The Cast Iron Plant is non-toxic and requires little to no maintenance—ideal for a nursery and/or new parents!

When it comes to nursery decor, there’s nothing like the softness and serenity of an indoor plant to pull all the elements together. There are so many pros to bringing plants into your baby’s nursery, too. For starters, they create more oxygen and remove harmful toxins from the air. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, they can promote harmony and good energy, and it goes without saying that they add natural elegance and beauty to any corner or surface they adorn.

1. How to decorate a nursery with plants

2. The best plants for a baby nursery

3. Plant styling inspiration for a baby nursery

How to decorate a nursery with plants

Styling your baby’s nursery with indoor greenery is relatively simple (especially compared to all the other pieces you’ll have to take into account!). Nonetheless, our Plant Stylists recommend keeping a few things in mind:

• Less is more - to capture that serene and welcoming feeling of a perfectly decorated nursery, don’t overdo it on the plant selection. Keep things minimal with a large statement plant, or a few small tabletop or hanging plants. While greenery really adds to a space, it can also detract when things start to get cluttered.

• Soft or round edges - avoid plants with spiky foliage and go for soft and round edges or forms.

• Non-toxic plants - less of an issue for newborns, keep in mind that as babies turn into toddlers, you may consider opting for non-toxic or only mildly toxic plants to stay on the safe side of things once your child is on the move.

The best plants for a baby nursery

So what are the best plants for a nursery? Of course beyond the practicalities of care, we believe it’s important that the plant you ultimately select speaks to you! The following plants are 100% non-toxic and safe to have around small children.

Cast Iron Plant

Like its name implies, the Cast Iron Plant is one tough cookie, making it the perfect choice for new (plant) parents!

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PARLOR PALM

An excellent air-purifier, this sweet little palm is soft to the touch and the perfect dose of jungle vibes.

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Calathea Medallion

A member of the prayer plant family (plants that open and close their leaves throughout the day), the Calathea Medallion is a welcome splash of color in any space.

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Kentia Palm

Want to blur the lines between the outdoors and in? Another amazing air purifier, the Kentia Palm is a great choice for larger nursery spaces.

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Braided Money Tree

A popular plant in the teachings of feng shui, the Braided Money Tree is a beautiful miniature tree that brings good fortune to its home.

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Lady Palm

The Lady Palm is a slow-growing statement plant that brings an elegant, tropical feel to any space, nurseries included!

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Plant inspiration for a baby nursery

Looking to get inspired? Check out some of these beautiful baby nurseries that have incorporated the perfect dose of greenery into the space!

The Bird of Paradise fits right in with all the natural elements of this nursery. Note that this plant is mildly toxic if ingested. Photo credit: @hannahquinones

The Monstera Deliciosa to add a splash of color and style to this nursery that excellently manages both a cozy yet modern feel. Note that this plant is mildly toxic if ingested. Photo credit: @ourmodernhome

The different hues of blue and green work so perfectly with the Kentia Palm to complement the color palette. Note that this plant is mildly toxic if ingested. Photo credit: @everyday.muse

Framed in the corner of the room, this Fiddle Leaf Fig wonderfully pulls together the three main elements of the nursery— the crib, rocker, and colorful rug. Note that this plant is mildly toxic if ingested. Credit: @melissajill

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Experience nature's vibrant beauty with the Red Congo’s colorful leaves that add a stunning pop of color to any space.

Growing tired of the usual green when it comes to living plants? Consider spicing things up with some vibrant red leaf plants! There are many popular houseplants that feature shades of red on their leaves, and many of these are easy to care for. Go ahead and discover something unique with the top 5 red leaf plants.

Magenta Triostar

If you’re looking for a plant with some serious personality, the Magenta Triostar is the way to go. This playful prayer plant features deep green leaves with bright magenta stripes and undersides in rich shades of red and pink. It truly appears to be painted by Mother Nature herself.

