Plant Care Tips and More - All Posts

A Complete Black Olive Tree AKA Shady Lady Care Guide

The Black Olive Tree, also known as bucida buceras or Shady Lady Olive Tree is a gorgeous indoor plant native to tropical regions and is known for its dark, glossy leaves and durable bark. Not to be confused with the regular Olive Tree, the Black Olive Tree does not actually produce any fruit, and in fact is not even an olive tree! Given this name simply for its airy, olive tree-like appearance, this plant is an excellent indoor alternative to its close cousin who prefers to be outdoors.

Light requirements for the Black Olive Tree

Black Olive Trees need at least 6-8, preferably 10 hours of unobstructed direct sunlight a day. It can be placed either outside in full-sun, partial shade, or indoors by a south-facing window. All of the foliage should be exposed to direct light to maintain a full, lush canopy.

How to water your Black Olive Tree

Black Olive Trees require a lot of water when they first acclimate to a new environment. After a few weeks, you’ll start to see how fast your tree is drinking. Allow your Black Olive Tree to dry in between waterings, and water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil is completely dry, usually once every 5-7 days. The frequency of watering depends on where your tree is placed and how much direct sunlight it is receiving. Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months.

Are Black Olive Trees fast growers?

Black Olive Trees are relatively slow growers, and will grow even more slowly indoors. An ideal plant for a chic indoor setting, it requires very little maintenance over time!

Potion Magique

An all-natural elixir to add to your misting routine, providing extra nutrition and pest control for your plants through their foliage.
**$28**

SHOP NOW

Common problems with the Black Olive Tree

Leaf drop

The Black Olive Tree is prone to leaf drop, particularly with environmental changes, inconsistent care, or changing seasons. You may see your plant drop all its leaves—and very quickly—causing understandable alarm and concern. However, if your plant is receiving the care it requires, then there is nothing to worry about: sudden leaf drop is normal for the Black Olive Tree and the leaves usually grow back with some time. If you’d like to speed up the process, expose your plant to more light by either shifting its position in your home (or putting it outdoors if that’s an option for you), or investing in a grow light.

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Black Olive Tree

Take care of your Black Olive Tree and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Black Olive Tree or bucida buceras over time.

Fertilizing - Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) every 6-8 weeks, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning & Shaping - Remove dry or dead leaves all year round, but save any major pruning for late winter or early spring. It’s important to thin out the canopy to improve air circulation and maintain its shape. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the tree and spread of disease.
Cleaning - The Black Olive Tree is not an easy one to clean! Keep your plant dust-free by regularly misting.
Repotting - Houseplants 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 2-3 years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.
- When to repot - Repot your plant with fresh soil once every 2-3 years.
- 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 - 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 firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and 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.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Black Olive Tree remains healthy and thrives in its environment.

Plant CareLéon & GeorgeJanuary 3, 2023Olive Tree Comments

Houseplant Hues: Pantone's Color of the Year

The Magenta Triostar, a living expression of Pantone’s Color of the Year

“Brave and fearless, a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes optimism and joy.” Such is how Pantone describes its 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, and such might describe the colorful plant who bears this evocative hue: the Magenta Triostar.

Expressive & Experimental

Viva Magenta is a color hailing from the red family that’s at once expressive and experimental, and that couldn’t ring more true for its colorful living counterpart. As if nature herself were expressing and experimenting with her creations, the leaves of the Magenta Triostar appear seemingly painted on with a brush, in strokes of deep pinks, creamy whites and hunter greens. For the color-obsessed, there can be no better plant.

A colorful Prayer Plant

What makes the Magenta Triostar even more unique is that it belongs to the “prayer plant” family. That means that its leaves fold upward at night, as if in prayer, and unfold again during the day. This movement is believed to be an adaptation to the plant's native environment in the tropical rainforests of South America, where it receives limited sunlight and relies on the movement of its leaves to absorb as much light as possible during the day. The plant's common name, prayer plant, comes from this distinctive movement of its leaves, which is thought to resemble a person praying.

The result is a dramatic show of nature, a bold expression of color and a piece of living art for the home.

Caring for the Magenta Triostar

The Magenta Triostar is a relatively easy plant to care for, but new owners should take note of a few particularities about this plant to ensure it thrives over time.

Given the Magenta Triostar hails from the rainforest, it loves humidity and regular watering is key. Bright indirect light is ideal for this plant, though it can also adapt to lower levels of light as well.

