Posts by Léon & George
How to Care For and Grow Your Croton Petra AKA Golden Petra

The Golden

Petra

AKA croton petra

AKA codiaeum variegatum

A bright burst of color on deep green leaves, the Golden Petra is a popular indoor plant as easy to care for as it is to love. Commonly known as the Croton Petra or botanically as codieaum variegatum, this plant is coveted for the auburn, scarlet, and lemon colored veins that mark its bright, bushy foliage. Read on for simple tips on how to care for an indoor Croton Petra plant.

How much light do Crotons need?

Crotons prefer bright light, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. It is best to provide shade from the sun during the hottest part of the day. Note that this plant can tolerate medium light but leaves it will be less colorful and show less variegation.

How much to water your Golden Petra

Water about once a week and let it dry out entirely between waterings. The Croton Petra loves humidity so either mist regularly or use a humidifier to provide plenty of moisture. Avoid prolonged periods of drought.

How fast do Crotons grow

The Croton Petra is a slow grower but can reach up to eight feet tall with the right care. Fertilize your Croton Petra 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with the Croton Petra

Loss of color on leaves - not enough light

  • Symptom - Newer leaves on the plant are green with little to no variegation

  • Cause - inadequate light

  • Remedy - Croton Petras are native to tropical regions and need about 6 to 8 hours of bright, direct light a day. It is not uncommon for new growth to be green, but if the plant is placed in a bright window, these new leaves should slowly start to develop the colorful variegation. If you don’t have adequate light in your home, you may consider using a grow light.

Limp, drooping leaves - underwatering or overwatering

  • Symptom - leaves are drooping or wilting

  • Cause - usually underwatering or overwatering.

  • Remedy - Croton Petras like to dry out between waterings but be careful not to let it dry out completely or its leaves will become limp. If underwatered, remove the plant from its decorative pot and give a good shower in the sink. Regularly mist to increase moisture levels. If overwatered, aerate the soil, or simply hold off until the plant dries out a bit until the next watering. If its roots are very damaged you may need to repot.

Dropping leaves - inconsistent watering or not enough light

  • Symptom - dropping leaves

  • Cause - inconsistent soil moisture, inadequate light

  • Remedy - Croton Petras prefer to have consistently moist soil and will quickly show their displeasure at being under or overwatered. Try to only water when the top 2” of the soil has dried out, and water regularly for consistency and routine. On the other hand, as this plant naturally grows in a tropical environment it craves sunlight. Another way to tell if sunlight is the issue because the veins on your plant will be less colorful. Your plant might also drop leaves if it has been moved recently. Give it time to adjust after it has arrived at your home before making any major changes.

How to maintain a colorful and healthy Croton Petra

Take care of your Croton Petra and it will delight you every day with its stunning leaves! Below are simple tips to continue caring for and growing your Croton Petra over time.

Pruning Your Croton

Prune your Croton Petra to maintain a certain height or shape or to remove dead leaves. Remove old, unattractive or damaged leaves from the base of the plant with a clean blade, ideally during the dormant period. Avoid pruning them when they are in the peak of their growing season.

Trimming the leaves

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

Keep your Croton clean!

Regularly mist the Croton Petra to keep dust off its leaves and provide it with the humid environment it prefers. If it is very dusty, you may want to use a damp cloth to wipe off its leaves. This is also a great way to keep pests at bay.

How to grow and repot the Croton Petra

  • Growing - Croton Petras are slow growers and will grow even slower in low light conditions. During spring or summer, use a diluted fertilizer just once or twice a month to give your plant a vitamin boost.

  • Repotting - Croton Petras only need to be repotted every few years to encourage new growth and refresh their soil with 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 size of your plant you can simply swap out the soil to give it the nutrients that it needs.

    • If you don’t have a yard to repot in you can spread out newspaper on the floor to catch any stray dirt. Check out our simple repotting kit that makes it easy to repot any plant. To repot simply remove the plant from its current pot and get off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Try to be gentle throughout this process as Croton Petras are quite sensitive. Add a layer of fresh soil at the bottom of the new pot and place the plant in the center of the and cover with more soil. Press down firmly on the top layer of soil to make sure that your plant is secure and water thoroughly. Place the plant in an area with plenty of bright light. Your Croton Petra will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home, don’t worry too much if you see it drop a few leaves while it adjusts.

