Posts tagged Education

Air Purifying Plants: Can plants really improve air quality?

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:

Snake Plant, particularly the Laurentii variety
Palms like the Kentia Palm or Parlor Palm
Silver Evergreen
Devil’s Ivy, like the Cascading Pothos or Jade Pothos
Ferns, like the Boston Fern or the Bird’s Nest Fern
Spider Plant
Ficus trees, like the Weeping Ficus or Rubber Tree

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.

Indoor plants, potted & delivered

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

SHOP NOW

Plant Care, Education, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeJuly 19, 2022Plant Care, EducationComment

Do Plants Feel Pain?

We get a lot of questions from our plant-loving community, from specific care inquiries to which plant will thrive in a certain space. But we’ve been surprised to find how often one particular question seems to come up:

Do plants feel pain?

You’re walking through your living room when you stub your toe on the coffee table and stumble— hard — right into the foliage of the potted plant sitting in the corner. You’re reeling in pain of course, but as it quickly wears off you realize that you’ve ripped a frond from your innocent plant, and the severed piece is lying helplessly on the floor. To make matters worse, there’s a bit of ooze coming out of the branch.

But is your plant in pain? Is it distressed, much like you were when you stubbed your toe?

Plants are sentient

While many recent studies have proven that plants are indeed very sentient beings constantly responding to the stimuli around them, that does not necessarily mean they can feel pain.

Take the “sensitive plant” (mimosa pudica), which shies away to the touch. Other plants pick up on the sound of pests, say caterpillars munching, and release chemicals as a defense mechanism to ward off attackers. The simple act of a carnivorous plant closing its trap over prey is yet another example of how plants very much respond to environmental stimuli around them.

So plants respond, but do they feel pain?

The answer to this question comes down to comes down to one simple fact: plants do not have a nervous system or brain, and thus they cannot feel pain.

All the same, given plants do respond to different stimuli, and this response requires a fair amount of energy, a plant that is frequently say bumped into or brushed against may not look as healthy as a plant left alone. Alternatively, while some plants dislike temperature fluctuations or cold environments, they may very well show it, but that doesn’t mean they are actually feeling cold. And of course, a “sad” under-watered (or over-watered!) plant may indeed look very sad, but in no way is it literally suffering.

Given our innate connection to nature, it is no surprise that we often attribute human characteristics to the plants in our lives. And while your plant might not be feeling pain the next time you accidentally snap a branch off, we find that sympathizing with our greenery is very much therapeutic and good for us — and our plants!

Plant Care, EducationLéon & GeorgeMay 4, 2022Plant Care, Monstera Deliciosa, Education Comment

Our All-Time Favorite Large Leaf Tropical Plants

They say bigger is better and when it comes to indoor greenery, there is — quite literally — a lot to love about large leaf tropical plants!

Gone are the days of hoarding succulents on the windowsill. We spend a lot of time in our homes, and creating an inviting and comfortable space is crucial to our mental and physical well-being. Large leaf plants not only turn heads and make statements, but they are also the perfect way to create the feeling of having nature close by. Read our plant stylists tips for how to style with statement plants, how to care for tropical indoor plants, and which tropical greenery they recommend having indoors.

How to style with statement plants

Wondering how to introduce a large plant into your space? Here are a few tips for bringing big statement plants indoors:

Anchor a space by placing a large leafed plant in the corner. It will act as a natural focal point, bringing the other elements of a room together.
Frame the main element of a room, such as a bed, dining room table, or large bathroom sink, with two matching large leaf plants on either side that create a balanced, slightly imperfect symmetry.
Go minimalist (while being maximalist!) by pruning a large statement plant back to have just three or five fronds.

How to care for large leaf tropical plants

In terms of care, tropical plants are usually quite simple and don’t require too much maintenance. Of course each plant has its own specific care requirements but generally speaking, large leaf tropical plants love:

Humidity - keep the humidity up by regularly misting the foliage or using a humidifier
Medium to bright light - most tropical plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light
Dusting - because of the surface area on their foliage, big leaf plants may require the occasional cleaning to avoid accumulation of dust; this will help them soak in more light!

Check out some of our favorite large leaf tropical plants below, and let their beauty inspire you!

Monstera Deliciosa

An iconic plant of the art deco era, the Monstera Deliciosa is an easy-care , low-maintenance plant that grows large leaves with splits as it matures.

Shop now →

The Rubber Plant

The Rubber Plant or Ficus Elastica gets its name from the milky latex in its leaves which was once used to make natural rubber. The large, waxy leaves of this plant make a unique addition to any home.

Shop now →

Bird of Paradise

Possibly the next “it” plant, the Bird of Paradise is a beautiful, incredibly low-maintenance indoor tropical plant with large, bright green leaves. Its name comes from the colorful flower which resembles a bird in flight, though it does not typically flower indoors.