One thing to keep in mind with the Magenta Triostar is that it requires a bit more care than some other red leaf plants. It needs bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil to thrive. But with a little bit of love and attention, this plant will reward you with its stunning and unique beauty.

Bold and beautiful, the Red Congo plant features striking dark foliage with vibrant accents of red, making it a stunning addition to any indoor jungle.

Red Congo

The Red Congo is a strikingly lush plant with deep red stems that give way to glossy green leaves. An eye-catching addition to any room, this plant is a member of the Philodendron family and is native to South America.

The Red Congo is a fast grower, making it an excellent choice for filling up empty spaces in your home or office. It also acts as an air purifier and cleans the air of harmful VOCs and other toxins.

The King of Hearts Anthurium has heart-shaped leaves with a glossy finish, a perfect addition to any plant collection.

False Aralia

The False Aralia is a fun red leaf plant with delicate, frilly leaves in shades of deep green and burgundy. Its serrated leaves resemble a feather boa, making it a unique addition to any space. This plant is native to the Pacific Islands and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

The False Aralia is safe for pets and requires very little upkeep over time.

King of Hearts Anthurium

The King of Hearts Anthurium is a popular flowering plant that features bright red spathes, or clusters of flowers, around its green leaves. Like a bouquet that flowers yearround, the Anthurium is ideal for someone who wants something bright and colorful as well as easy to care for. This plant is native to tropical regions of Central and South America and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

The Golden Petra plant showcases brilliant golden-yellow foliage that illuminates any room with its stunning natural beauty.

Golden Petra

The Golden Petra is a stunning red leaf plant with leaves that are a mix of green, yellow, and bright red. Its variegated leaves make it a playful addition to any indoor space. This plant is native to Indonesia and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

One fun fact about the Croton Petra is that it’s also known as the “Joseph’s Coat” plant because of its vibrant colors. It’s a great choice for those who want a red leaf plant that also features other bold hues.

Ready to explore even more? Shop our full collection of variegated plants and bring your home to life with vibrant living color!

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The Pilea is an adorably trendy cat-safe plant. Photo by @crancourt96

Any cat parent knows: keeping our feline friends out of off-limits areas is an uphill battle. And while they say curiosity killed the cat, this danger does not need to exist with your good-intentioned houseplants! Living greenery adds so much to a space, and just because you have a curious cat at home that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the wonderful benefits houseplants have to offer. 

Our company was named after a cat (Léon of Léon & George is a female tabby cat who lives in Paris!), so we know a thing or two about peacefully coexisting with flora and fauna (by the way, read up on tips for keeping cats off plants!). Check out the most beautiful plants that a feline fan can own, all 100% non-toxic and safe for cats! 

Kentia Palm

First on our list is the Kentia Palm, a majestic statement plant made to bring your indoor jungle to life. These palms are not only safe for cats, but they’re also easy to care for and can grow up to 10 feet tall. With their long, slender leaves and airy appearance, they’re sure to add a tropical touch that your cat will love.

Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant is aptly named for its tough, hardy leaves that can withstand neglect and low light. Possibly the easiest cat-safe houseplant, this plant is a great choice for those who are new to indoor gardening or who have a busy schedule as it requires very little upkeep over time. 

Kentia Palm

Cast Iron Plant

Parlor Palm

Next up is the Parlor Palm, a classic indoor plant that has been a popular choice since the Victorian times! A petite little palm that is adaptable to low light, this plant is a great choice for smaller and/or lower light homes with cats.

Braided Money Tree

Who doesn’t love a little bit of good luck? The Braided Money Tree is not only believed to bring good fortune and wealth, but it’s also a safe choice for cat owners. With its braided trunk and glossy green leaves, this plant adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Parlor Palm

Braided Money Tree

Bird’s Nest Fern

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that’s also safe for your cat, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a great option. This plant is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and features wavy, crinkled leaves that resemble a bird’s nest.