MAGENTA TRIOSTAR

A striking accent plant with exotic magenta, cream, and green colored foliage.

SHOP NOW

Lifestyle, Interior DesignBarbie Lucio-BartoliJanuary 3, 2023LifestyleComment

Grow Your Own Luck!

The Braided Money Tree, a token of good luck and prosperity.

Known to bear luck and prosperity, the Braided Money Tree could be the perfect addition to your home (or a friend’s!) this Lunar New Year. Its unique leaf shape, elaborately braided trunk, and fast-growing canopy make it one of the most popular plants this time of year. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to care for and perfect for any green thumb out there.

What is Lunar New Year?

Not familiar with Lunar New Year? Let’s shed some light on the basics:

This holiday is based on the lunar calendar (the cycles of the moon).
The moon is very powerful - it controls ocean tides, plant growth, and even human behavior, so Lunar New Year celebrations are meant to acknowledge these relationships.
Festivities begin when the first new moon occurs (anywhere from end of January to mid-February) and they come to a close with the first full moon (15 days later).
A new moon signifies new beginnings/the opportunity to move forward with a clean slate - the full moon that follows (15 days later) signifies the completion of one complete moon cycle.
During this time, feasts, fireworks, and a variety of special ceremonies/festivals are enjoyed.
It's highly celebrated in Asia and many other parts of the world. It is seen as an opportunity to spend time with family and honor your ancestors.
For 2023, the first new moon that will kick off the Lunar New Year occurs on Sunday, January 22.

Depending on location and culture, celebrations can look vastly different as various traditions and beliefs are honored. What we do know for sure is that the lunar calendar is also often referred to as the agricultural calendar, yet another reference to how plants play such an integral role in society and culture.

Get a Braided Money Tree to celebrate Lunar New Year

Increasing your juju

We all chase positive vibes, good karma, and success in our lives. Can all of this be achieved by acquiring a plant? Who knows! But, the Money Tree is the most popular plant used as a Feng Shui cure. If put in the money area of your home, it is said to increase good fortune and attract wealth energy!

We’ve learned by now that money doesn’t grow on trees, but if something this luscious and lovely could help you prosper even a little bit, why not give it a go? With fast-growing, canopy-like foliage, the Braided Money Tree comes in various different sizes and will liven up any home or office in an instant.

How to care for the Money Tree

Light:

The Money Tree likes bright light, but it’s best to keep it out of the direct sun
It can happily tolerate medium-brightness areas if needed, but may not grow as fast in this environment

Water

The Money Tree is a tropical plant that loves humidity
Water once a week (or once the top two inches of the soil feels dry to the touch)

Read our full guide on how to care for the Money Tree here.

Order a Braided Money Tree for Lunar New Year

As the Lunar New Year approaches, consider adding a Money Tree to your life, or gifting one to a friend, co-worker, or family member as a symbol of luck and prosperity!

Looking for the perfect plant stand?

Give your greenery a lift with premium wood plant stands— handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces that provide a beautiful and functional way to display your plants. Heirloom quality and designed to complement any style and space, wood plant stands are the ideal accessory to give houseplants an elevated look, both literally and figuratively.

Good For You, Good for the Planet

Made with mahogany or teak wood, each stand starts with sustainably sourced plantation-grown or reclaimed lumber and is finished with non-VOC oil. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are harmful chemicals that can be released into the air and contribute to air pollution, and are all too common in the manufacturing of household items and furniture. While living greenery does much to clean the air of such toxins, let’s not make them work harder than they already do!

It’s All In the details

Our premium wood plant stands come in various sizes to accommodate different plants and planters. These stands are designed to be paired with our mid-century ceramic planters, giving your plants an elevated look and helping them stand out as a focal point in any room. Whether you have a tabletop accent plant or a large Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, there is a plant stand size that will suit your needs.

Stylish and functional, sustainable and eco-friendly, these stands are the perfect addition to any home and, paired with your favorite plant, will add a touch of natural beauty to any space.

SHOP WOOD STANDS

New Products, Events, LifestyleBarbie Lucio-BartoliDecember 20, 2022Wood Stands, Social ImpactComment

What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Low Light Plant

tall low light plants — The Dracaena Lisa is an excellent choice for a tall, low light plant.

Are you looking to add some greenery to your home but don't have a lot of natural light to offer? What if we told you there are plenty of low light plants that can thrive in even the darkest corners of your home?

