Holiday Recipe: Rosemary Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Rosemary shortbread holiday cookies

Sweet tooth or not, there’s no denying the delight in a plateful of holiday cookies. They fill our homes with the warmth and the smell of baking butter, and remind many of us of our childhood, standing on a stool at the kitchen counter with our sleeves rolled up, ready to help out where we could.

Infused with herbaceous rosemary, this shortbread cookie recipe is unique yet simple, and fills the kitchen with aromas even more decadent than the traditional holiday fare. So go ahead and bring your love of both plants and sweets together with these delicious rosemary cookies, whether they’re for yourself or as a small tasty treat for the people you love!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons chopped rosemary
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Preparation

In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, and rosemary. In another larger bowl, cream together or beat using an electric mixer softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low or mixing by hand until the mixture resembles course crumbs.

Gather the mixture into a ball and between two sheets of parchment paper, roll flat into about 1/4 inch width. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using your cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gather the scraps and roll out again to make more cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes, making sure not to let the cookies brown.

 

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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Real Plants, Real People: R'el & Marcus
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Two Texans turned New Yorkers, R’el & Marcus (@theplaceiwastellingyouabout) share the warm space they come home to after adventures discovering everything their city —and beyond—has to offer.

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How did you know this home was for you?

Honestly we were on the fence about this apartment. But we fell In love with neighborhood and our bedroom light. It faces south west without any buildings blocking the sun throughout the day, which is a pretty lucky thing when you live in NYC. After adding our own personal touches like light fixtures and art the place really started coming together.

An adorable Fig, and an adorable pup.

An adorable Fig, and an adorable pup.

What inspires you when you decorate?

We really get inspired from the places we see along our travels. When we see so many unique ways to style and decorate, it makes us want go home and change some things.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera Deliciosa bask in the afternoon sunlight.

A Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera Deliciosa bask in the afternoon sunlight.

What are your plant care secrets?

We are constantly learning all the time about plants, which is one thing we really like about owning plants. But, we would say one of our plant care secrets would be, don’t be afraid to give your plant a real shower in the tub. We saw a huge difference in our plants when we started giving them showers especially before travel. Also, one of our good friends Jeremy recently gave us a water metering tool and it’s been a game changer.

All photos by R’el Dade and Marcus Lloyd. Find them on Instagram or their blog to follow along their adventures!


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The Best #LeonAndGeorge Moments Of November
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Cozy PJs, sunny work from home set ups, and living rooms that inspire envy… This month, we’re impressed with your plant styling skills and how simply and artfully you bring nature into your home. Check out our favorite November posts from the #leonandgeorge family!

How sweet is this moment, with a subtle Desert Cactus. @zowwee

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A bedroom made complete by a lush Cascading Pothos. @michelle_withtwols

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The perfect cozy office nook, with the sun-loving Bird of Paradise. @jawsmartin


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The perfect pairing: Fiddle Leaf Fig with a side of Kentia Palm. @hollyvianeinteriors

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Living room goals, with the perfect touch of greenery. @lacalalum

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The Best Easy Care Office Plants
The best easy-care plants for your office, including this adorable Zanzibar Gem.

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.

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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.

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Our favorite indestructible office plants.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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.

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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.

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The Zanzibar Gem, the perfect little desk plant.

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.

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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.

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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.


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INDOOR PLANTS, potted & DELIVERED

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

Holiday Inspiration: Using Plants As Table Centerpieces
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Centerpieces may not be an essential item of your table’s spread, but they certainly add an artful touch. A centerpiece can bring a table to life, and even a simple household object, like a small potted plant, can make a big impact.

This year, as we gather differently and more intimately than years past, there’s more reason than ever to make each and every moment special, including the tables we set for ourselves or our guests.

Here are some tips, ideas, and inspiration on how to use beautiful living greenery as a centerpiece for your holiday table and beyond, from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory special occasions (and of course, everything in between).

Find the perfect size

Most standard dining tables look best with a small or medium-sized potted plant between 4-8” in diameter, or if you’re using multiple, between 2-4”. Longer, banquet style tables will generally look best with multiple 4”-8” diameter plants.

Lower-profile plants or trailing plants (i.e. the Cascading Pothos) tend to be more practical, though if you’re looking to make a statement, don’t be afraid of height!

A simple and adorable tablescape using a small Jade Pothos.

A simple and adorable tablescape using a small Jade Pothos.