Pilea Peperomiodes

Quirky and fun, the Pilea Peperomiodes is an excellent choice for cat owners looking for a stylish accent. This plant is often referred to as the “Chinese Money Plant” and is known for its round, coin-shaped leaves. Easy to propagate, this adorable pet-safe plant is great for side tables, countertops, shelves or a workspace.

Lady Palm

The Lady Palm is a graceful plant with delicate, fan-shaped leaves that grow in a circular pattern. They’re easy to care for and can grow up to 6 feet tall, making them perfect for larger spaces. Plus, they’re non-toxic to cats, so you don’t have to worry about any curious nibbles.

Calathea Rattlesnake

Another member of the Calathea family, the Calathea Rattlesnake features long, slender leaves with a striking pattern that resembles the scales of a rattlesnake. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and consistent humidity. 

Lady Palm

Calathea Rattlesnake

Calathea Medallion

The Calathea Medallion is a stunning prayer plant with oval-shaped leaves that feature intricate patterns of green, cream, and pink. These plants are a bit more high maintenance than some of the others on this list, but the effort is worth it for their striking beauty. They’re also safe for cats, so you can enjoy their unique look without any worries.

Magenta Triostar

Last but not least, we have the Magenta Triostar, a plant that’s sure to add a pop of color to any room in your home. With its vibrant green, pink, and cream-colored leaves, it’s truly a sight to behold, and your cat will look dazzling lounging beside it!

Calathea Medallion

Magenta Triostar

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Photo credit: This Old House

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, 

My patio needs a serious overhaul. I want it to be somewhere I can spend peaceful hours, not just a feature that I never set foot on. Do you have any tips for good outdoor plants?

Hoping so-

C.B. 

Dear C., 

Patios are endless inspiration for us, and this is the moment to explore your vision!

Our plant fans have been asking us to carry outdoor plants for years, and the stars have aligned: we launched an Outdoor Plant Collection, and hand-picked the best of the best easy-care bushes and trees for our customers. These plants are hardy and resilient, and will easily thrive with ample light and appropriate watering. 

Outdoor plants are so evocative: we all have memories of vacations that we never wanted to end, and the plants that adorned those environments. For me it was moist, super-green tropical plants in Costa Rica. Others remember Joshua trees, or mediterranean citrus, or so many other beautiful outdoor varieties. Our Outdoor Plant Collection features a little bit of every aesthetic you could want, so let’s take a closer look at the varieties and go from there.

Olive trees are naturally pest-repelling and drought resistant. Photo credit: decorpad.com

Olive Trees

The Olive Tree, or olea europaea, features elegant, silvery green foliage, and is naturally pest and drought resistant. They love plenty of sun, so they’ll be a great choice if you get a lot of light on your patio.

This plant is incredibly popular, and for good reason. They aren’t just beautiful, but they are storied: sun-drenched islands, warm earth, Greek myth, artfully adorned hummus! The Olive Tree conjures them all. If you’re looking for outdoor plants that are classic and luxurious, these fit the bill. The Olive tree will produce fruit over time and with appropriate care, and also comes in an adorable bush shape!

Meyer Lemon Trees

Citrus trees are so romantic, aren’t they? And fun: the fruit they produce is so sculptural and vividly colored. Meyer lemon trees (Citrus meyeri) are lush and vibrant, with that enchanting citrus aroma we all love. With ample light, and over the course of several months, these plants will also fruit- first pushing out fragrant white blossoms, then meyer lemons, which are the ultimate multi-purpose citrus!  

The Sago Palm is a gorgeously lush and textural plant to bring a taste of the jungle into your patio. Photo by Kathryn Millet.

Sago Palm

If you love a jungle (who doesn’t?) the Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is really a special treat. It’s incredibly textural, with feathery fronds and a rich, coffee brown trunk. Sagos prefer indirect bright light, so they’re happiest in a spot outdoors that receives some shade. They are a match made in heaven for our ceramic pots— you’ll be delighted by how perfectly the proportions complement each other. 