How to propagate the Croton Petra

Follow these simple steps to propagate a piece of your Croton Petra:

  • Select a section that is at least three inches long has a few leaves and cut the stem with a clean blade right above a node. A node is a bump in the stem where leaves or branches shoot out.

  • Fill a small container with a lightweight potting mixture (like sphagnum moss) and put the cutting inside. Lightly mist the potting soil and cover with plastic wrap to create humidity, this mimics a tropical or greenhouse atmosphere. It should stay moist for several weeks, but you can always uncover the container and check to make sure.

  • Place the cutting in indirect sunlight, bright sunlight can burn your cutting, and wait. When you see a few roots have grown your new Croton Petra is ready to be potted!


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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

Boudoir Benefits: 5 Reasons To Put A Snake Plant In Your Bedroom
The benefits of the Snake Plant are many, making it the perfect plant for indoors and bedrooms.

Elevate your space with the ultimate easy-care houseplant! Snake Plants are the best air purifiers in the world of horticulture.

Owning house plants has a long list of benefits, but are some more powerful than others? The Snake Plant (scientific name sansevieria and also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue) is not just popular for its unique, variegated, and striking appearance. It is actually widely considered one of the most beneficial indoor plants for a number of different reasons! What’s more? It has even a couple extra benefits when placed in a space of rest and relaxation.

The Many Benefits of the Snake Plant

Looking to get better sleep? There’s arguably no better option for the bedroom than the Snake Plant, a plant that beyond boasting many benefits, requires little to no care to enjoy its beauty. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of having a Snake Plant in the bedroom!

1. It’s A Fantastic Oxygen-Producing Plant

All plants produce oxygen, but according to Nasa’s Clean Air Study, some are even better at it than others. The Snake Plant is considered to be one of the best plants with the highest oxygen producing qualities and air purifiers, along with others like the Rubber Plant and the Cascading Pothos. Studies show that higher oxygen levels promote deeper sleep, but that’s not all…

L’ALCHIMIE BOTANIQUE

Natural plant care essentials and fertilizer to enhance your plant’s foliage, and your everyday routine.

2. It Even Produces Oxygen At Night

Contrary to popular belief, plants don’t produce oxygen 24/7. In fact, most plants only produce oxygen with daylight through the process of photosynthesis. At night, on the other hand, these plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, a process called respiration. However, the Snake Plant is one of the lucky few that continues to produce oxygen at night, making it the ideal plant to place in your bedroom for better sleep and to help you breathe.

3. They Filter Out Harmful Pollutants

Studies have shown that indoor air quality and indoor air pollution is often even worse than what we find in densely populated cities. The same Nasa Clean Air Study mentioned above also found that Snake Plants work double time removing harmful toxins and gases like benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and odor from our indoor environments. These harmful air pollutants can be found in regular household objects like carpeting, furniture polish, and cleaning supplies.

4. Effective Against Allergies

Plants with such powerful room air purifying and oxygen-producing qualities will of course help to combat allergies, as they remove harmful pollutants and volatile airborne chemicals that can aggravate allergies, and in some cases even make you sick. Combine this with oxygen-producing powers and you have easier breathing both day and night.

5. Low-Light Thriving and Easy To Care For

Like to keep your bedroom on the dimmer side? The Snake Plant can is easy-to-grow and can survive and thrive in almost any lighting scenario, from bright direct rays of sunlight to areas with almost no natural light. It also requires very little water, humdity, can be watered sparingly with little to no upkeep, the Snake Plant will help maintain a calming and beautiful bedroom space with excellent purification— the way it should be!

Ready to add a Snake Plant to your life? Find the perfect size and pair it with your favorite pot color and style and get ready for a cleaner, most beautiful bedroom space! Found the perfect Snake Plant? Learn how to care for and how to grow it with our articles The 10 Commandments Of Snake Plant Care and How To Care For And Grow Your Snake Plant.

At Léon and George, we're on a mission to bring the beauty of nature and indoor gardening into your daily life. Our hand-selected, California-grown plants such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Ficus Audrey, and Bird of Paradise are carefully chosen for their quality, health, and beauty. We believe in simplicity, fairness, and sustainability, sourcing our plants from trusted local growers who share our values. When you bring a Léon and George plant into your home, you're not just getting greenery – you're getting a piece of nature treated with our all-natural products and staged for optimal growth. We're here to make plant ownership accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering a connection between people and the natural world.



