Photo: The Whinery

Nothing enriches indoor spaces quite like plants. They add texture, vivacity and vibrant color to interiors while doing double-duty by purifying the air. Of course, we could go on and on about their benefits all day. But when you combine them with our second favorite of nature’s inventions (coffee!) we are almost speechless with delight! Check out the incredible cafes below that have incorporated living greenery in magical and bountiful ways. 

Coffee & Plants

Photo: Coffee & Plants

Located in beautiful, sunny Pasadena, this cafe has exactly what we all need: Coffee and Plants! Featuring an Instagram-worthy wall of living greenery, cascades of rich crimson roses and an entirely-plant based menu, Coffee and Plants is well worth the trip- and pet-friendly!

62 W. Union Street, Pasadena

Seesaw Coffee

Photo: Shiun Quian

An ode to an exceptional tree. We confess to slight Game of Thrones flashbacks with the breathtaking emphasis Seesaw Coffee’s Beijing location has placed on their central, expansive tree feature. But the greenery doesn’t stop there- lush, jungle-like greenery abounds in this aesthetic marvel, designed by Nota Architects.

433 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

The Starbucks Cafe at Yomiuriland’s Yani-Biyori Greenhouse

Photo: Yomiuri Land

You’ve never seen a cafe quite like this! Yomiurland’s is replete with cascading greenery and flowering plants. Trust an iconic garden to go all-out with their new cafe. Even the Starbucks sign is made of living plants! 

Yanokuchi, 4015-1, Yomiuriland

Coperaco Cafe

Photo: Ewout Huibers

Crowned with a canopy of trawling ivy, Jersey City’s Coperaco Cafe features gorgeous, blonde wood slat construction and breathtaking marble as well as some of the most lush indoor greenery we’ve had the pleasure to witness. A cafe, treehouse and greenhouse in one-- it doesn’t get better than that! 

777 S. 3rd St, Harrison, NJ

Petersham Nurseries Cafe

Photo: Petersham Nurseries Cafe

Another gem of an English garden, Petersham Nurseries Cafe is an elegant restaurant in a traditional glasshouse. Featuring an array of gorgeous live flowers, (jasmine and bougainvillea feature prominently) this beautiful restaurant features seasonal, local food and breathtaking centerpiece bouquets. With pom-poms of hydrangeas, fragrant roses and exquisite desserts, who could possibly ask for more! 

Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond

Dalloway Terrace

Photo: Dalloway Terrace

Nestled in London’s Bloomsbury District, you’ll find Dalloway Terrace: a gorgeous indoor/outdoor eatery and cafe, complete with classic striped awnings and bentwood cane seating. With fruiting citrus trees trained in beautiful trellises and classic, English greenery, Dalloway Terrace brings to mind the very best of a UK vacation. Perfect for toting a John LeCarre novel and dining al fresco! 

16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London

Arvo Cafe

Photo: The Whinery

No surprise that Honolulu would feature some of the most stunning and vibrant tropical plants in the U.S.! And with its indoor and outdoor areas absolutely abound with greenery, it’s the perfect place to grab a lunch of sustainably harvested fare and relax in the sun. 

324 Coral Street at SALT, Honolulu

3 Arts Club Cafe

Photo: 3 Arts Club Cafe

An absolute stunner both architecturally (this restaurant is housed in an enormous, elegant glass house) and in terms of its abundant greenery, the 3 Arts Club Cafe is housed in Chicago’s glorious Restoration Hardware. Luxe seating and verdant trees surround its iconic central fountain. 

1300 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago

Fleur Universelle

Photo: Fleur Universelle

We’ve never seen anything quite like Tokyo’s Fleur Universelle. Featuring a flower shop and tea shop, chock-full of gorgeous blooms and situated behind a statuesque tree, this hidden gem is straight out of a fairytale. It even has a fantasy-worthy treehouse, accessible by ladder! 

3F Fleur Universelle, 5-15-11 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

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INDOOR PLANTS, POTTED & DELIVERED

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Braided Money Trees are a beloved and iconic indoor houseplant for variety for good reason: they are low-maintenance, have beautiful, delicate foliage and are renowned for bringing good luck into the home. But all plants can exhibit yellowing leaves, and this plant is no exception. Luckily, this issue is easily remedied! Learn why your Braided Money Tree is experiencing leaf yellowing and check out our tips to get your plant’s foliage back to gorgeous green!

