Our Super Neem Oil is pre-diluted, infused with eucalyptus oil and easy to use on houseplants.

What is neem oil?

Neem Oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of a (can you guess?) Neem Tree. It can be both preventative and a cure for challenges with insects like scale and gnats, as well as a great contributor to overall health.

Neem oil benefits

Neem oil functions as both a insecticide and fungicide for all living plants, treating and preventing leaf fungus issues like powdery mildew or common pests like scale or mealybugs. As an all-natural, non-toxic product, it’s perfectly safe to use in a home with pets or children.

Super Neem Oil

A natural and effective pesticide, miticide and fungicide used to treat all types of infestations commonly seen with both indoor and outdoor plants.

$24

Shop Now

How to use neem oil on houseplants

There are many different ways to use neem oil on houseplants to improve their overall aspect and well-being. Here are some of the most common uses of neem oil with indoor plants:

Apply directly to soil

Neem oil gets soaked in through the roots and deters living insects from eating, mating, and in most cases will stop larvae from hatching in your houseplant’s soil.

Spray on leaves

Mix neem oil with warm water and spray on the undersides of leaves where insects and eggs tend to reside.

Shine the foliage

Neem oil can also be used as a natural leaf shine on houseplants. After spraying diluted neem oil onto the leaves of your plant, gently wipe each leaf to get a nice even shine.

How to use neem oil for infestations

Neem oil is an excellent natural solution for serious pest infestations such as scale, mealybugs or gnats. Simply spray the entire plant—leaves, stems, and soil— with neem oil once a week until there are no more signs of pests on the plant. There is no need to wipe it off. Be careful— some neem oil comes in concentrate and will require diluting. Our Super Neem Oil is pre-diluted and ready to use on your houseplants.

Is neem oil safe?

Neem oil is a 100% natural product and perfectly safe to have in the home. Some plants may be slightly sensitive to neem oil, so do a spot test first on a small area of a leaf. New growth or young plants can be particularly prone to burn from neem oil.

Looking for the perfect neem oil? Shop Super Neem Oil, our signature blend with a high concentration of neem oil for superior results.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Are you puzzled by the persistent infestation of pests such as scale, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, fungus gnats or other garden pests on your beloved houseplants? You're not alone. Discovering insects in indoor foliage can be puzzling and vexing. Let’s investigate the causes behind this frequent issue and offer three secrets to eradicate and prevent the unwelcome presence of these pests.

1. Moisture Magnetism

Bugs, like fungus gnats and aphids, are drawn to the moisture-rich environment of houseplant soil. They will come in through screens, open doors or windows in the spring and summer, and make themselves at home in the comfort of your plant’s soil. Excessive moisture can exacerbate this attraction. Be careful of over-watering or standing water in the bottom of your plant’s pot.

2. Unwanted Hitchhikers

Various insects may find their way into your home and onto your houseplants through open doors and windows. They can also come in through fresh flowers, fresh fruit or vegetables, new plants, or fresh potting soil. Inspect any new additions thoroughly, and if in doubt, To safeguard your indoor garden, quarantine new acquisitions to confirm they are not harboring any pests or laying eggs that could lead to infestation.

3. Stagnant Air

Poor air circulation around indoor plants can lead to increased moisture and an all-around cozy haven for pests to thrive. Without air currents to disperse them, insects can multiply rapidly, leading to full-blown infestations. Adding any kind of air circulation by use of fans or even fresh air can prevent stagnation.

As a general practice, inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests, keep them clean and pruned so they’re beautiful for your home and less attractive for insects to settle in. Horticultural solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can effectively spray away pests and protect your plants year-round.

Super Neem Oil for Thriving Plants

Are pesky insects ruining your indoor and outdoor plants? Nip 'em in the bud. Neem Oil is a powerful, all-natural insecticide for indoor and outdoor plants and our signature blend is designed to treat all types of common infestations including gnats, mealybugs, scale and more. Infused with lemon eucalyptus for its protection-boosting properties and aroma, Super Neem Oil is suitable for use on leaves, stems and soil.