Indoor Plants for Outdoors

Some of our indoor plant varieties can be suited for the outdoors, most notable the Bird of Paradise. Put it in a shady spot or spot with morning light, and watch it thrive! Their jumbo, quill-shaped foliage is stunning in outdoor spaces, and they’re exceptionally low-maintenance. If you’d like it to bask in full sun, slowly introduce it over the course of several weeks, as putting it directly in harsh sunlight will scorch its leaves. The Desert Cactus may also be placed outside and is less picky about the type of light it receives.

The Bird of Paradise can be transitioned outdoors for spring, summer and fall.

You’ve got options, C. And we usually find that the best approach is to follow your heart. There’s no need to try to match a trend to a “T”: plants are all about love. So choose the outdoor plant that makes you feel like breaking out in song. Then grab a good book and your sun hat, because you’re ready for patio time!

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The Pilea Peperomiodes, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, has a fascinating story of how it arrived to Europe from Asia in the hands of a curious missionary.

With Lunar New Year quickly approaching, we’re shining a light on some of the most popular houseplants that are native to Asia— not only do these plants add a touch of the exotic to your home, but many of them also have a rich history of being symbols of good luck and prosperity.

From the classic Silver Evergreen to the trendy Pilea Peperomioides, discover the origins of some of your favorite plants and considering bringing one home to ring in the Lunar New Year!

CAST IRON PLANT

A popular plant during Victorian times, the Cast Iron Plant or aspidistra is native to China and Japan and is one tough cookie: it can handle low light, high humidity and grow in a wide range of temperatures. It's perfect for the black thumb plant parent or for those who wants to bring a little bit of the jungle to their home office.

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Lady Palm

Native to southern China and Taiwan, this fan palm is the ultimate diva of the plant world. With its elegant, feathery fronds, it's sure to add a touch of Hollywood glamour to any room.

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Pilea Peperomioides

Also known as the Chinese Money Plant or The Friendship Plant, this little cutie is native to the Yunnan province in China (and has a delightful story behind the name “The Friendship Plant!”). With its round, coin-shaped leaves, it's easy to care for and it's sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it.

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Braided Money Tree

A powerful symbol of good luck and prosperity according to the teachings of Feng Shui, the Braided Money Tree is a low touch plant that’s perfect for adding a touch of the exotic to your home. Available in many sizes, its braided trunk and lush leaves are sure to make a statement in any room.

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Silver Evergreen

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Silver Evergreen is a true survivor and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who care for it. With its striking variegated leaves, it can handle low light conditions and still look as lush as a jungle. Plus, it's a snap to care for, making it the perfect plant for the plant parent on the go.

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GROW YOUR OWN LUCK

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with plants that bring good luck and fortune, according to the teachings of Feng Shui.

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Photo by @theweekendmixologist for Léon & George

Thinking of making 2023 a greener one? Popularity in houseplants has been on the rise for years, and it’s been a fun ride to watch your interest grow. We’re always keeping a close ear to the ground with what’s trending in the houseplant world, and we have a few predictions to make for the year ahead.

If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s where to start! Read up on three plant trends we can expect to see this year, and the years to come, because let’s be real: plants are timeless and never go out of style!

With climate change and water conservation on our minds, it's no surprise that drought tolerant plants are on the up-and-up, particularly for outdoor landscaping and front and backyards. These types of plants are able to thrive in dry conditions and require little to no watering, making them a sustainable and low-maintenance choice for your home or garden. Check out our full collection of drought-tolerant plants to find an easy-care beauty for 2023.

our favorite Drought-Resistant Plants

Snake Plant

Olive Bush

Zanzibar Gem

Cast Iron Plant

Move over, succulents. It looks like showers filled with lush, tropical plants are set to be the next big thing in 2023. Imagine stepping into a rainforest-like oasis every morning as you start your day— could there be anything better?