Old Leaves Shedding

Your Braided Money Tree will shed old foliage over time as it directs its energy toward pushing out new growth, and this may result in leaves becoming dry and yellow and falling off. This is totally normal for your plant, so don’t be concerned! If your plant is getting appropriate water and light, this is likely the cause of the discoloration. These leaves can be trimmed off with clean, sharp scissors or shears.

Overwatering

No houseplant likes being overwatered, and Braided Money Trees like to be watered only when their topsoil is dry. Yellowing leaves can be the number one telltale sign of overwatering, so be sure to check your soil weekly and gauge its moisture. This can be done by lifting up a bit of its decorative moss and sticking your finger two inches down into the soil. If dry, it’s time to water the plant! But if it is still moist, hold off until it’s entirely dry. And if you find it’s very wet, lift the plant (still inside of its plastic nursery pot) out of the ceramic planter. Check the planter for excess water. If any has collected, dump it out and allow your plant’s soil to dry thoroughly before beginning your watering routine again.

Too Much Light

Plants can sunburn just like us, and if your plant is receiving a lot of light and exhibiting papery, dry, light-colored leaves, this may be the case. Braided Money Trees thrive in indirect light, so be sure it is not too close to a window and that the light it receives is diffuse.

Too Little Light

Lackluster foliage that feels a bit floppy and is not verdantly green? This can be a result of too little light. Braided Money Trees are flexible when it comes to the light that they receive, but all plants need some light to photosynthesize and thrive. If your plant is in an exceedingly low-light environment and its foliage is showing signs of struggle, consider moving it to a spot where it will receive steady, medium-to-bright indirect light.

Any Questions?

Yellow leaves can be quite normal, and when they’re the result of incorrect care, they’re usually quite easy to troubleshoot. Braided Money Trees love to be trimmed, too, so your plant will thank you for the occasional manicure of unhealthy foliage. But if you follow the steps above and find that your plant is still struggling, you can contact our expert Plant Doctors through your Léon & George account.

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Braided Money Tree

A gorgeous statement plant with delicate, fan-like foliage and a reputation for bestowing prosperity and good fortune! Low-maintenance, verdant and safe for pets.

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Photo credit: @theweekendmixologist

It's summer and your plants know it. Some plants can be incredibly expressive when the temperatures start to rise, showing droopy, shriveled or curled foliage. Others may be more discreet with the occasional leaf drop, which, if not addressed, can quickly turn into the dreaded daily leaf drop.

Here are some ways you can keep your plants cool during the summertime heat:

• Mist often! Misting not only provides extra humidity but it also creates some air flow around the plant. This is a great practice whether or not you have AC installed in your home.

• Use a fan. Similarly, a fan will keep up the airflow in a hot room, and some plants will even enjoy a light breeze just like in their natural habitat!

• Bottom water. Plants are thirstier in the summer. Quench that thirst by occasionally bottom watering, or removing your plant from its ceramic planter and letting it soak in a couple inches of water for up to 24 hours.

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Photo credit: @ashleykane

In our Dear Plant Stylist series, we share styling and lighting inquiries received by our in-house stylists with our audience. So read on-- you just might find that your plant styling questions are answered below! 

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Dear Plant Stylist,

I live in the Sunset district of San Francisco and my apartment receives medium to low light. The sun almost never shines directly through my windows and it’s often foggy. What kind of plants would you recommend for my home? I want an extra large plant and a couple smaller complements to flank focal points in my living room. 

Best,

D.L. in San Francisco

Dear D.L., 

First things first-- we love the Sunset! That marine layer may make the neighborhood feel like Fog-gust is a year-round affair, but it’s one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Francisco, and it’s a wonderful place to call home-- both for you and your plants. There are so many gorgeous cities that experience that summer (or year round!) gloom, but don’t worry-- there are plants to thrive in every location, no matter what light it receives. 

You mentioned that your apartment receives medium to low light, and we believe you-- but it’s important to be sure of these things, so if you want to double check before you make any purchases, you can always use our Light Requirements For Plants: Explained! blog post. 