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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

The Bountiful History Of The Braided Money Tree

The Braided Money Tree, or Pachira aquatica, is deeply beloved, with a dazzling reputation for bringing good luck and prosperity to its owner. From its intriguingly braided trunk (how do they get that way?) to the way they often seem to pop up at thriving businesses, the Braided Money Tree simply feels like a vibrant mystery to be solved. Naturally, our curiosity ran wild, and we took a deep dive into the history of this mythical plant. Get ready—the story of the Braided Money Tree is truly one worth telling!

It All Begins With A Legend

Cue our instant interest: we love an enthralling backstory. According to legend, the history of the Braided Money Tree was rooted many centuries ago, when a Taiwanese farmer in dire financial straits found a stray Pachira growing in his field. Taken by its beauty, he decided to try his hand at growing more plants from that Pachira’s seeds, in the hope that others would be similarly enthralled with their charm. And they were! The Pachira became wildly popular across Taiwan, and the farmer grew prosperous and wealthy from his crops. That’s why he started calling them Money Trees.

Sound Too Good To Be True? Here’s The Grounded Version 

Okay, so the legend may be just that: a legend, but we know some things for sure: the Pachira has long been a popular ornamental tree—especially in Japan, where Bonsai practitioners have treasured them for years as vivid, semi-aquatic mini trees. We also know that the telltale braid gained traction in the 1980s. This is the era during which the popularity of the Braided Money Tree expanded internationally, with exports of the Pachira stretching far and wide. 

Tell Me More About That Braid…

We love the Pachira’s braid and the elegant trunk, and so do Feng Shui practitioners, who suggest placing it in wealth or health areas of your home. With its iconic twist of five trunks, it conjures the five elements of Feng Shui in harmony: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. There’s also an intriguing bit of ambiguity as to who originated the practice of braiding the trunks. (That’s right, they’re braided by hand!) Some accounts tell of early bonsai practitioners in Japan starting the braid. Others tell of a Taiwanese gardeners named Liu. He is credited with discovering that when starting the braid early in the Pachira’s growth, it continues that growth pattern over time on its own. The result is a full, condensed canopy of leaves with an iconic and aesthetically pleasing tree shape.

The Significance of the Braided Money Tree

The Braided Money Tree has been symbolic of prosperity since its first cultivation. They’re believed to bring wealth in finances, fulfillment and overall security. They’re also emblematic of good luck, so when you gift one to yourself or a loved one, just remember: you’re giving the gift of a plant that, according to legend, lifted its original farmer from the depths of despair to a position of fortune, comfort and positivity. It was lucky indeed when he found that Pachira in his field—and lucky for us that he shared the extraordinary Pachira with the world! 


Money Trees

A leafy symbol of good luck and prosperity. Shop Money Trees of all sizes at leonandgeorge.com

The Meaning Behind Five Iconic Valentine’s Day Plants

If you’re a lover of nature, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for you. It’s a time to celebrate the ones that we love: to express our affection and gratitude for the family, friends and partners that bring joy to our lives. And the best part is, on Valentine’s Day, we say it with plants. From sprays of red roses to carnations and even bay leaves, each traditional Valentine’s Day plant has its own age-old symbolism. Read on, because the stories behind this holiday’s most popular gifts are truly intriguing!

Red Roses

Red roses were the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of love in Roman mythology, so it stands to reason that the rose has become a Valentine’s Day mainstay. Legend has it that roses first bloomed when Venus appeared from the sea, and they were cultivated as far back as the era of Ancient Greece. The gifting of English garden roses among friends and lovers gained popularity in the Middle Ages, sparking the Valentine’s Day tradition that is now standard. But roses have enjoyed their popularity for thousands of years, and the Rosa species itself is 35 million years old.

Anthuriums

As if their heart-shaped spades weren’t romantic enough, anthuriums have a bountiful association with love across many cultures. In the feng shui tradition, they are associated with good fortune in relationships. In Greek myth, they’re known as the “Arrows of Cupid”, the god of love and attraction.

Carnations

Also known as “The Flowers of the Gods”, carnations are native to the Mediterranean, with their scientific name, Dianthus, meaning “Divine Flower” in Greek. Carnations are another popular flower to signify love, with the color of their blossoms denoting different connotations. For instance, red carnations signify passionate love, whereas pink carnations signify gratitude and admiration.