Some great plants to consider for your plant-filled shower include humidity-loving plants like the Bird’s Nest Fern or the Calathea Medallion. The Bird’s Nest Fern is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it a perfect fit for a shower setting. Hanging plants like the Cascading Pothos also make a great choice for the shower, known for their long, trailing vines and ability to purify the air. Read up on all the best bathroom plants to create your ideal bathroom oasis.

Top plants for the shower

Cascading Pothos

Calathea Medallion

Bird's Nest Fern

Monstera Deliciosa

Backyards are great, but we’ve seen a shift in focus towards the front of the home— think entryways, porches, and stoops. Creating symmetry around doorways with sets of plants like the Fiddle Bush Duo, or simply decorating porches with big, bright Bird’s of Paradise, is what’s on for 2023.

Depending where you live, you can have some plants outdoors year round! Other zones and climates may require you to move plants indoors for the winter. Either way, as spring approaches you may consider bringing bright greenery to spruce up the entrance to your home.

ENTRYWAY, PORCH & PATIO PLANTS

Fiddle Bush Duo

Bird of Paradise

Ponytail Palm

Sago Palm

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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.

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MAGENTA TRIOSTAR

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

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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.

Looking for beautiful low light indoor plants? You’ve got options! Many common and popular varieties of indoor plants thrive with minimal natural light, and others can easily be adapted to low light spaces. With fall here and winter ahead, you may be considering bringing more living plants into your home to clean the air and boost the mood, and low light plants are the way to go with less and less hours of sunlight throughout the day, especially for already-dim spaces.

Check out our Plant Stylists’ top picks for low light indoor plants, and remember— the lower the light, the less maintenance your plant will need over time! It’s a win-win. And don’t forget to check out our indoor plant light guide if you’re not exactly sure how to define the light in your space.

Snake Plant

Arguably the best low light plant, the Snake Plant can thrive in the darkest of spaces—even rooms with zero natural light. The Snake Plant (also known as sansevieria) requires no upkeep over time, and is an excellent air purifying plant to boot.

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Dracaena Lisa

Looking for a statement plant for a low light space? The Dracaena Lisa is your match! This tall and lush beauty does well in spaces with minimal natural light, and will require minimal care from you to thrive.

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Silver Evergreen

A bright plant for low light? You’re looking at it! The low-light-loving Silver Evergreen has variegated light green leaves dappled with silver undertones, making it the perfect plant to brighten up a dark space.

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Cascading Pothos

A beautiful trailing plant, the Cascading Pothos is an excellent choice for beginners and highly adaptable to artificial light only.

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Lady Palm

The Lady Palm is another beautiful statement plant that’s adaptable to low light spaces. A slow grower, this plant is also safe for pets.

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Zanzibar Gem

The Zanzibar Gem is an incredibly popular low light plant, thanks to its abundant, waxy wands of gorgeous, emerald green foliage. Low light thriving and requiring almost no maintenance over time, the ZZ Gem is a real gem!

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Parlor palm

Palms are not only pet-friendly plants, but they’re also a great medium to low light adaptable option for dimmer spaces. These slow growers love humidity and shade.

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Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant dons its name for a reason: this plant is nearly indestructible! In fact, it prefers dark, drafty spaces, and is the perfect lush addition to any dark corner, bathroom, basement or similar.

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Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag and self-professed maximalist in her gorgeous San Francisco Craftsman home.

On a bustling block in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, a row of enchanting Craftsman homes quietly sit and observe the neighborhood’s daily activity: a Muni bus rumbles past, pedestrians wait at a crosswalk, and the Catholic school down the street just sounded its recess bells.

These Craftsman homes have been here for over a century, built just after the 1906 fires and seemingly unchanged since. But what lies behind their impressive facades tells another story, and we were lucky enough to take a peek for ourselves inside the beautiful family home of Angela Tafoya, Editorial Director of Lonny Mag, the go-to online publication for inspiration on accessible home design.

Join us as we tour a home which proves that the luxury of maximalism and the nuanced impact of minimalist style can more than coexist: these decor trends are actually the perfect pairing!