Shop now

How to identify scale on houseplants

Scale insects are small, immobile, and often hard-shelled bugs that appear on leaves and stems and suck out vital nutrients from your plants (yeah, kinda gross). This can cause your plants to lose color, vigor, and in extreme cases, death.

There are two types of scale—armored (hard scale) and unarmored (soft scale). While scale can vary in color, shape and size, the most common type shows as hard brown bumps (armored) on your plant’s leaves and stems. You may also see scale that is white and soft (or unarmored). Keep in mind that because scale latches on to your plant, you will not see it move at all—and removing it thoroughly when there is an infestation can be quite tricky.

Where does scale come from?

Your plant may get scale from many different places. It could be from another contaminated plant, fresh produce brought home from the farmer’s market, or simply from being simply being outside in the warmer months of the year. It’s often unclear where scale comes from, but also keep in mind that unhealthy or neglected plants can be far more susceptible to pest infestations than their healthier counterparts.

How to treat scale on houseplants

Neem oil is our go-to natural pesticide solution for all types of pests. Not sure what Neem oil is? Neem oil is incredibly effective at eradicating infestations because it attacks pests at all stages of development, from larvae to adult.

That said, a full blown scale infestation (because scale, like most common houseplant pests, can reproduce quickly) will require more work than simply dousing with neem oil. You will need to manually remove each scale, and the best way to do this is with rubbing alcohol:

• Dab a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and pick off the scale bugs one by one

• Moisten a paper towel or cotton ball and thoroughly wipe down the more infested areas

• Continue to use Neem oil on the leaves, stems and base of the plant

• Repeat this once a week for 3-5 weeks, or until you're no longer finding scale on your plant

Recovery will take some time, but be optimistic — indoor plants can be surprisingly resilient. Once you've controlled the issue, your plant will thank you with color and life springing back into their foliage!

Not sure what your plant has is scale? Read our full guide on identifying and treating common pests.

---

BIRD OF PARADISE

A popular and easy-care indoor plant for creating that instant jungle atmosphere.

SHOP NOW

House plants like the tropical Money Tree, known for its lush foliage and impressive canopy, are believed to bring good luck and fortune according to the teachings of Feng Shui. These are easy to grow and typically require simple care, making them a favorite in many greenhouses and homes. However, even these favored plants have their challenges (in addition to not making it rain 💵). Here are the most common ailments and solutions to make your Money Tree blooming:

Leaf Discoloration

Yellow leaves are a sign that your plant needs more light. White spots or browning leaves could mean that your plant is being burnt in direct light. Money Trees prefer bright, indirect light - somewhere near a window but not in the path of direct sun, nestled inside suitable pots. Check out our illustrated light guide for more information on assessing your light, or take a deeper dive into Money Trees and yellow leaves.

Leaf Drop and Wrinkles

The culprit? Temperature fluctuations! Native to the tropics of Central and South America, this gardening favorite thrives in warm and humidity-rich environments, ideally somewhere between 55F to 75F. To mimic its native greenhouse environment, consider adding misting to your routine between waterings. Read our complete guide on Money Trees’ wrinkled leaves.

Trunk Health

Arguably the most impressive part of the tree, the trunk can suffer from root rot due to overwatering and become soft, soggy or wrinkly. The trunk may also dry out if not watered enough (though this usually only happens in extreme cases of underwatering). A general gardening tip for these plants: Money trees like their soil on the drier side with good drainage. Always ensure the soil feels dry before you water again. And don't forget to repot and fertilize periodically, as well as carry out occasional pruning. Be on the lookout for pests, and if you notice any, address them promptly to maintain your plant's health.

---

The Money Tree Collection

Considered a powerful symbol of good luck and prosperity, The Braided Money Tree has a meticulously-braided trunk under a beautiful canopy of leaves which expand with time. Explore our full collection of Braided Money Trees in various shapes and sizes.

SHOP NOW

Before and after of Cascading Pothos getting a good watering.

Why is my plant so droopy?