Bay Leaves

In 1700s England, a tradition arose in which women would pin five bay leaves to their pillow before bed on the evening of Valentine’s Day, in the hope that the leaves, when combined with a prayer, would reveal the face of their true love. They would then recite the prayer of “‘Good Valentine, be kind to me, in dreams let me my true love see” before drifting to sleep. We hope this charming ritual was as effective as it is heartwarming!

Calandivas

The Calandiva or Kalanchoe plant is traditionally associated with love, persistence and prosperity, due to its profusion of long-lasting blossoms. As a potted flower variety, they’re well suited for a long life of abundant flowers, with blooms that can last six weeks or more. They typically bloom in winter and spring, and will blossom year after year. All they need to flourish for years is a sunny spot and a little love.

Every time a holiday rounds the bend, we’re reminded of how deeply tied we are to the natural world. Our connection to nature and our appreciation of its beauty, shines through with special strength during times of celebration. And on Valentine’s Day, we receive an extra-special reminder that we’re all part of nature, bound by love on our beautiful green planet.


Potted Flowering Plants

Easy to care for, simple to love. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

Get Growing: Top Interior Design Trends for 2024

Photo by @alexiaduchene for Léon & George

A new year is here and with it comes a chance to refresh, renovate and reconsider the place we spend so much of our time: our home! Read on for some of expert predictions for the trends to come in 2024, including plenty of ideas to make your space greener and healthier than ever.

Neutrals have reigned for what feels like an eternity, but 2024 will be the year that we people embrace color with more vibrant and bolder hues. From Pantone's warm and inviting color of the year, Peach Fuzz, to deep gem-tone interiors, this trend comes with a desire to inject life and personlity into our interiors. Rediscover the joy of bold statements and let your living space reflect your unique style. Who said your walls had to be boring?

Shop Color!

Pinterest has spoken with their annual Pinterest Predicts report, and "hot metals" are on the rise. Prepare to see chrome, steel, and aluminum take center stage in your decor. From stainless steel tablewares to chrome lighting fixtures, let your home gleam with the bold elegance of metallic elements. It's time to shine bright like your favorite metal!

In 2024, our leafy companions are taking a weight off and making way for the airy. Picture this – a seemingly weightless statement plant like the Black Olive Tree or Fishtail Palm swaying gracefully in your living room. While a lush interior never goes out of style, embracing a lighter look will be all the rage in 2024. These plants not only breathe life into your space but also add an ethereal touch, making your home a sanctuary of serenity.

Top Airy Plants

Step into the world of timeless elegance with ceramic and terracotta finishes. The 1st Dibs Interior Designer Survey is singing the praises of these classic materials, and we're all ears. Incorporate these finishes into your space for a touch of sophistication that transcends trends and will never go out of style. Looking for the perfect ceramic or terracotta accents? Shop our collection of upscale premium planters to bring this natural and effortless look to your home.

romantic interior ideas

2024 is all about stepping up the romance game. Influenced by popular TikTok aesthetics and the #cottagecore trend, think feminine color palettes, whimsy details, fresh flowers and soft moments that evoke a sense of simple joy. Don’t forget to complement your romantic space with living greenery and create your own personal love letter to a simple and beautiful life.


DESIGNED TO THRIVE

Shop premium, California-grown greenery, hand-selected for shape and beauty and curated for style and ease of care.

Is Repotting Your Plants an Absolute Must?
Illustration by @kail_bales

Did you know that repotting your houseplants into a bigger container isn’t 100% necessary in most cases? That’s right— it’s optional! After researching and testing what works for best for busy city dwellers and urban gardeners, here’s our rundown on considerations for optimal indoor plant health.

  • Room for growth - the main reason to consider repotting is to give your plants room for growth. If you start to see roots growing out the drainage holes or circling around the top, potting up to a larger size will allow your plant to grow taller. If you want your plant to stay the same height and shape, you can keep it in its current pot size. Note that you may need to trim the plant and/or its roots.

  • Root rot or infestation - another reason you may need to repot your plant is due to root rot or infestation. Root rot is when too much moisture has built up in the roots and they have begun to literally rot. Alternatively, you may have a pest infestation such as mealybugs, spider-mites or other common indoor plant pests, and beyond basic treatments like neem oil and rubbing alcohol, it might be a good idea to repot the plant to ensure you get rid of all the pests and any potential larvae that may be in the soil.