Now onto your plant options: the medium to low light that your apartment receives is not a dealbreaker. In fact, most of the houseplants we offer prefer indirect light. Houseplants are often tropical species, originating in rainforests with thick canopies which receive only diffuse light, so the bright light that can shine through (and be magnified by) glass windows is prone to scorch the leaves of many indoor plants. 

In short, you have a wealth of options and I’m excited to share them with you!

The Dracaena Lisa is a gorgeous, towering statement plant that can survive and thrive with little to no natural light.

For your statement plant, I’d suggest a Dracaena Lisa. These extra-large plants average six feet in height from bottom of pot to topmost leaf, and their lush foliage is reminiscent of tropical locales- they bring a tremendous dose of greenery to any space. They’re also exceptionally easy-care and low light tolerant. 

Your Dracaena Lisa would be best situated 5+ feet from any windows. 

My recommendation for a pair of plants to flank your space would be two of our large Zanzibar Gems. They’re a gorgeous match for the Dracaena Lisa, with fantastic texture, deep green tonality and a height averaging three feet from the bottom of their pot to their topmost leaf. 

Zanzibar Gems are low-maintenance, require remarkably little water, and are tolerant of all light levels. 

Parlor Palms and a variety of Pothos varieties would make great additional accent plants, and would do well in medium to low light without direct sun. The options are almost endless, and we offer two collections exclusively for medium light and low light environments, so you can feel confident as you shop from these collections that you’re purchasing plants that will thrive in your space.

With the plants done, we can move onto the next step! What reading chair will go beneath your gorgeous Dracaena Lisa? A Barcelona Chair, I hope-- maybe with an Eileen Gray side table? Nothing says San Francisco like streamlined design!

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Easy Care Plants, Delivered

Beautifully potted plants, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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Plants are all around us: ubiquitous to both indoor and outdoor spaces, features of life’s most meaningful moments and on our plates at every meal. They’re Earth’s dominant life form, making up eighty percent of our planet’s total biomass. And they have the power to nourish, heal and even cure us of illness: twenty-five percent of today’s pharmaceuticals are plant derived. 

They’re as unique and changeable as any living organism, and some plants are immediately recognizable for their powers to heal and treat. (We’ve probably all put aloe on a sunburn, or had a cup of chamomile tea to help us relax before bed).

But some plants aren’t household names, even though their healing properties have saved lives and altered the course of human history itself. That’s why we’ve decided to shine a big ray of light on wonder plants. So read on, and prepare to be astounded by these exceptional plants and the way they have touched our lives! 

The Pacific Yew Tree

Native to the northwest region of North America, the Pacific Yew Tree was utilized as an anti-inflammatory by indigenous American people for generations. Scientists began exploring the tree as a potential cancer treatment in the 1960s, leading to Paclitaxel. It may not be a household name across the board, but since its FDA approval in the 1990s, this medication has been a vital part of chemotherapy support for many cancers, including lung, ovarian and breast cancer, as well as kaposi sarcoma, a cancer found predominantly among those with HIV or AIDS.

Source: Native Plants PNW

The Cinchona Plant

A real game-changer, the bark of the Cinchona plant was originally used to create quinine to treat and prevent malaria. Documented use of quinine as an antimalarial dates back to at least the 1600s, with the first records of use provided by Spanish Jesuits stationed in South America. Synthetic quinine was first synthesized in a lab in 1944. However, naturally derived quinine is still the most commonly used compound for quinine medications, as it’s more economically scalable. Since the 1940s, medications derived from quinine have been used to treat malaria, lupus and arthritis. It’s hard to overstate the significance of quinine! The Cinchona wonder plant has saved countless lives throughout history and drastically improved the life expectancy of those with lupus as well. 

Source: Awkward Botany

Turmeric 

Turmeric, the wonder root! We absolutely adore this magical plant, and not just in curry. Turmeric is renowned for being a widely well-tolerated supplement for issues like inflammation, and it’s thought to support the health of those suffering from joint-related arthritis, skin issues and more. Eating turmeric is commonly considered the best way to reap its benefits- which is great, because it’s delicious! 