Keep It Simple, Or Mix It Up

A minimal look never fails. Pair your plant with a few tapered candles, or surround it with other pieces like branches, dried flowers, or air plants for a fuller look.

Explore groupings

For a feeling of abundance, create a vignette with a group of smaller plants, working with varying heights and in uneven numbers. Succulents or small cacti work well for this, or for a lusher, forest-like feel, try tiny ferns with fairy lights.

The N’Joy Pothos adds a bright splash to a traditional table setting.

The N’Joy Pothos adds a bright splash to a traditional table setting.

Upcycle cuttings and branches

Instead of using the entire plant, try taking a cutting (or several!) from some of your favorite houseplants for an artistic alternative to flowers. Many cuttings can last for ages in water, and you can eventually plant them in soil to create a new plant as well.

Ready to start decorating your tablescape? Shop our full collection of centerpiece plants to find the very best potted greenery for this purpose. Once your plant’s days as a centerpiece are over, place it somewhere else in your home to enjoy it for years to come—or until the next time you’ll need it to adorn your table!

Photos by @jeannecychan & @theplantmami for Léon & George

 

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

How To Create The Perfect Drainage for a Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Figs can be unforgiving plants if their requirements are not fully met. Beyond the very basic need—plenty of bright, indirect light—making sure your Fiddle Leaf Fig has proper drainage is probably the most important piece in ensuring a healthy and beautiful plant. And while this is the case for all indoor plants, none will let you know as quickly as a Fiddle Leaf Fig! So what type of drainage does this plant need, and how can you be sure your plant is getting proper drainage?

What Type of Drainage Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Need?

First of all, Fiddle Leaf Figs like to dry out between waterings, plain and simple. That means they don’t want to be watered too frequently, and they prefer a fast-draining soil. In the wild, this plant is never sitting in water or completely drenched: its roots are constantly draining. This is what we want to mimic indoors.

What happens if the soil cannot properly drain? The plant will accumulate moisture, and the roots may eventually develop root rot. As such, making sure your Fiddle Leaf Fig (and really any indoor plant!) has proper drainage is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant.

Natural Plant Food

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Creating Perfect Drainage for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

There are a few different ways to pot plants for optimal drainage, but no matter what the case, your pot must have drainage holes, one way or another. We do not recommend potting this plant, which is known to be particularly finicky, in a pot without drainage holes. Never attempt to grow a fiddle leaf fig in a container without drainage holes. Here are a few different ways you can create drainage for your Fiddle Leaf Fig:

  • Use a pot with one large drainage hole at the bottom, usually the case with terracotta pots

  • Use a pot with several drainage holes, like some plastic pots, and then simply place your plant in the decorative container.

  • Add a layer of gravel or drainage rocks to the bottom of any pot, though we still recommend using a pot with drainage holes.

Do you have a decorative pot with no drainage holes? While some people like to DIY it by drilling a hole on the bottom, this can be cumbersome and also risks breaking the pot! In this case, we recommend “staging” your plant, which means leaving it in its plastic nursery pot and simply placing it inside the decorative container.

In fact, we do this for all of our plants, as it not only ensures optimal drainage but also allows our customers to use stylish mid-century plant stands!

This post was adapted from the Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource by expert Claire Akin. Head to their website to learn more about caring for the Fiddle Leaf Fig.

 

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

Real Plants, Real People: Finding New Perspectives At Home
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Met with the many challenges of 2020, Benedicte and her family have adapted to a new pace of life and, in the meantime, found a new perspective on home.

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How has life changed for you this year?

At the beginning of the year, our house became not only a home but also an office, a school, a gym, and of course a place of leisure. This year was all about trying to make that work for us. It was a real exercise in patience and homemaking, but there were some really magical moments that came out of it as well.

The Dragon Tree accentuates a changing fall light.

The Dragon Tree accentuates a changing fall light.

What home projects did you take on?

As a start, we moved a lot of furniture around to accommodate so much life at home, and refreshed some areas that needed refreshing. And of course, we baked. Breads, cakes, jams…culinary projects that we normally would not have taken on. Our creations filled the house with aromas that smelled like coziness and home.

A Bird’s Nest Fern sits atop one of the new vignettes created for more time at home.

A Bird’s Nest Fern sits atop one of the new vignettes created for more time at home.

In what ways has nature played a role in your lives and well-being this year?