It’s true! You don’t need an abundance of natural light to enjoy all the many benefits of plants. However, before you start shopping for a low light plant, it's important to know what to look for and how to care for plants in these types of settings. Keep reading to learn about what you should know before buying a low light plant, including some of our Plant Stylists’ favorite low light plants to bring beauty and fresh air to any corner of your home!

Know your light levels

Low light plants are typically those that can thrive in areas with minimal natural light, such as a north-facing window or a room with little natural light. Before buying any plant, it's important to assess the light levels in the area where you plan to place it, and even more so with low light. Check out our light guide to better understand the definition of low light, and if you still need help, get in touch and we can help you assess the lighting and give you personalized recommendations for the best plants for that space.

Consider the size of the plant

While some low light plants are small and can be easily placed on a windowsill or tabletop, others can grow quite large and may require more space. Consider the size of the plant and make sure you have enough room for it to grow in your low light spot. Do keep in mind that plants grow slower when in low light settings!

Choose the right soil

Proper potting and soil are essential for the health and growth of any plant, and arguably even more so for plants placed in low light settings. Because your plant will be photosynthesizing less, fresh potting soil that’s rich with nutrients is key to their well-being. Plants also drink more slowly when they receive less light, so proper drainage is key.

Keep an eye on water levels

All plants need water to survive, but low light plants may be more sensitive to over-watering or under-watering. Be sure to check the soil regularly to make sure it is not too dry or too wet, and adjust your watering habits accordingly.

Fertilize sparingly

While plants need nutrients to grow, it's important not to over-fertilize low light plants. Too much fertilizer can lead to things like leaf burn or drop. Stick to a gentle, balanced fertilizer for indoor plants and apply it sparingly. Our all-natural plant food, Boost Vitaminé, is gentle enough to use year round, but be sure to cut back to maximum one time per month in the fall and winter.

Know your plant's natural habitat

Different plants have different natural habitats, and understanding the conditions under which a plant grows best can help you provide the right care. For example, some low light plants come from rainforests and may prefer high humidity, while others come from desert regions and may prefer drier conditions.

Choose the right plant for your space

Not all low light plants are created equal, and some may be better suited to your specific needs than others. For example, if you have pets, you may want to choose a low light plant that is non-toxic to animals . Similarly, if you are looking for a plant to purify the air in your home, consider choosing one that is known for its air-purifying qualities. The Snake Plant, for example, is an excellent air-purifying low light plant.

Provide proper ventilation

Proper ventilation is important for the health of any plant, and low light plants are no exception. Make sure your plant has adequate airflow to prevent stagnant air and promote healthy growth.

Pay attention to pests

Pests can be a problem for any plant, and low light plants can be more susceptible to pests if they are overwatered. Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, and take steps to control them as needed.

Don't be afraid to experiment

While there are general care guidelines that apply to most low light plants, every plant is different. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your specific plant. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your low light plant happy, healthy and growing for many, many years!

Our favorite low light plants

Here are some of the top low light plants that can thrive with minimal access to natural light:

Thirsty for more? Browse our full collection of low light plants to find the perfect match for your space and style.

The Cast Iron Plant

A lush beauty known for its resilience and ability to thrive in low light settings.

SHOP NOW

EducationLéon & GeorgeDecember 16, 2022Low light plantsComment

5 Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Plant Parent

Chances are, one or two of the names on your gift list belong to plant parents. Tending to living plants has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why: plant care is a source of peace and joy, no matter the season. And you may be wondering: if they already have the gorgeous plant, what else could your recipient need? Turns out, there are a lot of fantastic stocking stuffer options to elevate your loved one’s plant care routine to divine new heights!

Green and glowing foliage awaits

**L’Original Organic Black Soap Spray**
Our first and favorite precious plant elixir: a hand-crafted black olive oil soap, perfect for shining leaves, deterring pests, cleaning pots and counters, and more!
Shop now →

**The ultimate simple moisture tool**

**Moisture Meter Pack**
Sleek, efficient, *simple.* These meters use a scale of blue and white to tell your recipient when it’s time to water their plant. Our own Plant Doctors love them- they’re tried and true!
Shop now →

**Natural nourishment for great growth**

**Vitamin Boost Natural Plant Food**
Our organic plant food, formulated in-house with potent nutrients. Simply dilute 1 dropper per 1 liter of water, and utilize this Boost every two weeks during spring and summer, once a month in winter and fall.
Shop now →

**Adornments to enchant year-round**

**Plant Animal Trio**
Your loved one has personality to spare, and their plants can too! Offered in a trio of animal variations, these brass-coated steel adornments are fully positionable.
Shop now →

**A spa day for owner and plant alike**

**Potion Magique Natural Foliar Feed**
A mist to be applied directly to plants’ foliage, Potion Magique is derived from natural ingredients and essential oils, and has a luxe, gentle aroma.
Shop now →

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

The Holiday Collection

This holiday season, give them a gift to experience. Spark a new hobby, invite them to reconnect with nature, or simply give them the beauty and benefits of owning living greenery.