  • Fresh nutrients - the other reason we repot our plants is to give them fresh, nutrient rich soil. Over time, potting soil can become depleted of the minerals and nutrients our plants crave, so even if you don’t want to repot your plant to something bigger, you may still consider giving it fresh new potting soil every few years.

  • Drainage - all plants need drainage so that their roots don’t stay sitting in soggy soil after watering and begin to rot. The plants we buy for our homes are grown in plastic nursery pots that are already pierced for appropriate draining. Many decorative planters that are designed for indoor use don’t have drainage holes, so it’s not advised to repot directly into these. Here’s how to pot a plant in a pot with no drainage hole, which is called staging. Read on for more!

  • Staging - the method we’ve found that works best for keeping your plants healthy and your home stylish is this one. Staging refers to placing your plant, nursery pot and all, inside the decorative planter (so it’s not directly potted in the planter). You can keep your designer ceramics cleaner and your plant comfortable in its nursery pot by simply matching the two to your desired height and finishing the top with a light cover of moss or pebbles. Have a look here to see how staging plants works. This reduces the amount of shock your plant experiences as it settles into your home and is easier for health checks and proper watering. 

If you still think you need to repot, don’t forget to provide your newly repotted plant with plenty of light and a good drink of water just after its been placed in its new home! Avoid fertilizing right away, and be sure to read our guide on what to know before repotting your plant so that you’re fully prepared to set your plant up to thrive.


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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

Is Rainwater Good for Houseplants?

Is watering your plants with rainwater a good idea?

When it comes to watering our houseplants, tap water is most people’s go-to. But did you know that using natural sources like rainwater can be beneficial for your plants? Here are three key reasons why catching those raindrops for your houseplants is worth the extra effort:

  1. Rainwater is naturally soft, meaning it is free of many salts, minerals, and chemicals that can build up in soil, stems and leaves over time. Not only is it gentler on our plants, but it can also help flush out excess salts and chemicals in the soil, bringing your plant back to a healthier state.

  2. Rainwater also has a slightly acidic pH, which is beneficial for most plants as it tends to be more in line with the pH levels they prefer, helping to balance out the soil's pH.

  3. Rainwater contains nitrates, a form of nitrogen essential for plant growth and function, that can be easily absorbed by plants. All fertilizers contain varying levels of three macronutrients— potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen—so see this as a way of naturally giving your plants a little vitamin boost!

Photo credit: @milivigerova


PLANT ACCESSORIES AND POTTED PLANTS

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

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

10 Perfect Desk Plants For Your Workspace

The research is clear: plants are good for you. But they can also help increase productivity at work, according to researchers from Washington State University. The results found that productivity was increased by over 12% when plants were present during simple computer tasks:

Productivity increased 12 percent when people performed a simple task on a computer in a room with plants compared with workers who performed the same task in the same room without plants.

Business owner Kamal Meattle gave a TED talk about this very same effect, and how his employees became significantly more productive after he introduced plants in their workspace.

Your office may already have scattered plants throughout, but consider the benefits of caring for your very own desk plant — there are lots of them!

What Are Plants’ Benefits Beyond Productivity?

Great question! We know that our overall well-being is derived by more than than just our work performance. Vibrant, living greenery addresses many of our physical and emotional needs, with their natural ability to provide air purification, their serene aesthetics, and their scientifically proven power to improve our mood. Studies have shown that the mere act of watering an indoor plant can release feel-good chemicals in our brain. Who wouldn’t want that while at work?

Need To Boost Your Work Desk’s Feng Shui?

Feng shui isn’t just an ever-present buzz word! This ancient study is all about maximizing the flow and positivity of your space, and we think there’s no better place to explore it than at your work station! Snake Plants and Braided Money Trees are feng shui stalwarts, and they are renowned for bestowing prosperity (yes, please!) protection and good luck to their owners. They are also both exceptionally low-maintenance. Perfect desk plants!

Okay, Which Plants are the Best Desk Plants?

So glad you asked! No matter your environment, there is a plant for every work space. Here are some of the best, and keep scrolling to see our top picks:

Calathea Medallion

For those looking for a plant to truly dote on, the Calathea Medallion is an excellent choice. This humidity-lover needs its soil consistently moist, which makes it the perfect work companion for someone who likes to take frequent “coffee breaks” to coddle their plants.