Source: Homestead & Chill

The Birch and White Willow Trees

Did you know that aspirin is actually salicylic acid? Nor did we, until quite recently. But wait: did you know that it’s derived from willow and birch trees? We were amazed, too! It turns out, the salicylic-acid rich bark of these trees has been used medicinally since ancient times: very ancient, with documented use dating back to ancient Egypt and Sumer. The anti-inflammatory aspirin is used to reduce fevers, headaches and more- it can even lower one’s risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack. And topical salicylic acid is a mainstay treatment for a wide array of skin conditions, both common and less-than-common. 

Source: Woodland Trust Organization UK

Air Purifying Wonder Plants 

Do you love NASA? So do we! Talk about a natural treasure. And it may surprise you to know that the good folks at NASA are also plant enthusiasts, just like us! So much so, in fact, that they compiled a list of the very best air purifying plants as part of their Clean Air Study. It contains quite a few Léon & George mainstays, like the Silver Evergreen, the Snake Plant, and the Peace Lily. So although your gorgeous houseplants may not be the stuff of life-altering medical cures, you can be assured that they are good for you, all-around. Next time you give your plants a misting or watering, let them know how much you appreciate their friendship, or sing your praises: they respond to sound, and who doesn’t love being showered with affection?

Find your new wonder plant today- take a look at our Air Purifiers collection!

Source: Léon & George

L’Alchimie Botanique

A collection of all natural plant care essentials, including plant mist and foliar feed, naturally-derived fertilizer, and black olive soap for keeping plants clean, pest and fungicide free.

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Meyer Lemon Tree

AKA Citrus meyeri

There’s so much to love about Meyer Lemon trees, from their incredibly fragrant foliage to their full silhouettes. Meyer Lemon Trees, Citrus meyeri, have been popular for over a hundred years, and it’s easy to see why. They are resilient, elegant and easy to care for. But like all of us, they have preferences and needs to meet in order to grow strong. Rise to the occasion, and read on to learn how to care for and grow your new Citrus meyeri. 

How much light do Lemon Trees need?

Lemon Trees need ample direct sunlight to thrive and produce fruit, at least 6-8 hours a day.

How to water your Lemon Tree

Check moisture of topsoil weekly and give plant four cups of water when top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering. 

How fast do Lemon Trees grow?

It can take several months to years for Meyer Lemon trees to fruit. Remember that light = fruit, and fertilize every two weeks during spring, summer and fall. 

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

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

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Common problems with Meyer Lemon Trees

Yellow, Drooping Leaves: Overwatering

Symptom: Yellow leaves that appear droopy or saggy.

Cause: Overwatering.

Remedy: Grasp your fruit tree as low as possible on the base of its trunk, while wearing gardening gloves. Be careful to support the plant as you lift it, still within its plastic nursery pot, out of its ceramic planter.

Dump out any standing water that may have collected in the ceramic pot. Then leave the fruit tree, still in its plastic pot, in a sunny spot to dry. Don’t water again until its top two inches of soil are dry to the touch, at which time you can return it to its ceramic pot. 

Yellow Leaves: Inadequate Light

Symptom: A large amount of yellow leaves in the tree’s canopy.

Cause: Too much shade, not enough direct light.

Remedy: Ensure that your tree is in a space that receives ample direct sunlight for at least 8 hours/day.

Pale, Yellowing Older Leaves: Needs Fertilizer

Symptom: New leaves on canopy are green and healthy, old leaves are pale and yellowing.

Cause: The tree needs more nitrogen, which is available through fertilizer.

Remedy: Give your tree a balanced fertilizer every two weeks from spring through fall.

Shop the Meyer Lemon Tree at leonandgeorge.com

Can I keep a Meyer Lemon Tree indoors?

Considering keeping this plant indoors? Meyer Lemon Trees need full sun throughout the day to thrive. While it may survive indoors, most areas don’t receive the 6-8 hours of direct sunlight it desires. This usually translates to little or no fruit and stunted growth. We reccommend keeping your plant outdoors in a balcony, patio, or other open air space where it can get plenty of sunlight!

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Meyer Lemon Tree

Care for your plant and it will thrive for years to come. See these simple tips to keep your tree flourishing. 

• Pruning: Meyer Lemon Trees can be pruned between late winter and early spring. Pruning is not required, but you can prune to maintain you tree’s preferred shape by cutting branches below new leaf nodes/buds, with clean, sharp shears. 