A glossy Rubber Tree is the perfect greeting on this bright landing.

Originally hailing from New Mexico, Angela has called the Bay Area home for over 15 years. And not long ago, she and her husband took on the opportunity of a lifetime: the exciting (albeit daunting) task of renovating their family’s 7th Avenue craftsman, with the goal of creating a space that honors original details while also feeling modern and fresh. The result is a unique blend of classic yet contemporary, luxe yet minimal: the ideal canvas for exploring the latest trends.

After all, somebody has to do it, right?

A lush Pink Rubber Plant is the perfect addition to highlight the texture and creamy tonality of whitewashed brick.

Angela has always found herself inherently drawn to lifestyle inspiration and considered interiors, and for her, the fast pace of digital media couldn’t be a better fit. Like a snapshot taken directly out of the latest issue of Lonny Mag, her living space is truly a dream. Unique details abound, with varying textiles and cushions juxtaposed by glossy coffee table literature and standout pieces of original art.

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Thriving plants, of course, are a trend that Angela is more than happy to welcome into her home. With over 30 different varieties adorning the built-in bay window typical in San Francisco homes, she credits her plant-friendly husband for the lushness that completes their spacious layout.

“My husband is the green thumb around here. He’s also a minimalist, but not necessarily when it comes to plants!”

Following the latest trends can have its drawbacks, though, and Angela prizes individuality. She tells us that she’s become more intentional about what she brings into her home, choosing pieces that, while on-trend, will also stand the test of time. And when restlessness hits, switching up the paint colors is always a good solution. As she says, “We’ve been in this home for three years, and I’ve painted the reading nook three times.”

Suffice it to say, we’re confident that following her whims will always serve Angela well: by intuiting her passions and cultivating a sense of play, she’s sure to maintain a luscious space with lively, original style wherever she goes.

Angela’s Plant Picks: The Desert Cactus, Rubber Tree, and Pink Rubber Plant are living, glowing standouts. Beautifully variegated, they pack a punch with height, rich color and sculptural silhouettes.

The Cast Iron Plant is an excellent, ultra-hardy choice for a child’s bedroom or playroom.

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, 

We are finally getting around to decorating our kid’s room. He’s a super creative kid that loves all things visual and we want to brighten up his space with child- safe (preferably air-purifying) plants. Obviously, nothing too easy to kill or too delicate/breakable. Advice?

Best,

C.R. 

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Hi C., 

This sounds like a fun project! Kids epitomize creativity and because there are well-known links between the presence of living greenery and boosted mood, creativity and tranquility, we think that emphasizing greenery in kids’ rooms is a great idea.

Let’s focus on child-safe plants that have a fairly vertical silhouette, to minimize the chance of mishaps or foliage breakage. The presence of any plant will help to freshen the space and there are certainly no plants that are bad for air quality— though some are more widely regarded for their air-purifying properties than others, and you can find a comprehensive collection of the most highly-rated air purifying plants on our website. 

Large Snake Plant and Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush
Photo Credit: @mothermag

Monstera Deliciosa

Rattlesnake & Bird’s Nest Fern Duo

Good options for large plants include the large Monstera Deliciosa and the Cast Iron Plant. Monsteras are renowned for their fun, sculptural foliage. They’re also incredibly easy to care for and flexible when it comes to light! Cast Iron Plants are—you guessed it— virtually indestructible; a good option should you have a fledgling experimental botanist on your hands. Another great benefit of the Cast Iron Plant is that it thrives in shade, so if this room will usually have the curtains closed, the Cast Iron Plant will be perfectly content. 

Moving along to accent plants: in keeping with the fantastical aesthetic of children’s books and the desire for air-purifying prowess, the Parlor Palm is a great choice. There’s so much to love about these petite dynamos: their fun, feathery foliage and non-toxic nature are complemented by their super-relaxed light requirements. (Low light? No worries! They’re fine with anything from medium indirect to low, artificial light.)