Noticed your plant’s leaves and vines looking extra droopy? Your plant is most likely very thirsty! Plants tend to droop when they’re thirsty due to the way they distribute water from roots to leaves. If the roots aren’t getting enough water, maintaining the ideal water pressure in the rest of the plant becomes very difficult, and the leaves droop or wilt.

While this is a common occurrence in many different plant varities, some of the most notable are Calatheas (who’s leaves will also curl when underwatered), Pothos (pictured above), Fiddle Leaf Figs and Peace Lilies.

How to revive droopy plants

The good news about droopy plants is that they are generally very easy to fix (and much easier to fix than a plant that has been overwatered). Here's how to get it looking perky and happy within hours:

1. Remove plant from its decorative planter and submerge the bottom of the nursery pot in a bucket filled with 2 inches of water. If your plant is potted directly in a planter with drainage hole, you can skip this step and place your plant with its pot in water.

2. Leave the plant for a few hours or up to a full day to soak up the water. It will either drink all the water from the bottom-up, or if there’s still water remaining, remove it and let it drain out before returning to its decorative planter.

3. Within 2 to 24 hours, come back and see your plant lush and full of life!

This method of watering is called bottom watering, and you can read our full guide on how to deeply water here.

Which plants will benefit from this technique?

Literally any thirsty plant! But you will find some are much more showy about it than others. Plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs, Calatheas, Peace Lilies, Rubber Trees, Pothos tend to droop more than others when thirsty, and their rebound will undoubtedly be very dramatic. Try it at home to bring life and lushness back to your thirsty plants!

---

Cascading Pothos

A popular, attractive, and truly easy-care plant, the Cascading Pothos has smooth and leathery heart-shaped leaves. They adapt easily to all environments and will grow quickly with minimal care, a perfect addition to refine any desk or shelf.

SHOP NOW

The N’Joy Pothos enjoying a refreshing summer drink!

While ACs so pleasantly cool down our indoor spaces, they also remove warmth and humidity that our plants need and crave. Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 65-75ºF, any extremes above or below can affect your plant's happiness and health. In addition to balmy temperatures, many common houseplants hail from tropical regions where humidity is not lacking, and unfortunately, air conditioning is the nemesis of good humidity! Follow these easy steps to keep your plants happy and healthy all summer long!

• Air drafts - check for chilly air blowing directly on your plant. Consider temporarily moving your plant to a new spot or another room to protect it from the drastic changes in temperature.

• Humidity - offset the dry air created by air conditioners and bring some humidity back to your plant by regularly misting its leaves when the air feels dry.

• Watering - dry air also causes your plants to be thirsty and drink more water. Check the soil more frequently for potential changes in its watering schedule.

Look out for fading or wilting leaves as this may be a sign of a plant's unhappiness with its conditions. You can safely remove these leaves by clipping them close to the root, and follow the steps above to re-balance its comfort. Seeing other signs of the summer blues? Check out our full post on what to look out for when temps start to rise.

---

The Pothos Collection

From the Cascading Pothos to the N’Joy Pothos, discover our full collection of lush and trailing Pothos.

SHOP NOW

Yellow sticky traps, photo credit: @j.l.perrone

Having some pesty problems around your plants? Fungus gnats are common pests of indoor plants, and though they are not immediately harmful to your plants (or you— they don’t bite), these flying bugs can be annoying and are generally an indication of overwatering.

There are two lifecycles to cover— adult gnats flying around and larvae finding home in the soil. While gnats flying around your plant or home can be annoying, the latter can cause problems and damage your plant’s roots. Here are different methods to control both stages and get rid of gnats once and for all.

• Dry out soil - Gnats and their larvae need moisture to survive. Try drying out the soil completely before watering again. 

• Homemade dish soap spray - combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of water. Test the spray on one leaf before applying to the rest. 

• Potato slices - Cut up 1 inch cubes of potatoes and bury them just below the surface. Wait 4-8 hours as it attracts the larvae, then dispose of the slices.

• Neem oil - Neem oil is an all-natural pest solution that effectively treats common infestations. Our Super Neem Oil is an ideal blend formulated with lemon-eucalyptus essential oil for extra protection and a delightful aroma.