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Parlor Palm

It’s no wonder why people love the Parlor Palm to decorate their home office or desk: it’s not only rated one of the top air-purifiers, but it’s sprightly foliage is an immediate energy boost!

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Bird’s nest fern

Of all the ferns out there, there is none easier to care for than the Bird’s Nest Fern, a bright green breath of fresh air for your desk.

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the perfect desk plant

Rubber Plant

Looking for something dramatic? With its deep burgundy leaves, the Rubber Plant is a true stunner that comes in various different sizes for a home office.

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desk plants

Jade Pothos

How adorable is the Jade Pothos? This easy care cutie is such a delight to watch grow, and as a fast grower, you will enjoy its new leaves unfurling day in and day out as you work.

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Braided Money tree

Said to bring good luck and prosperity, the Braided Money Tree is an obvious choice for a desk plant, and an excellent gift idea for colleagues, employees and clients, too!

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the snake plant as a desk plant

Snake Plant

A great air-purifier that thrives off neglect, the Snake Plant is an excellent desk plant for beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike.

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colorful desk plants

Golden Petra

If you’re looking for a splash of color for your desk, go for the Golden Petra. This plant prefers bright and even direct light, so it’s the ideal choice for sunny desks.

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desk plants zz gem

Zanzibar Gem

One of the many famous “lucky” plants, the Zanzibar Gem or ZZ Gem is a low-light-lover that can survive and even thrive with minimal watering. Don’t go to the office all the time, or travel a lot for work? This one’s for you.

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The Cascading Pothos is an excellent choice for desks in any lighting scenario.

Cascading Pothos

For bigger desks and workspaces, look no further than the lush and trailing Cascading Pothos, a fast grower that easily adapts to medium, low and even artificial light.

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Shop our collections of small and medium plants for the perfect stylish addition to your desk. All of our plants come with simple care instructions, a 45 Day Guarantee and lifetime Plant Doctor support.

 

desk plants are the ideal corporate gift

the very best corporate gifts

Green up your office with curated plant selections and stylish ceramics, or give the gift of lush, living greenery to your employees. Streamlined bulk gifting with branded options available.

The Perfect Plant For Every Zodiac Sign
The benefits of the Snake Plant are many, making it the perfect plant for indoors and bedrooms.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned astrology buff, you likely know that your zodiac sign can offer valuable insight into your many strengths, your disposition overall, and the things that are important to you. As a plant owner, insights like these are especially useful. We all want our plants to thrive, and choosing the right plant variety for our unique circumstances is the first (and most important!) step. 

If you’re purchasing a new plant friend from Leon & George, you probably already know that bringing a new, living plant into your home is a special and exciting time, as well as a big decision. So find your sign below and read up on our galaxy of guidance. You can feel confident in your choice, because we’ve curated the perfect Leon & George plant for you! 

The Perfect Plant For You, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Zodiac plants: plants for capricorn

Capricorn

Braided Money Tree

Clear-eyed, straight-shooting Capricorn! You’re a grounded and pragmatic soul. You’re not afraid of responsibility, and you don’t leave things half-finished. This makes you a deeply responsible plant owner, and we’d trust you with any Leon & George variety! But you also deserve a break from all your hard work, which is why, with its marriage of intricate beauty and easy-care simplicity, we think the Braided Money Tree is the plant for you. 

Zodiac plants: plants for aquarius

Aquarius

Zanzibar Gem

Aquarians, you’re like the ocean: sometimes calm, and sometimes crashing in tsunamis of creative energy, but never still. And while you love to get lost staring out the window, Aquarians also don’t like to be bored, so you’re often on the go. That’s why an easy-care plant that’ll do fine when you float off on an impromptu road trip is the perfect choice for you. And with their super-lush foliage, the Zanzibar Gem reflects your dewy disposition. 

Zodiac plants: plants for pisces

Pisces

Calathea Medallion

Beloved Pisces, you’re a gentle and deeply creative soul that brings imagination and artfulness to all you do. You’re deeply attuned to all that’s around you, and any plant will be fortunate to call you friend. Pisces are often thought to be near-or-truly psychic, because of their intuitive connectedness to all living things. The Calathea Medallion, or Prayer Plant, is the perfect match for you: spiritual and beautiful, reacting with an otherworldly grace to the shifts in light from day to night.