• Fertilizing: fertilize your tree twice monthly during spring, summer and fall with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Shop the Meyer Lemon Tree at leonandgeorge.com

How to propagate a Meyer Lemon Tree

Meyer Lemon tree cuttings make wonderful gifts, and these trees can be propagated both via cuttings and seeds. If you’re planning on propagating with cuttings, plan on doing it during the warmest months of the year, when your tree is growing at its most rapid rate.

Propagating with Cuttings:

• Prepare a rooting container: a small nursery pot with drainage, and fill it with citrus fruit tree potting soil. 

• Select a sturdy tip from one of your tree’s branches, about eight inches long. 

• Positioning your clean, sharp shears below a leaf node or bud, cut a branch of around eight inches long. 

• Remove all but a handful of leaves from the branch.The leaves that stay on the branch should be positioned toward the branch tip. 

• Coat the cut end of the branch in 0.2-percent IBA rooting talc.

• Firmly plant the branch in rooting container and place it outdoors in a spot that receives partial shade.

• Patience! These things take time, so check your cutting for roots after three months in the rooting container. Allow it to stay in the container until solidly rooted and sturdy, then transplant to a larger pot during fall. 

Propagating with Seeds:

• Select a juicy, healthy lemon. 

• Remove the seeds from the lemon’s flesh and wash and dry them thoroughly. Be sure that all pulp is removed. 

• Do not leave the lemon seeds to “dry out,” plant them while they’re new and lively.

• Fill a small pot with pasteurized soil mix, or a half and half blend of peat moss and perlite.

• Plant the lemon seeds ½ an inch deep in the soil mixture.

• Moisten the soil lightly and cover with plastic wrap.

• Keep the seeds in an area that averages around 70 degrees. The kitchen, such as on the top of the refrigerator, is a good spot. 

• Once seedlings emerge, move the pot to a location that receives at least four hours of sunlight a day, and remove the plastic wrap. 

• When the seedlings have leaves, transfer them to pots with a 4 to 6 inch diameter.

• Fertilize them every 4-6 weeks and keep the soil moist.

• Place them outside in an area that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight a day and is between 60 to 70 degrees in temperature.

• Watch them grow!

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Shop the Meyer Lemon Tree at leonandgeorge.com

Lemon Tree

With vibrant green foliage and a classically fresh citrus aroma, the Meyer Lemon Tree is a beloved, low-maintenance outdoor fruit tree variety.

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Looking for special holiday gifts for employees?

Shopping for your number one VIPs at work can be tough. You’ve got a dream team and they deserve something that shows how much you value their hard work. Though we may be biased, we think a stylish potted plant is up there when it comes to top holiday gifts for employees, and who could disagree? They’re timeless, beautiful, and a total crowd-pleaser, no matter who the recipient may be.

Our best unique Gifts for Employees

So what are some of our top-selling gifts for employees? From small desk plants to large statement greenery, here are some of our most popular choices when it comes to employee gifting.

Braided Money Tree

A symbol luck, wealth, and prosperity, there is perhaps no employee gift as meaningful as the Braided Money Tree.

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Silver evergreen

Thanks to its unique patterned foliage and ability to survive in low-light environments, the Silver Evergreen is a best-seller for employee and other corporate gifting.

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Rubber Tree

With its elegant burgundy leaves, the Rubber Plant brings the holiday vibes, and continues to glow into the new year.

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Calathea Medallion

Seemingly painted by Mother Nature herself, the Calathea Medallion is not just a plant, it’s a work of art, and one of our customers’ favorite choices as gifts.

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Snake Plant

An excellent air-purifer for the home or office, the Snake Plant is an easy-care indoor plant that instantly upgrades their space, whether at home or at work.

Shop now →

Still can’t decide? Get them a gift card and let them choose! And for more green inspiration at work, browse all office plants.

If you’re like us, one of the things you look forward to most about summertime is the opportunity to read, read, read. There’s just nothing more relaxing than having a lie down with an enthralling book and letting the day go by. And while we enjoy all the opportunities for excursions and adventures that summer brings, we still need our peaceful moments of R & R! Read on to discover our collection of nature-inspired reading for the quiet moments you crave.