We craved nature more than ever this year. When we could, we’d sneak to the beach or on a hike and it felt so glorious. We were finally able to go on our first camping trip of the year in the late summer, and being under the redwoods was absolutely incredible. We also brought nature inside when we could. We planted seeds and tracked their growth, and watched our houseplants unfurl new leaves. They helped us mark the passing of time and reminded us that life does go on, even during difficult and uncertain periods of our lives.

All photos by Margaret Austin for Léon & George.


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The Best #LeonAndGeorge Moments Of October
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Autumn has arrived and brought with it crisp air and cozy nights. We’re already looking forward to the holidays and the magic that they bring into our homes. But before we string up our fairy lights we’d like to look back on our favorite October posts from our #leonandgeorge family.

We’re suckers for a Fiddle Leaf Fig in a clean and minimalistic space. @mr.patrickdeleon

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A Bird of Paradise as the perfect focal point in this dreamy (rentable!) cabin in upstate New York. @weekendhome.co

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Of course we had to include at least one Halloween photo! This costume takes “crazy plant lady” to a whole new level. @thesandytran


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Luxe textures, gorgeous neutrals, and leafy statement plants… a total dream. @theplantmami

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Capturing the first rays of that autumn light with the Jade Pothos. @state_and_local

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Plant A Seed: Centro Latino San Francisco
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On a sunny corner of San Francisco’s Mission District, you’ll find the Centro Latino de San Francisco, a warm and inviting community center serving the elderly and adults with disabilities since 1986.

And serving is what they do. Originally created as a nutrition project in 1972, the center’s founders, Ernest “Chuck” Ayala and Gloria Bonilla, sought to address the critical needs of the elderly in underserved areas of the city by offering nutritional programs and meals to those in need.

Today, Centro Latino SF not only serves hundreds of meals a day to its community, but also offers a wide breadth of programming including supportive services, socialization programs, health and wellness activities, and citizenship classes.

Wouldn’t plants complement such a vibrant and diverse space dedicated to the well-being of its community? One of our customers thought so, nominating the Centro Latino for Plant A Seed, a program in partnership with LBE Design to offer donations of beautiful yet imperfect plants and ceramics to schools, hospitals, and shelters across our communities.

The Center welcomed us with open arms. A south-facing industrial building, it was the perfect new home for a handful of plants in need, including several cacti to decorate their sun-drenched rooftop overlooking the block. With their guidance, we peppered common areas and classrooms with leafy greenery, knowing that they would thrive.

During our visit, people came and went: meal pick up, a yoga class, various meetings. Now more than ever, perhaps, places like the Centro Latino SF are essential to the people they serve.

"Our space has so many uses. Apart from our meal service, we host classes, meetings, and other gatherings every day. It’s important to us that the Centro feels like home to the people who come here,” says Omar, a staff member at the center.

Plants help us feel grounded, and remind us our innate connection to nature, if even on a subliminal level. They beautify any space, and bring us joy with their new growth. And while the Centro Latino already feels so alive, the staff agreed that it was brought “even a bit more to life” with their new leafy (and prickly!) family members.

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Know of an organization* with a dreary space that could use some beautiful greenery? Tell us about their mission and how we can help liven up their space!

*Must be in the San Francisco or Los Angeles areas.

Real Plants, Real People: Tesa Pesic
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The perfect latte, a Manhattan moment, and a touch of minimalism are just a few of Tesa’s (@thenamestesa) favorite things. See how she created an enviable workspace in a window-side nook of her bright New York apartment.

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How did you know this home was for you?

It was the high ceilings and windows in every room that did it for me. If you've ever searched for an apartment in New York City you'll know windows can be nonexistent in some "bedrooms". Add to that the size, individual bathrooms, and location, it was truly the perfect place for us. It has been really fun decorating it and making it my own. I'm actually redesigning the living room at the moment and tailoring it more to my current style. 

A bright and inviting space to focus, framed with the perfect touch of greenery, a desktop Jade Pothos and large Bird of Paradise.

A bright and inviting space to focus, framed with the perfect touch of greenery, a desktop Jade Pothos and large Bird of Paradise.

What inspires you when you decorate?

I will have an idea in my head of what I want the space to be, but in order to form that idea into something more concrete, I look to Pinterest and Instagram. I also love flipping through an Architectural Digest for new ideas and future home goals. Since I don't do well in an eclectic space everything has to match in tone with minimal clutter. As you can see, I love white - I think it makes a space look calm and inviting. In order to liven it up a bit I add pops of color with smaller accessories such as books, artwork, and of course plants! 