Zodiac plants: plants for aries

Aires

Red Congo

Aries, you’re coming in hot! With your courage and drive, you’re a force of nature, ruled by the sun, with fire as your guiding element. The Red Congo is a perfect match for you- vibrant and bold, Red Congos respond to the brightness of the light they receive with deeply pigmented, red variegation on their beautiful leaves.

Zodiac plants: plants for Taurus

taurus

Snake Plant

There is so much to love about the strong and earthy Taurus. And Taurus, you may be a stable and practical soul, but you also have a deep love of sensory experience- so it’s only natural that a stunningly variegated and sculptural plant would be the right choice for you. Enter the Snake Plant: grounded in the earth, but reaching toward the sky, the Snake Plant is strong (read: virtually indestructible) but innately graceful. 

Zodiac plants: plants for gemini

gemini

Golden Petra

Like you, Gemini, the Golden Petra is expressive, charming and has an enchanting natural charisma. Happy to bask in the haze of indirect light, the Petra can also handle the spotlight of direct light once in a while- she’s adaptable, like you. And just like Geminis, Golden Petras are naturally sociable, appreciative of the microbiome and humidity produced by being placed among a group of plants with similar care preferences

cancer

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Cancer, you’ve been famed throughout the ages for your skill as a naturally supportive friend and an artistic spirit. Your emotional acuity can also mean that you experience a wide range of moods- not unlike the beautifully iconic diva, the Fiddle Leaf Fig! With your sensitive nature, you have just the disposition to pamper your Fiddle through any rough spots and appreciate the overall beauty of this sometimes tricky, but always worth it, showstopper of a plant.

Zodiac plants: plants for leo

leo

Bird of Paradise

How dull our garden would be without a Leo (or a Bird of Paradise) in the mix! And you’re so easy to care for, too. All you need is lots of light (and love, and admiration) to flourish and thrive. Truly birds of a feather, Leos and Birds of Paradise light up their environment and don’t quit. Vivacious! Eye-catching! It always feels good to stand next to a Leo or a Bird of Paradise’s fire.

virgo

Jade Pothos

The earthy Virgo has so many admirable qualities- you always take the high road, and your patience can seem infinite to your fire-sign friends! That’s why the Jade Pothos is a natural match for you. Gentle and beautiful, the Jade Pothos rewards patient plant owners with a cascade of jewel-tone leaves in its own time. (Often quickly-the Jade Pothos is a swift grower!)

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libra

Silver Evergreen

Peaceful Libra, your compassion nature and love of balance is a gift to all you meet- and it serves you well as a savvy home stylist, too! The Silver Evergreen is a seamless fit for you: with lushly full, variegated foliage and exceptional air-purifying effects, the Silver Evergreen promotes tranquility, luck (according to legend!) and lends a sophisticated grace to Libra homes. 

Zodiac plants: plants for scorpio

scorpio

Ruby Ficus

Scorpio, you’re the best friend a plant could ask for. Loyal, honest and brave, you’re a natural leader, and you don’t follow trends- you set them. And we think that every Ruby Ficus must sprout under the Scorpio sign, because they are hands-down your astrological doppelganger! Pick a Ruby Ficus for its boldly hued foliage, and keep it for its easy-care watering needs. And like you, Scorpio, Ruby Ficuses also have a penchant for self-growth. (These can grow up to eight feet tall!)

Zodiac plants: plants for sagittarius

sagittarius

Magenta Triostar

Sagittarius, you’re most well known for your deep sense of honesty and justice. But you’re also spontaneous, fun and dynamic, with an appreciation for life’s variety. The Magenta Triostar is a great fit for you: a true individual with a richly independent life. (As a member of the Prayer Plant family, the Magenta Triostar’s leaves close during the night, and open to salute the sun during the day. (A fitting friend for you, Sagittarius, as you’re a fire sign!) 


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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

Air Purifying Plants: Can plants really improve air quality?
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In the age of wellness and self-care, it has become abundantly clear that plants are good for us. But when it comes to air purification, there’s a lot of misleading information out there. How do plants improve our environments, and which plants clean the air? Will just one plant make a difference? What are the best air purifying indoor plants, including for low light spaces?

Let’s dive a little deeper and lean about how plants clean the air, and which are the best air purifying plants to add to your space!

How do plants clean the air?

Plants purify the air during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light and carbon dioxide into food to fuel growth and creating oxygen along the way. And in addition to removing CO2 and creating oxygen, many plants also absorb other gases and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are found in many common household goods and are linked to various respiratory health issues.