1. Design by Nature: Creating Layered, Lived-In Spaces Inspired by the Natural World

   Enter the exceptionally lush world of Bay Area-based designer Erica Tanov as she explores the world of earthy, organic decor and the pursuit of bringing nature indoors. Featuring ethereal, rich photography by Ngoc Minh Go, Tanov’s foundational design book is a vacation in itself- and a deeply researched, fascinating study of textiles, textures and yes, the natural world. 

   Get the book →

2.   The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession

   An oldie but an incredibly goodie, if you haven’t yet read Susan Orlean’s paean to orchid obsession, this is your year! Based on her fascinating story for the New Yorker from 1995, “Orchid Fever”, this nonfiction book offers a journey into the most fecund and fantastical parts of Florida as Orlean seeks the mythic but all-too-real Ghost Orchid. Come for its hilarious, lively prose and stay for its incredible cast of larger-than-life characters. The phenomenon of orchid collection from nature is even more enchanting and mysterious than you’ll expect.

   Get the book →

3. Plant Powered Beauty: The Essential Guide to Using Natural Ingredients for Health, Wellness and Personal Skincare

   We adore all things DIY, and this book reads like the best of cookbooks: visually engaging and full of fun recipes and information, even if you never attempt the formulas yourself! Learning about the many applications of natural plant-derived ingredients is an endless source of fascination for us, and likely for you, too! From CBD products to body scrubs to natural mouthwash, this guide touches on it all! 

   Get the book →

4. Diary of a Young Naturalist

   Brand-spanking-new and unforgettably engaging, Dara McAnulty’s engrossing memoir is a book for the ages. With incisive, perceptive prose and the tenor of the best coming-of-age stories, Dara’s diary (written when he was only fourteen) is a tender and profound study of the wilds of nature around his home in Northern Ireland. Dara shines a light on his experiences with autism and anxiety as he champions environmental activism and engages with all of nature’s intricacies, silences and wonders. 

   Get the book →

5. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

   The botanist and environmental biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer explores the wisdom of nature and weaves it into a tapestry of myth, science and historical profundity in this collection of essays. With a focus on our interconnectedness to the earth, this book encourages us to expand our eco-consciousness, return to our roots, and glean the myriad teachings that nature has always offered, but which we often forget to hear. 

   Get the book →

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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Why are my Braided Money Tree’s Wrinkling?

The beautiful, fan-shaped foliage of the Braided Money Tree is one of its most lovable qualities. This lucky houseplant is renowned for quick and profuse foliage growth, but even with the best of intentions, it can sometimes exhibit leaves with a less-than-ideal, wrinkly texture. Don’t panic: this can be fixed! Read on to learn the reason why your plant’s leaves are wrinkling, and the quickest solutions for supporting smooth, vibrant foliage.

Underwatering

This may sound like a no-brainer, but underwatering is a common cause of wrinkling, curling leaves on Braided Money Trees. Be sure to water your plant whenever its topsoil is dry to the touch. Check its topsoil every week by removing a bit of its decorative moss and inserting your finger two inches down into the soil. If those two inches are dry, water away! The boost in moisture will flow throughout the plant, reinvigorating dry foliage and encouraging your Braided Money Tree to push out new leaves.

Remember that you may need to water more frequently during the warmer months of the year, and less during fall and winter. A warmer, dryer atmosphere leads to plants utilizing the water they receive more rapidly. Which brings us to…

Environmental Dryness

Do you moisturize during the dryer months of the year? Your plant will appreciate the same treatment! Dry environments cause the moisture your plant needs to both evaporate more quickly (from soil and foliage) and to be used up by the plant more quickly as it grows, photosynthesizes, and supports its green physique. Braided Money Trees originate in humid climates, so like many houseplants, they appreciate being misted. Mist yours regularly (a few times a week is fine) and for an additional nutrient boost, mix some Potion Magique in that water! Your plant will love it, and you’ll love its aroma.

An Overload of Light

Braided Money Trees are lovers of light, no doubt about it. But they particularly need diffuse, indirect light. So if your plant is receiving direct light, this may be causing its foliage to sunburn, resulting in wrinkly, papery leaves. Make sure your plant is not in the direct path of strong light from a window, and move it if necessary.

More Support

Wrinkling leaves are easily remedied with adjustments to your Braided Money Tree’s care routine. But if you have further questions and concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our expert Plant Doctors through your Léon & George account.