• Sticky traps - As pictured above, not the cutest plant decor in the world, but pretty effective if you’ve got an infestation on hand.

• The strong stuff - if gnats become a recurring issue, find a solution with Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis or Bti, which you can easily find on Amazon. 

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime access to 24/7 Plant Doctor support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

shop now

Photo by @renoplantmom

In most parts of the country, summer means one thing: More sun! While we're typically out playing in it, our plants are sometimes burning in it. With the sun being at its closest to earth during the summer months, be sure to take notice of how your plants are reacting. Here are a few things to know about sunburn with houseplants.

What Sunburn Looks Like on Plants

Look out for white spots or dry brown splotches in random areas of a leaf. This is a clear indicator of sunburn. Sadly, the leaf won't repair itself but you can trim the areas or the entire leaf off, and there’s no reason why your plant should continue suffering or not recover from its sunburn.

Avoiding Sunburn on Plants

While you may consider moving your plants entirely during the summer months so that they aren’t in areas that are too sunny, you may just move them here and there or invest in shades that slightly filter the sun. On long sunny days in the midst of summer, particularly for plants placed in south or west facing windows, move your plants a few feet away from their normal sunny perches or draw the shades to give them a chance to recover and cool.

Read up on all our summer care tips for plants to ensure your greenery has their best season yet!

FIDDLE LEAF FIG TREE

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

SHOP NOW

The Peace Lily

AKA spathiphyllum

Known for its air-purifying qualities and adaptability, the Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant for homes and offices alike. The common name of this plant, which refers to the flower-like spathes that resemble a white flag of surrender, are also what make this indoor plant unique. Here’s everything you need to know to keep Peace Lily plants healthy and growing.

1. Light, watering, and growth

2. Common problems

3. Maintenance

4. Repotting

5. Propagating

What type of light does the Peace Lily need?

This plant prefers bright indirect light, but can adjust to medium to low light conditions over time. Avoid harsh direct sunlight that may burn your plant’s leaves.

How to water your Peace Lily

Water once or twice a week to keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Mist regularly to boost humidity.

How fast does the Peace Lily grow?

Peace Lilies are generally slow growers, though can reach up to three feet in height. Fertilize your Peace Lily once a month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with the Peace Lily

Drooping leaves - underwatering

• Symptom - leaves or entire plant heavily droops

• Cause - underwatered or prolonged dry period

• Remedy - remove the plant from its decorative pot and give a good shower in the sink, allowing it to sit in a dish of water for a few hours before draining and returning to pot

Brown tips - overwatered, air too dry, or too much fertilizer

• Symptom - tips turning brown or drying out

• Cause - if you water your plant too much, it may become too soggy or waterlogged, causing brown tips. However, Peace Lilies love humid environments and if the air is too dry, this may cause brown tips as well. Finally, it’s possible you’ve given your plant too much fertilizer.

• Remedy - if you’ve overwatered, let your plant dry out a bit before watering again. Make sure the plant is not near any air vents or heaters, and mist regularly to boost moisture. if you think you’ve overfertilized your plant, at the next time of watering give it a good shower (like above) to rinse out as much fertilizer from the soil as possible

Not flowering - too little light or too much fertilizer

• Symptom - the plant ceases to flower

• Cause - Peace Lilies can be a bit of a mystery when it comes to flowering. Sometimes they stop flowering even though they are in prime care conditions. One reason is that the plant is not getting enough light (they need plenty of bright, indirect light to flower), or it’s overfertilized

• Remedy - try moving it to a spot with better light conditions. If it’s already in bright indirect light, be patient! Sometimes it takes years for Peace Lilies to flower again.

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Peace Lily

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

Pruning your Peace lily

Remove unattractive or old leaves from the base of the plant with a clean blade. Never remove more than 30% of the plant at a time.

Trimming Peace Lilies

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

Keeping Your Peace Lily clean

regularly remove dust or pollen to ensure your plant can soak in as much light as possible. Use a damp cloth and gently wipe the leaf clean while supporting the under side with your other hand.