GET GIFTING

GiftsLéon & GeorgeDecember 5, 2022Gifts, Gift GuideComment

What's The Ideal Temperature For Houseplants?

Wondering how your climate control affects your plants? Houseplants, like us, can feel too cold, or too warm, and do best in mild temperatures that fall somewhere between 65-75 degrees farhenheit. As the seasons change, consider how reaching for the thermostat may affect your houseplants:

Many common indoor plants enjoy balmier temps and thrive in warmer and sunnier conditions. Think Money Trees, Calatheas, Cacti, some Palm varieties and Philodendrons. If you have any of these in your collection, make sure things don’t get too chilly inside (particularly if you’re away and the heating is turned off).
Others can survive just fine in colder temps if needed - think Sansevieria, Cast Irons, Zanzibar Gems, and Silver Evergreens. They do fine with winter temps, but you may need to water less if they regularly live in a chilly environment.
Most indoor plants are happiest in temperatures that falls somewhere in between hot and cold. *Cue Miss Rhode Island from Miss Congeniality and her idea of a perfect date: "April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket." Our plant babies don't have a huge selection when it comes to jackets though, so we recommend keeping them happy with indoor temps somewhere between 65º-75º F.
*Pro tip*: Whether you're adjusting temps up or down in your space, make sure you don't sacrifice humidity! Blasting the heat or the AC will dry out the air, and that will cause most plants to wilt, dry out, or drop leaves.

MORE PLANT CARE TIPS

INDOOR PLANTS, POTTED AND DELIVERED

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

SHOP NOW

Plant CareBarbie Lucio-BartoliNovember 28, 2022Plant Care, Zanzibar Gem, TemperatureComment

Light Requirements for Plants: Explained!

A Definitive Light Guide for Plants

It’s time to welcome a new plant into your home, which means that it’s also time to identify the light your space receives! The number one thing to consider when you select a new plant friend is their light requirement. And we know it can feel a little confusing at first, but don’t fret! This page was specially designed to set you up for success when choosing the right plant for your space. We will identify the light that your space receives, what terms like bright indirect light really mean, and of course, ensure your choice is a perfect match with suggestions for each area of your home.

Direct light vs. indirect light
Artificial light
Understanding the light in your space
North facing window light
South facing window light
East facing window light
West facing window light
Best plants for each type of light
Signs your plant isn’t getting the right light

What is Indirect Sunlight?

What’s the difference between indirect vs. direct light, and what how do green thumbs define low light? While there admittedly isn’t an exact way to define some of these terms, getting a general sense of each will go a long way in selecting the right plant.

Direct Light - The light that comes in through west or southern-facing windows. Direct light is the most intense light that indoor spaces receive, and will expose plants directly to the sun's rays. Most common houseplants don’t love direct sunlight, but a few that can take the heat are Birds of Paradise, Fishtail Palms, cacti and succulents.

Bright Indirect Light - It’s not direct, but it is steady and bright. Think: the spots right next to a window that receives a dash of direct light (but not more than an hour a day) before being obstructed. It’s ideal for plants in this collection.

Medium Light - The areas of a room that are about half the distance between a window and back wall receive medium light. These areas still receive steady light from windows, but it is not direct. This light is ideal for many palms, Dracaenas, Philodendrons, and the plants in our medium light collection.

Low Light - Low light areas are seven or more feet from windows, and can also be places that receive no natural light, like some office spaces and bathrooms. Some plants love low light, and many can adapt to it. Low light plants tend to grow more slowly than other plants, but there is still a wealth of options. Our low light collection is a great trove of shade-loving indoor plants.

Can I Use Artificial Light for my Plants?