The Jade Pothos, a trailing plant ideal for placing on a desk or shelf.

The Jade Pothos, a trailing plant ideal for placing on a desk or shelf.

What are your plant care secrets?

I only recently started taking care of plants myself so having detailed instructions and knowing how the plant reacts under different circumstances has been very crucial! I often look back to the cards I received with my Léon & George delivery, just to make sure I'm doing everything right. And apparently, talking to your plants and showering them with love makes such a difference! My mom used to do this every day and our palm tree flourished. 


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How to Care For and Grow Your Silver Evergreen
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Silver Evergreen

AKA the Chinese Evergreen

AKA Silver Bay Aglaonema

An eye catching indoor plant, the Silver Evergreen is a colorful, low-maintenance accent to any space with bright green leaves covered in stunning silver marbling. Read on for simple tips on how to care for the Silver Evergreen, also known as the Chinese Evergreen or Silver Bay Aglaonema.

Light

  • Tolerant of low or medium light(minimum of four hours of indirect sunlight a day)

  • Brighter light allows the plant to maintain its variegated patterns.

  • Avoid direct sunlight that may burn your plant’s leaves

Water

  • Water about once a week to keep soil evenly moist but never soggy

  • Water around the base and keep away from the center to avoid root rot. A watering can with a long spout will help you water precisely.

  • Allow soil to dry out between waterings

Growth

  • The Silver Evergreen is a slow grower but can reach up to four feet in height

  • Fertilize your Silver Evergreen 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Never overwater your plants again with these sleek and simple moisture meters.

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MOISTURE METERS

Finally, a moisture meter that actually works. Tested by our very own Plant Doctors, all orders of Large or Extra Large Léon & George plant sets include a moisture meter.

$24-$29/pack

Common problems with the Silver Evergreen

Brown or yellow leaves - underwatering or overwatering

  • Symptom - yellow leaves that wilt or dry out

  • Cause - usually underwatering, or not enough humidity. However, if you water this plant excessively (allowing it to become soggy or waterlogged), this could also be the cause. Yellowing leaves may also signify being cold or in need of fertilizer.

  • Remedy - If underwatered, remove your Silver Evergreen from its decorative pot and give a good shower in the sink. Regularly mist to increase moisture levels. If overwatered, aerate the soil, or simply hold off until the plant dries out a bit until the next watering. If it is very damaged, you may need to repot.

Thin and leggy stems - not enough light

  • Symptom - long, thin stems

  • Cause - not enough sunlight. Silver Evergreens are tolerant of low-light conditions but if they are positioned too far away from their light source they’ll stretch themselves thin trying to get closer.

  • Remedy - Make sure your plant is getting at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight a day or try using a grow light.

How to care for a Chinese Evergreen.

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Silver Evergreen

Take care of your Silver Evergreen and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for and growing your Silver Evergreen over time.

  • Pruning - remove old, unattractive or damaged leaves from the base of the plant with a clean blade, ideally during the dormant period.

  • Trimming - if there is just a small portion of a leaf that was damaged such as the edges or tips, trim off any discoloration or blemishes by following the natural lines and shape of the leaf.

  • Cleaning - regularly mist the Silver Evergreen to keep it clean. If it is very dusty, you may want to use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves clean.

How to grow and repot the Silver Evergreen

  • Growing - Silver Evergreens are slow growers and will grow even slower in low light conditions. During spring or summer, use a diluted fertilizer every two weeks to give your plant a vitamin boost.

  • Repotting - Léon & George Silver Evergreens come in 6” or 10” grow pots and only need to be repotted every few years and only if the plant is unhappy (i.e. has been overwatered) or to refresh the soil and give it new nutrients. If you’d like your plant to grow larger, find a new grow pot that is 2” larger than its current pot. If you’re happy with the current size, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

    • Getting your hands dirty with or without a yard - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. At the bottom of the grow pot, and a layer of soil, then place the plant in the center of the pot and cover with new soil. Pat down firmly and water thoroughly. Place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate the Silver Evergreen

Silver Evergreens are relatively straightforward to propagate because they create small plants off of the mother plant as they grow. Wait to propagate during the growing months when your plant has the energy to recover. To get started lay down some newspaper to contain any messes and then all you need to do is:

  1. Locate an established plant, it will be on the perimeter of the mother plant in the center.

  2. Tease the small plants roots away from the roots of the main plant.

  3. Place your separated plant in a small pot filled with quality potting soil.

  4. Give your new plant a generous watering after planting it and keep it moist for the next couple of weeks before resuming a normal watering schedule.