How to grow and repot the Peace Lily

• Growing - Peace Lilies can be slow growers. During spring and summer, use a diluted fertilizer once a month to give your plant a vitamin boost.

• Repotting - L&G Peace Lilies come in 6” grow pots and only need to be repotted every few years if you notice the roots outgrowing the pot, or to refresh the soil and give it new nutrients. If you’d like your plant to grow larger, find a new grow pot that is 2” larger than its current pot. If you’re happy with the current size, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

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

How to propagate the Peace Lily

Propagating a Peace Lily plant is best done through division and during spring or summer.

• Divide the roots - remove the plant from its container and determine which area you will divide to create new plants. Make sure there are leaves attached to each clump of roots you divide. Carefully untangle the roots and pull apart with your hands or cut through with a clean sharp knife.

• Place in fresh soil - Place the new divisions in fresh soil, press soil firmly and water thoroughly.

• Stabilize - Keep freshly repotted plants in a warm area with bright indirect light, and for Magenta Triostars the soil should be kept moist thought not drenched.

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

The Elephant Ear

AKA alocasia regal shield

1. Lighting

2. Watering

3. Common Problems

4. Maintenance

5. Growing & Repotting

6. Propogating

A stunning plant with large heart-shaped leaves and wavy edges, it’s easy to see where the Elephant Ear got its common name. It is part of the alocasia family, so that is the other name you may hear it called. Here’s everything you need to know to keep this beautiful plant healthy and growing over time.

Elephant Ear Light Requirements

This plant prefers bright indirect light, near a south or north facing window is best. Avoid harsh direct sunlight that may burn your plant’s leaves. Rotate plant monthly for balanced growth

How to water the Elephant Ear

Water your plant about once a week to keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Mist between waterings to provide humidity.

How fast do Elephant Ears Grow

In prime conditions, the Elephant Ear grows relatively fast and can reach up to two feet in height. Fertilize your Elephant Ear 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with an Elephant Ear plant

Yellowing edges - light to water ratio imbalance

• Symptom - edges of the large leaves are turning yellow

• Cause - unhappy with its light/water balance

• Remedy - do small weekly tests of giving more or less light OR more or less water. Test one adjustment at a time until yellowing has stopped.

Dark Spots - overwatering

• Symptom - dark brown or black spots on the leaves, surrounded by a yellowish rim

• Cause - the soil has been drenched and caused a fungal disease, typically this is due to overwatering or not enough air circulation around the plant

• Remedy - remove damaged leaf or cut off diseased areas and spray with a fungicide. Optionally, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of mineral oil and 2-3 cups of water in a spray bottle, shake well and spray plant evenly.

Droopy leaves - underwatering

• Symptom - leaves drooping and bending backwards

• Cause - underwatering

• Remedy - give your plant a thorough shower, allowing all the roots to have a chance to drink and refresh. Wait until water has drained before returning to decorative pot.

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Elephant Ear plant

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

Pruning

The voluptuous leaves will droop as they age. You can safely trim these off with a clean blade, this will give your plant more energy to grow new leaves!

Trimming

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

Cleaning

Regularly remove dust to ensure your plant can soak in as much light as possible. Use a damp cloth and gently wipe the leaf clean while supporting the under side with your other hand.

How to grow and repot an Elephant’ Ear plant

• Growing - in prime conditions with the right light/water/temperature balance, Elephant Ear plants are fast growers. After some time, if you don’t see any new growth, consider adjusting one of its elements. During spring and summer, use a diluted fertilizer to give your plant a vitamin boost.

• Repotting - Léon & George’s Elephant Ears plants come in 10” or 12” grow pots and only need to be repotted every few years if you notice the roots outgrowing the pot, or to refresh the soil and give it new nutrients. If you’d like your plant to grow larger, find a new grow pot that is 2” larger than its current pot. If you’re happy with the current size, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

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

How to propagate an Elephant Ear plant

Propagating an Elephant Ear plant is best done through division and during spring or summer.

• Divide the roots - remove the plant from its container and determine which area you will divide to create new plants. Make sure there is at least one bud in each clump of tubers, aka their roots. Carefully untangle the roots and pull apart with your hands or cut through with a clean sharp knife.