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Braided Money Tree

A gorgeous statement plant with delicate, fan-like foliage and a reputation for bestowing prosperity and good fortune! Low-maintenance, verdant and safe for pets.

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SAGO PALM

AKA Cycas revoluta

How to care for and grow the Sago Palm

Sago Palms, Cycas revoluta, are gorgeous, vibrant statement plants.With feathery light, high-gloss fronds and a richly textured trunk, they add a lush and lively aesthetic to outdoor spaces. Sage Palms are low-maintenance, with a preference for bright light and partial shade, and they are slow growers, so they rarely need repotted. Read on to learn more about how to care for your Sago Palm and watch it flourish! 

Light

Prefers ample sunlight and partial shade.

Water

Check moisture of topsoil every 7-10 days, and provide three cups of water when top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering. 

Growth

Sago Palms are slow growers, but have been known to live for hundreds of years.

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

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

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Common problems with Sago Palms

Scale and Mealybugs

Symptom: Foliage that appears unhealthy, the presence of small brown, gray, black or white insects that may look like a scaly covering. 

Cause: Scales or mealybugs.

Remedy: While wearing gardening gloves, clean the plant thoroughly with an insecticidal soap like L’Original. If necessary, a scrub brush can be used to remove pests thoroughly. Treat the entire plant with a spray insecticide or apply insecticidal granules to the plant’s soil.

Limp, Saggy Foliage

Symptom: Foliage that appears exhausted, sags and is not robust. 

Cause: Too much water. 

Remedy: While wearing thick gardening gloves, grasp Sago Palm by the strongest point of its trunk. Be cautious and support the plant as you lift it, still inside its plastic nursery pot, out of the ceramic pot. 

If standing water has collected in the ceramic planter, dump it out. Still in its plastic pot, place the Sago Palm in a spot that receives ample direct sunlight and allow it to dry out thoroughly. Do not give the palm more water until its topsoil is completely dry to the touch. At that point, you can return it to its ceramic pot. 

Brown or Yellow, Frizzy Foliage

Symptom: The Sago Palm’s foliage is discolored, frizzy and appears to be unhealthy. 

Cause: A deficiency of the manganese micronutrient.

Remedy: Manganese sulfate can be applied to the soil of your palm. Do not confuse manganese sulfate for magnesium sulfate. Purchase the Manganese sulfate from a garden or home improvement store. One to two ounces of manganese sulfate will be sufficient for your palm. You will not need to utilize other fertilizers or plant foods.

Shop the Sago Palm at leonandgeorge.com

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Sago Palm

Sago Palms are wonderfully simple. They don’t need much-- a light touch is their favorite approach.

• Pruning: Always use sturdy gardening gloves, and only remove lower foliage. Do so by cutting the fronds as close to the trunk as possible with clean, sharp shears. 

• Fertilizing: Sago Palms do not need standard fertilizer but may benefit from manganese if they are exhibiting symptoms of a deficiency.

• Do not overwater, and do not water directly onto the trunk. Water in a circular pattern toward the edges of the plant. 

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How to propagate a Sago Palm

Sago Palms grow clones from their parent plant over time. These new plants are known as offsets or “pups.” Sagos can be propagated by removing the offsets. With mature plants, the offsets can often be removed with a gentle tug.

Propagating with Offsets:

• While wearing sturdy gardening gloves, tug, “snap” or cut the offset free at the point where it meets the parent plant. An offset of 4 to 5 inches in length is best.

• Remove the leaves and roots from the offset, and, while wearing gloves, rinse it thoroughly in water.

• Place the offset in a shady spot outdoors for a week. The area that has been cut will develop a callus, and you want that. It protects the plant from illness.

• Fill a pot with a well-draining soil, at least two inches in diameter larger than the diameter of the offset.

• Plant the offset with its bottom half beneath the soil and its top off entirely outside of the soil. 

• Water the soil thoroughly (not the offset itself!) and keep it in shade outdoors.

• Within 6 to 12 months, the offset will display both leaves and roots.

• Re-pot the new Sago in a pot at least two inches larger in diameter than the palm itself. Use cycad soil. 

• Keep the young Sago Palm in a spot outside that receives bright light as it grows and adapts.

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Sago Palm

A unique and easy to care for plant well-suited for the outdoors.