TOp air purifying plants

Some plants are better at cleaning the air than others. According to the NASA clean air study, below are a few of the most powerful air-purifying plants:

And many more! Check out our full collection of air purifying plants here.

do plants actually remove toxins from the air in my home?

While plants do in fact clean the air, one plant won’t necessarily make a big dent in your air quality. You need a relatively high concentration of plants in order to reap the benefits. That said, though a single desk plant might not make a difference, it certainly won’t cause any harm!

Thinking of adding a few plants to help freshen up your space? Shop our full collection of air purifying plants and get them delivered straight to your door.

 

fiddle-bush-white-stand-nude-leather-chair.jpg

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

Exceptional Gifts For Exceptional People: The Gift Guide

Regifting? Not a chance.

We at Léon & George believe that quality is paramount, and that the best gifts are those that will stand the test of time. A truly exceptional gift is like magic: it happens when premium materials are united with beautiful design and a sense of joy.

We took a deep dive into the world of luxury home goods for this list, which has been carefully curated to offer the best of the best- and nothing else. Every item is luxe, inspiring, and built to last. So read on, and gift generously! Extraordinary experiences await.

For the one that values experiences above all

The ambiance of a warm cabin at the base of the Matterhorn inspired Maison Louis Marie’s first-ever holiday candle, Le Refuge d’Ernest. Suffused with base notes of amber, white birch and cedarwood. 

Le Refuge d’Ernest Candle

The scent of Maison Louis Marie’s No.4, Bois de Balincourt, is the stuff of legend: immediately rich and exciting, it leads with notes of sandalwood and vetiver, and stays with a lingering wave of warm and luxurious amberwood. Simply unforgettable. 

No.4 Bois de Balincourt Diffuser

For the one with green dreams and a busy schedule

For any recipient with fantastic taste, but little time, the small Dracaena Compacta is a perfect fit. With a flourish of gorgeous, sculptural foliage, air-purifying power and a low-maintenance disposition, this easy-going Dracaena variety is a shoo-in for any recipient that will benefit from a thriving indoor plant that requires little care, but has style to spare.

Dracaena Compacta

For the one that takes care of their things

With their bespoke Dedtergent line, fragrance line Dedcool answered all our prayers! For the recipient that loves to take good care of their things, Dedtergent #1: Taunt is the gift of the season. Taunt’s scent profile is classic Dedcool luxury: natural, deep and always fresh, with notes of bergamot, vanilla and amber.

Dedtergent #1: “Taunt”

For the luxurious homeware lover

We’ve scoured the internet and simply can’t find a single champagne coupe that holds a candle to this exceptional set from LaDoubleJ. Hand-blown in gorgeous green Murano glass, they’re perfect for toasting a new year of peace and joy.

Champage Coupe Set of 2 in Giallo

LaDoubleJ’s luxurious Murano carafe is handcrafted and blown by the Venetian glass masters, Salviati. Featuring a punchy ochre rim and jewel-tone base, we’d want no other carafe by our bedside!

Murano Carafe in Green Glass

For the savvy minimalist

For any lover of minimalism or the Mid-Century style, you can’t go wrong with this luxe watering can. Sleekly constructed of stainless steel and designed by Stine Aas, this premium Norwegian watering can is a truly exceptional functional object.

Scandinavian Watering Can

For the one that loves to nurture

Ideal for new plant owners and experienced green thumbs alike, the L’Alchimie Botanique Plant Care Essentials features a trio of indispensable plant care products. Formulated in-house by Leon and George from naturally derived ingredients, these elixirs provide a luxurious, spa-inspired sensory experience for both plant owner and plant.

L’Alchimie Botanique Plant Care Essentials

For the one that adores their dog!

No need to sacrifice aesthetics when it comes to pampering your pet! There is no detail too small for Animals Matter’s Ruby Puff Dog Bed: with a velvet bottom and hypoallergenic memory foam, this California-crafted bed is the stuff of doggie dreams.

Ruby Puff Dog Bed in Ivory


The Holiday Gift Collection

When it comes to those we love, it’s what is inside that counts. That’s why we’ve curated our holiday gift collection to reflect the very best: premium greenery to adorn beloved spaces, essential care products comprised of the highest quality of ingredients, and accessories that are a pleasure to use every day.