The short answer is yes. Artificial light, including indoor grow lighting, is light that is emitted by lightbulbs, and particularly by grow lights. Ordinary lamps and overhead lighting do not offer a lot of light for plants to photosynthesize (though they will still contribute something!), so if the only sources of light are ordinary lamps and overhead lights, you’ll want to select a low light plant. However, if you're keen to discover how to determine your plant light conditions and promote healthy plant growth, grow lights offer light that plants can readily photosynthesize. You can read more about them and other ways to optimize light for your plants here.

Understanding Your Light and Space

What kind of light do you have? A quick way to tell is with a quick hand test. Take a piece of paper or some other plane surface and hold your hand about a foot away from it, between it and the light source. If you can’t see much of a shadow or it’s very faint, you’re getting low light. In a medium light situation you’ll see a blurry or fuzzy shadow of your hand, and in bright light you’ll get a crisp clear shadow.

Knowing what direction your windows face will also be helpful in determining what types of light you’re working with:

North Facing Windows

Windows that face true north do not receive direct sunlight at any time of day (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). They receive consistently diffuse, gentle light. Plants from the Medium Light Collection, like the Dracaena Lisa, Braided Money Tree and Snake Plant will do well when placed four or more feet from north facing windows.

South Facing Windows

South facing windows are the star of any room, because this direction receives the most light throughout the day. The sun rises in the east, and as the planet rotates, the sun’s rays hit south facing windows from the hours of late morning to mid afternoon. South facing windows provide a good deal of bright light for most of the day, so most plants will love being closely situated to this window, especially bright light plants like the Bird of Paradise, Fishtail Palm, and Desert Cactus.

A note on direct sunlight: unobstructed south-facing windows will receive a fair amount of direct sunlight, and most plants don’t love to sit in harsh direct rays of sun. Take care when placing certain plants directly in front of a window that receives lots of direct sunlight.

Live in a super sunny city? Check out our feature on The 10 Sunniest Cities in the U.S. That You Should Move To, where we include tips on which plants to invest in for cities that are sunny all year round.

East Facing Windows

Windows that face east receive sunlight in the morning (the sun rises in the east). Morning light is typically soft, which makes east facing windows a gentle match for plants that appreciate indirect bright light. If you can see the sun rising from your window, that is an east facing window. Plants that like bright, indirect sunlight, like the Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera Deliciosa, are great picks for placing near east facing windows.

A note on direct sunlight: morning sunlight is generally a soft light, and most plants will tolerate direct sunlight from east-facing windows. However, if you live in a place that sees lots of sunshine (lucky you!), keep an eye on things in the summer when the sun may become too harsh for plants that otherwise enjoy basking in it during the rest of the year.

West Facing Windows

By midday, the sun is high in the sky and ready to begin its slow descent as it sets in the west. Sunlight will filter through west facing windows from mid afternoon until evening. If you can see the sun set through your window in the afternoon, it is a west-facing window. The light received by west-facing windows is very strong when direct, so most plants should be placed outside the areas where direct sunlight hits. A Braided Money Tree or Tiger Evergreen will benefit from indirect sunlight from this direction, and plants like the Desert Cactus and succulents are some of few that will tolerate west-facing window’s direct sunlight.

You can also utilize landmarks to determine what direction your windows are facing.

Meet Your (Light’s) Match

Shop from this list of our all-time favorite plants for every light requirement. You may notice that some plants are on multiple lists. This is no mistake! Some lucky plants can thrive in varied degrees of indirect light. Braided Money Trees and Snake Plants are among these superstars.

Best Plants for Direct Light

Bird of Paradise

Fishtail Palm

Desert Cactus

Best plants for bright indirect Light

Best Plants for Medium Light

Best Plants For Low Light

Keep in mind that plants can also be "conditioned" to different light levels, but be careful to do this over a period of a few weeks. A sudden shift in light levels will cause your plant to go through shock.

Signs you haven’t found the sweet spot yet

If you see yellow or dropping leaves or longer spindly stems, this may indicate your plant wants more light. A change of position in the room, a different room, or adding a lamp nearby may be what your plant is looking for.

Noticing pale leaves or crispy browning areas? This may mean your plant needs a step back from too much light or direct light.

Illustrations by our talented Plant Stylist, Kailie Barnes

1 TO 1 VIDEO CALL WITH AN EXPERT

Yellow leaves? Worried about watering or struggling with incorrect lighting? Book a call and get truly personalized support for all your plant-related needs.