Cap off your new biome with a decidedly Seussian Pilea Peperomioides. It just doesn’t get more fun than the Pilea: like a solar-system mobile, its lily-pad shaped leaves orbit around its base of stems. Keep in mind, though, that Pileas are sensitive to high temperatures. So if you’re cranking the heater, you’ll want to forego this option and perhaps opt for a Calathea Rattlesnake. Who wouldn’t love that colorful, Jurassic foliage!

Note: Looking for plants for a baby’s room? Read our full post on the best plants for a nursery, which only features non-toxic plants that are safer with younger children who may be inclined to take a bite out of their leafy friends! It is important to note that while none of the plants mentioned in this post are dangerous, some are considered mildly toxic if consumed.

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Two design-savvy Angelenos, Christine and Nick, give us a peek into their bright and beautiful home on LA’s breezy westside.

Teachers, partners, and plant parents: angelenos Christine and Nick share about what they and their plants did this summer, and the best part about starting a new school year.

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Summer’s coming to a close and school’s back in session: there’s no better time than the present to find our rhythm, settle into routine and set new goals.

For inspiration, we talked to Christine and Nick, two Los Angeles based educators, about how they kick off the new school year and how their plants serve a valuable role in settling back into routine.

From Roger the Rubber Tree to an enormous Zanzibar Gem named Nigel (“He just does what he wants, when he wants to!”) the thriving plants at Christine and Nick’s were truly a treat to meet, and an intrinsic part of this fun and energetic modern family.

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER BREAK?

This summer we had a chance to do some planning for our wedding - we picked a venue and I found my wedding dress with the help of some friends! We also spent time with family, read a lot of great books, played soccer, and watched Roger (our Rubber Tree) grow a ton of new leaves.

Roger the Rubber Tree

WHEN YOU WENT ON TRIPS, DID YOUR PLANTS MISS YOU?

We didn’t leave the plants alone too much this summer, but when we did, Nick made sure they were fully watered before we left. We also moved a few plants around so they could get the appropriate light while we were away.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL AND THE START OF A NEW YEAR?

Seeing and catching up with all the students from previous years and meeting our new students!

HOW DO PLANTS CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR HOME?

Our plants bring us a lot of joy. We talk about them a lot and celebrate their growth! This whole experience has brought us a lot of joy. And the ritual of pruning the Dracaena and watering, and just paying attention to the things around us in our space. It’s been a nice routine and has brought life to our home, especially during this past year as we spent more time indoors.

CAN YOU SHARE A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR PLANT CARE ROUTINE?

Nick really handles most of the plant care (thank you, Nick! :) ). We have water meters from Leon and George in most of our plants, so Nick waters our indoor plants whenever the water meter is white and he waters our outside Leon and George trees 1-2 times per week. We also try to fertilize the outdoor trees once a month. Every once in awhile I wipe the leaves on Roger the Rubber Tree and Nigel, our Zanzibar, with warm water and dish soap. After talking with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George we're considering repotting a few of our plants to give them some more room to grow!

What are your plant care secrets?

We talk to them a lot! We use our hands to feel how they’re doing, we feel their soil, rotate regularly and make adjustments to make sure they’re getting what they need. 

*And two key hot pro tips*: we read the weekly Leon and George newsletter every Sunday morning. As soon as it comes in, we immediately go do the thing it says to do! It’s been a helpful reminder to check on them and expand our care techniques.

Secondly, any time we’re panicked, or are trying to figure something out, we either Google it, or check in with the Plant Doctors at Leon and George. These methods keep our anxiety down and overtime we’ve learned just how resilient plants are!

Floor to ceiling sliding doors gives their home a spacious indoor/outdoor opening, a must for enjoying Southern California’s beautiful weather! Their plant collection includes a Rubber Plant, Dracaena Compacta, Meyer Lemon Tree and Olive Tree.

Photos by Jess Issac

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Dracaena Compacta

Rubber Tree

Zanzibar Gem

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