Shop Silver Evergreen at leonandgeorge.com


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SILVER EVERGREEN

A lush and colorful plant featuring large silver-green leaves, this plant is happy in areas with little to no light or ventilation. It is listed as one of NASA’s top ten air purifying houseplants. Also known as the Chinese Evergreen, this plant is considered to bring good luck.

Zanzibar Gem Care Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Zanzibar Gem

AKA zamioculcas zamiifolia

With graceful, wand-like stems and waxy, emerald green leaves, the Zanzibar Gem is a true stunner and popular indoor plant for homes and offices alike. Given its ability to withstand long periods of drought or neglect, the ZZ gem has even earned itself the nickname of “the eternity plant”. Learn the basics of Zanzibar Gem plant care including light requirements, watering frequency, and how to troubleshoot common problems you may encounter along the way.

What type of light do Zanzibar Gems need?

The Zanzibar Gem prefers bright or medium indirect light, though they can adjust to low light as well, and even survive with just fluorescent overhead lights.

How to water your Zanzibar Gem

The Zanzibar Gem stores water in its bulbous roots, stems, and leaves, which means it does not need frequent watering. Water thoroughly about once every week or two or when the top two inches of soil is dry. Err on the side of under watering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months.

Are Zanzibar Gems fast grower?

In ideal conditions, the Zanzibar Gem can grow up to 10” per year, eventually reaching nearly five feet in height. In low light conditions, this plant will grow more slowly. Fertilize your Zanzibar Gem 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with Zanzibar Gems

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Zanzibar Gem

How to care for Zanzibar Gem

Take care of your Zanzibar Gem and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Zanzibar Gem over time.

Pruning

Zanzibar Gems practically shape themselves, so you won’t need to prune this plant often. Remove dry or dead leaves all year round but save any major pruning for the spring and summer months. Unlike other common houseplants, pruning a Zanzibar Gem does not promote new growth, so only remove unwanted stalks that are unattractive or have been damaged. When pruning your ZZ, use sharp, clean shears and cut at the base of the stalk.

Cleaning Your Zanzibar Gem

Though tedious, keeping your Zanzibar Gem dust-free will help the plant soak in more light. Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth, and incorporate misting into your routine to decrease dust build-up.

Repotting ZZ Gems

Indoor plants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every two to three years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.

  • When to repot - Zanzibar Gems have such strong roots that they will literally break their nursery pots when its time to repot! That said, they prefer to have their roots tightly compacted, so don’t feel rushed to repot if it looks or feels crowded. Usually Zanzibar Gems can be repotted every two years or so.

  • Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

  • Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down very firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take two to four weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate a Zanzibar Gem

Propagating the Zanzibar Gem is simple and there are a few different ways to do it. Thanks to the rhizome root system, Zanzibar Gems can simply be divided into new plants. However, you can also propagate with cuttings for a less messy process. Follow these instructions to propagate your Zanzibar Gem:

  • Select a few stems to propagate - Using sharp, clean scissors or shears, cut a stalk from the base of its growth. It’s best to choose shorter stalks— they will grow roots faster.

  • Let the cuttings dry out - Let the stalks dry and callous, and wait a few hours before moving on to the next step.

  • Place in water - Find a clear glass and place the cutting in it with water. You may also choose to first dip the cutting in rooting hormone, as this will increase the chances and speed of the cutting forming its own roots.

  • Place in a bright area and wait! - Avoid direct sun, and be patient! New roots may take a few weeks to begin forming.

  • Transfer to soil - After the roots are at least two inches long, transfer to indoor potting soil. A small pot is best — no larger than 6” in diameter. As this plant prefers to have its roots tightly compacted, it’s best to plant a few different cuttings and their roots in a pot together.

  • Keep hydrated - During the first few weeks, or until your plant feels firmly rooted in its soil, regularly water and drain your plant. The soil should be just barely moist to the touch at all times.

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.


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ZANZIBAR GEM

Highly adaptable and thrives in a wide range of conditions, great for many home and office environments.