SCHEDULE HERE

Welcome to Léon & George

Discover the joy of indoor gardening with Léon & George, where each houseplant is a living work of art, chosen to create blooming havens in your personal spaces. Our selection of easy-to-grow plants includes everything from the vibrant golden pothos to the sturdy philodendron, all nurtured to promote clean indoor air and enhance the humidity levels of your home.

As purveyors of greenery, we cater to both the enthusiast with a green thumb and the beginner eager to foster their first potted plant. We understand the importance of potting soil that provides optimal drainage, the right fertilizer to encourage growth, and the knowledge on how to propagate and prune to prevent issues like root rot and pests.

In every planter and terrarium, gardening meets style, and house plants become an essential element of home decor. We help you select foliage plants that thrive in variegated light, from bright sunlight to damp corners where air plants might flourish. We offer guidance on watering needs, whether your plants will be potted, repotted, or displayed in chic hanging pots.

And it doesn't stop at succulents and bromeliads; our expansive greenhouse nurtures a collection of tropical plants, ferns, and flowering species like anthuriums and orchids. We make gardening in any space possible, even in urban environments where humidity and sunlight may be challenging to manage.

Join us at Léon & George, and let's cultivate beauty and well-being, one houseplant at a time, turning every nook into a lush, foliage-filled sanctuary.

Plant Care, EducationBarbie Lucio-BartoliNovember 25, 2022Plant Care, Light Comments

How To Use Your New Moisture Meter

How to use moisture meter — A moisture meter that is as simple to use as it is sleek.

Did you know that the number one cause of indoor plant trouble is over-watering? That’s because it can be hard to know what’s happening below the soil of your plant. But what if you could get a clear and accurate picture of your plant’s needs, and know exactly when it’s time to water, and when it’s time to hold off?

As it turns out, you can, with sleek and simple to use moisture meters.

Why this moisture meter?

There are so many moisture meters and watering tools out there, from classic probes to tech-enhanced apps, but not all moisture meters are created equal.

Designed, developed, and manufactured in Japan, this particular moisture meter is the first of its kind to incorporate a pF indicator that gives a more accurate and concise picture of when it’s time to water. Tested by research institutions, agriculturalists, and our very own team of Plant Doctors, we’ve found this moisture meter to be the highest quality, easiest to use, and all around most attractive design.

Thirsty for more? Unlike traditional water detectors that simply detect moisture, a pF indicator detects the soil’s available water capacity, also understood as the roots’ ability to absorb water. The moisture meter then uses a simple color scale to let you know when it’s time to water and when you should hold off.

How to use your moisture meter

Using your moisture meter is simple. Follow these instructions to ensure proper use of your sleek new tool!

Gently insert the moisture meter deep into the soil of your plant, taking care not to damage any roots along the way. Don’t worry if you bump into a few roots, but avoid using force.
Allow the moisture meter to sit in the soil for 20-30 minutes before reading.
The window at the top will be completely white if it’s time to water. If it is at all blue, hold off on watering until it becomes white.
If it is indeed white, water your plant thoroughly as instructed in your care card. You will see the moisture meter gradually turn blue.
You may leave your moisture meter in the soil of your plant, or remove it in between waterings. Up to you!

How to take care of your moisture meter

Over time, your moisture meter may need cleaning of any soil particles that have collected from use. To clean, place your moisture meter upside down (with the window indicator facing down) in a mix of neutral detergent and warm water, letting it soak for about an hour.

Every six to nine months, the core will need to be replaced. Follow these instructions to replace the core of your moisture meter:

Remove the top screw cap and remove the core, blue sheet, and straw.
Keep the refill in its package until just before use.
Place the new core inside the moisture meter and screw the cap back on.

We know finding the perfect watering routine is tough, especially when it comes to larger plants. And we know, unlike that beautiful armchair you bought last year, this investment requires a little more attention. We believe that offering the knowledge and tools to take care of your new living greenery is key to setting you up for success in the long run. And we hope it’s a long run with your plant!

Indoor plants, potted & delivered.

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

SHOP NOW

Plant Care, EducationLéon & GeorgeNovember 24, 2022Plant Care, Repotting Comments

Moss For Plants: What It Is & How To Maintain It

All Léon & George plants include Preserved Forest Moss as a final touch.

So you want to put moss on your indoor plants. Decorative moss is a wonderful covering for potted plants, and there are a few things you should know to keep your houseplants and moss looking beautifully polished year round.

What is moss for plants?

