopeless after visiting 30+ places in the span of 2 weeks. But this one was just around the corner from where we were staying so we had to give it a try. As soon as the door opened, we were welcomed into a long hallway and bright living room with the charming details of a San Francisco home. We looked at each other and knew this was it.

What inspires you when you decorate?

A blank canvas is always nice, but chaos also works. We see the opportunity of creating order, space and beauty. We're pretty minimal when it comes to decor, mostly only buying pieces out of necessity, but we take a long time to decide on each piece. We do our best to buy pieces we really love, that spark inspiration or have personal meaning, items we want to invest in and keep for a long time.

What are your plant care secrets?

Let them do their thing. We try to cover their basics of having the right amount of light and we err on the side of underwatering. But mostly we leave them alone. Barbie likes to talk to them. She greets them in the morning or at night. When we leave on trips she reassures them that we'll be back.

Bootstrapping a startup means your home becomes your office, distribution center, photo studio, and lastly the place you sleep. It was also a great way for us to learn about plants and how they react in a real home environment over time.