• Place in fresh soil - Place the new divisions in fresh soil, press soil firmly and water thoroughly.

• Stabilize - Keep freshly repotted plants in a warm area with bright indirect light, and for Elephant Ears the soil should be kept moist thought not drenched.

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

---

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Let's be real here. The Calathea is a difficult one in terms of care. It needs constant humidity and warmth. Here are the most common issues you'll experience with plants in the maranta and prayer plant families.

What causes Calatheas’ leaves to curl?

Calatheas are humidity-loving, tropical plants. In fact, while this plant is generally easy to care for, it often requires multiple waterings a week (or more in the summer!) to give it the proper moisture that it craves. In most cases, Calatheas’ leaves curl when their soil is excessively dry, though there could be a few other minor reasons that are causing your plant’s leaves to curl.

How to fix curling leaves on a Calathea

Easy! Give it a good drink of water—but from the bottom up. Soak your plant in water by placing it in a deep dish, bowl, sink or bathtub with a few inches of water. You may leave it soaking anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours. After a day or so, you will see how the leaves magically unfurl!

This method of deep watering is called “bottom watering” and Calatheas aren’t the only plants who love it! Learn more about the benefits of bottom watering here.

Water Quality

If you’ve thoroughly soaked your Calathea but it’s still showing signs of curling leaves, consider using filtered water. Tap water often contains salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride, which can accumulate in the soil and lead to leaf tip burning, browning, and curling. To address this, try using filtered water or letting your tap water sit in an open container or sink overnight to reduce chlorine content.

Temperature & Humidity

Since the Calathea is a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity. If your environment lacks humidity, you can increase it by misting the leaves regularly, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.

Temperature is also essential for your Calathea's well-being. Ensure that it is not placed in a drafty area or exposed to heating and cooling vents. Cold temperatures or excessive dryness from constant warm airflow can also cause the leaves to curl.

Other problems with Calatheas

Calatheas can show a few different signs of distress:

Brown Edges

Brown edges appear when the air is too dry for your plant. Add misting to your watering routine or keep it on a bed of rocks and shallow water to add humidity. You can also trim the leaves, either removing the entire leaf at the stem’s base, or trimming the leaf itself, following the natural shape to get the plant and/or its leaves looking sharp again!

Droopy Leaves

Tour plant is getting too much water. Allow the soil to air out or change the soil completely to decrease chances of root rot. 

Ready for more? Read our full guide on Calathea care, including tips for propagation, repotting, and more.

---

Calathea Medallion

A stunning prayer plant with a deep color palette of leaves painted by nature.

Shop now

Plan on being away from your plants for more than a week? Try using a hydrospike to keep your plants healthy and hydrated while you’re gone.

Hydrospikes connect to a water-filled source like a plastic water bottle or wine bottle. As your plant dries, gravity pushes water slowly and evenly into the soil, keeping your plant's hydration in check over a longer period of time. 

Some also like to use this as a regular watering method if you don't mind the look of the water bottle sitting in or near your plant. Just remember to check them every now and then for algae!

There are a few different self-watering hydrospikes out there— ones that connect directly to a bottle and others that use a cable system. The latter is best for small plants as the spikes tend to be slightly smaller and fit more comfortably into the soil.

How to use hydrospikes with a bottle:

1. Soak it - Soak the hydrospike in water for at least 15 minutes.

2. Fill a wine bottle with water - One bottle should last anywhere from 1-3 weeks depending on the plant's size and environment.

3. Insert into soil - Place the wine bottle in the hydrospike and gently insert into the soil.

How to use hydrospikes with cables:

1. Soak it - Remove the cap and soak for 15 minutes in water.

2. Fill with water - Fill the hydrospike with water and replace the cap.

3. Insert into soil- Gently insert the hydrospike into the soil.

4. Place cable in water - Fill a bottle (or other recipient with a narrow opening) with water and push the cable inside.

---

INDOOR PLANTS, POTTED & DELIVERED

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

SHOP NOW