Preserved forest moss is exactly what it sounds like— real forest moss that’s been preserved! That means it’s not alive, and requires no major maintenance over time. Moss is used widely as a decorative topping for indoor potted plants. Moss is also the material of choice for assembling terrariums or maintaining soil humidity. When following the method for staging your plant, it’s the finishing touch for hiding less attractive details such as nursery pots and staging materials.

Our Preserved Forest Moss is non-toxic and safe to have in homes with curious pets and children. It’s placed as a light covering and can be watered over during your usual watering routine.

How to use your moss

Giving your houseplants a polished look is easy! Follow these simple tips when using moss covering on your plants:

Separate - Using your hands, separate any clumps and shake out dust particles. You want your moss to be nice and fluffy, leaving space for the soil to access natural airflow.

Spread - Place the moss over the topsoil of your plant and spread out evenly between plant stems, to the inside edges of your decorative pot.

Fluff - Fluff the moss one more time to create a nicely balanced look and to double check that the soil has space for airflow.

Here’s how to fluff the moss atop your plant:

Using your fingers, rub pieces of moss together to create space and break up any clumps. The moss should appear light and curly, not flat and condensed. Occasionally life the moss to check the soil beneath. If you see white spots or mold-like growth, worry not! Most fungi is beneficial for plants, though this would be a good time to fluff the moss and check for air flow.

Despite not needing any maintenance like real, living moss would, we recommend fluffing yours on occasion for optimal plant health. This maintains better soil aeration (aka air flow to your plant's roots), and let's be honest -- it just looks nice!

Maintaining your moss over time

While decorative moss can last for years, it will dry out and fade over time. Replace your moss every 1-2 years for a fresh look.

What about water? Preserved moss does not need water, but it also doesn’t mind getting wet. Water freely over your moss during your regular watering routine.

All Léon & George indoor plants come with preserved forest moss as the final touch. It requires no upkeep and serves no purpose beyond simply giving your plant a polished look!

Leon & George Large Zanzibar — Large Zanzibar Gem by Léon & George, complete with plant, ceramic pot, wood stand and preserved forest moss

PLANT ACCESSORIES AND POTTED PLANTS

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics and luxurious plant care accessories. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

SHOP NOW

Plant CareLéon & GeorgeNovember 20, 2022Plant Care

Tips for Happy Houseplants While You're Away

Who doesn’t like to travel now and then? But it can be hard to enjoy yourself if you’re worrying over your houseplants. Whether you are jetting off on a summer vacation or going home for the holidays, leave your plants with peace of mind knowing that they will be well while you’re away. Before you head out the door complete this simple checklist to ensure your plants will be alive and thriving when you get home!

What to do before you leave

When it comes to hectic holiday travel, your plants are probably low on the list of priorities. It's a busy time of year-- we get it! But whether you'll be gone for a few days or a few weeks, here are some tips to act on (or bookmark for later) for happier plants upon your return:

Water before leaving - The day before you leave, give your plants a good watering. If you'll be gone for a long time (over two weeks), you may even consider bottom watering, or letting them soak in a few inches of water before returning to their decorative pot.
Climate control - Most indoor plants prefer to live in temperatures somewhere between 65-75 degrees, so do what's necessary to make sure the temperatures don't go too far above or below that window while you're gone.
Maintain humidity - To avoid those crispy edges and keep humidity levels up, try grouping your plants together so they can create a mini-biome and help each other out in your absence.
Self-watering adapter - If you're going to be gone longer than two weeks, we recommend getting a self-watering adapter. Depending on the size of your plant, these can keep it quenched for up to two weeks.
For travel longer than three weeks - Ask a friend to stop by. Plants are living beings and need love and attention just like us and our pets!

What to do when you return

Soak - check the moisture of the soil at the top and bottom of the nursery pot (you have to remove it from its decorative pot). If still slightly moist, return to your regular watering schedule. If completely dry, bring your plant to the shower and give the soil a nice soak through. Let the water drain completely before returning to its home.
Prune - after the shower and when your plant has dried a bit, you should see the leaves perk back up. (occasionally after long droughts, your plants may need a second shower before this happens.) Sift through all the green and thoroughly remove any brown or yellowing leaves.

drought resistant plants — DROUGHT-RESISTANT PLANTS

Whether you travel a lot or are just plain busy, plants that resist drought for several weeks are the way to go!

SHOP NOW

Plant CareBarbie Lucio-BartoliNovember 17, 2022Plant Care, Summer care tips, Summer, CactusComment