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At our brand’s inception, we chose to become a purveyor of premium plant sets because of our belief that gorgeous, healthy plants are the key to a transcendent indoor space: an aesthetic focal point, a source of clean air and natural detoxification, and a mood-boosting, tranquility-enhancing addition to carefully curated interiors.

Now we expand beyond the plant set, to offer a lifestyle collection of goods designed to provide a myriad of rich sensory experiences.

Introducing L’Alchimie Botanique, a line of apothecary elixirs that champion the inherent luxury of simple, natural products. We disrupt the status quo of fertilizers, insecticides and household cleaners, which often rely heavily on chemical ingredients, and offer aromas that won’t wear on your senses, as so often happens with synthetic scents. After all, nobody gets sick of the smell of an olive grove in late afternoon, a profusion of fresh lavender, or wall of undulating blossoms.

We hope you enjoy discovering this new collection as much as we enjoyed creating it, and that it not only completes but also enhances your plant's healthy diet of light, water and love.

L’Original

A natural leaf shine, insecticide and fungicide for all living plants.

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Boost Vitaminé

A specially-formulated liquid fertilizer made with nature's most potent nutrients.

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Potion Magique

A nutrient-filled foliar feed mist, with a fresh, mood-enhancing aroma.

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In our Dear Plant Stylist series, we share styling and lighting inquiries received by our in-house stylists with our audience. So read on-- you just might find that your plant styling questions are answered below! 

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Dear Plant Stylist, 

One of my dearest friends has invited me to come along to her vacation house this summer. What would be a good plant to give as a Thank You gift for the host?

Something easy, please, 

L.R.

Dear L., 

First things first: congratulations on the getaway! We all need one more than ever after the year we’ve had. 

Living plants make such fantastic gifts for hosts. They’re truly thoughtful and emblematic of your appreciation and care. They can also be a little bit tricky to choose, because you don’t want to saddle your friend with a daunting new responsibility. But there are so many genuinely low-maintenance houseplants that this doesn’t have to be an issue. 

Let’s start with the biggest considerations, and then we can work our way down to styling preferences. 

Does your friend have kids or animals that might chew plants? We promise we’re not conflating beloved children with unruly pets, but toxic houseplants are a bad idea for both! If this is a concern, you’ll want to choose a non-toxic plant from this collection. 

Lighting also plays a part in choosing plants. Many plants are flexible, but if your friend’s space receives particularly low light, you’ll want to let this collection be your guide. 

The Lucky Plant Set Duo is a great gift for hosts who can appreciate good feng shui.

Now, onto the fun stuff. If your friend and gracious host is holistically minded, (really, who isn’t?) you could consider giving her the gift of wellness and bountiful fresh air, by picking out an air-purifying plant for her. Many gorgeous houseplants have air-purifying qualities, and these have been verified by scientific institutions like NASA, so we’re not just pulling your leg. 

Rubber Plants are naturally air purifying, and they’re popular for their deep coloration and high-gloss foliage. They are a great fit for spaces with richly colored decor. Snake Plants, alias Sansevierias, are likewise air-purifying, and they’re possibly the most foolproof plant for gifting there is. They’re gorgeous, they have impressive height and lush fullness, and they’re virtually indestructible. They fit seamlessly into any style, and are a stunning addition when placed in the corners of rooms, or as a pair to flank an entryway. 

Our Lucky Plant Set Duo is a great choice for gifting because it has wonderful contrast and variety. A verdant, jewel-tone Zanzibar Gem is paired with a graceful and airy Braided Money Tree in this feng shui-friendly set of plants renowned for bestowing good luck (and even monetary windfalls!) on its owner. 

Houseplants have the wonderful quality of being aesthetically flexible. At their core, they are all case studies in natural beauty, and they can blend into and enhance any style of interior decor that a given space might have, which frees you up as the gift-giver to hone in on more specific details, like light requirements, non-toxic options, and care needs. 

Every plant I’ve mentioned above is low-maintenance and easy to care for, but don’t be afraid of go off-roading as you shop! We always list this designation on the product page for our plants. Find it by clicking “Is This Plant Right for Me?”

Happy Hunting, L., and have a great trip. Viva rest and relaxation! 

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Easy Care Plants, Delivered

Beautifully potted plants, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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