Shop now →

Red Congo

A member of the philodendron family, the Red Congo is a popular big leaf plant, known for its crimson and green leaves and ability to grow in medium levels of light.

Shop now →

The Silver Evergreen

An incredibly hardy plant that can survive with next to no light, the Silver Evergreen is a beautiful tabletop plant with large, variegated leaves.

Shop now →

Fiddle Leaf Fig

One of the most popular indoor plants, the broad-leafed Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. Though it’s got a reputation for being a bit finicky, they are relatively low-maintenance if placed in the right conditions (read: very, very bright spaces!).

Shop now →

Looking for the perfect large leaf plant for your home or office? Read our guide on how to choose a plant for your space, and check out our full collection of care guides for more information!

Education, LifestyleLéon & GeorgeDecember 7, 2021Education, tropical plants Comments

10 Plant-Filled Cafes To Inspire Your Morning Brew

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

Coffee & Plants

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

62 W. Union Street, Pasadena

Seesaw Coffee

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

433 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai

The Starbucks Cafe at Yomiuriland’s Yani-Biyori Greenhouse

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

Yanokuchi, 4015-1, Yomiuriland

Coperaco Cafe

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

777 S. 3rd St, Harrison, NJ

Petersham Nurseries Cafe

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

Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond

Dalloway Terrace

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

16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London

Arvo Cafe

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

324 Coral Street at SALT, Honolulu

3 Arts Club Cafe

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

1300 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago

Fleur Universelle

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

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

Interior Design, LifestyleLéon & GeorgeJuly 24, 2021Education, Interior Design, LifestyleComment

Wonder Plants: The World of Healing Plants and the Ways We Use Them

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

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

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

The Pacific Yew Tree

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

The Cinchona Plant

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

Turmeric

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

The Birch and White Willow Trees

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

Air Purifying Wonder Plants

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

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

L’Alchimie Botanique

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

SHOP NOW

Education, LifestyleLéon & GeorgeJuly 15, 2021Education, Air-purifying plants

Leafy Legends: The Vibrant History of Houseplants

Have you ever wondered when humans began keeping houseplants? We did, so we took a break from trimming our Braided Money Trees and did a bit of research. It turns out the history of houseplants goes way, way back. And while we all know about some, iconic plant/human pairings (Persephone and her pomegranate, Eve and a certain Tree of Knowledge, the list goes on!) we wanted to delve deep into the history of potted, indoor houseplants in particular. After all, they’re our passion!

So take a stroll into the past with us to learn about the history of potted houseplants, and how they’ve grown to become the steadfast interior accent they are today!

The very first indoor plants

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the practice of indoor gardening with potted plants can be traced back to the early Greeks and Romans. Older civilizations like Ancient Egypt, India, and China also made use of potted plants, but mostly in outdoor spaces and courtyards. For pots, terracotta reigned supreme-- with the exception of the Ancient Romans, who gravitated toward marble planters (so chic!).

Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese cultures have unique traditions of dwarfing trees for ornamental purposes, known variably as Hòn Non Bộ, Penjing and Bonsai. These plants were designed to reflect the form of fully-grown trees in nature, and were often accompanied by decorative rocks and even water features to simulate natural landscapes.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, in what is now modern-day Iraq, even featured a custom garden, specially curated for the wife of King Nebuchadnezzar II. It showcased the foliage of her homeland, with date trees, statuesque cedars and meadows.

The Renaissance and Beyond

The Middle Ages weren’t great for houseplants, or, it can be argued, for much of anything! During this period in Europe, cultivated indoor plants were largely restricted to monasteries, and plants were grown for practical purposes (primarily for food and medicine) rather than for pleasure or aesthetics.

So, thank goodness for the Renaissance and the cultural transformations it ushered in! During the renaissance, orangeries came in vogue, and global exploration, a la Christopher Columbus, meant that an influx of new-world foliage was brought home to showcase in Europe.

The Ultimate Horticulturists: 1840-1930

With industrialization and the Victorian era, ordinary peoples’ homes were beginning to resemble more closely the homes we know today. They were warmer, thanks to central heating from coal or iron furnaces, which allowed people to take their cultivation of indoor houseplants to new heights. Ferns were exceptionally popular for their dense, luxurious foliage, and were often placed in pillar-style containers called jardiniere. Other plants that we still know and love (and sell on Léon & George!) were popular as well, like Cast Iron Plants and Kentia Palms.

In the late 1920s, potted houseplants became available on the market for the first time (prior to this period, it was necessary to grow one’s houseplants from bulbs or seeds). The first nursery to offer potted houseplants to the market was based in Southern California-- truly a dream land for plants, and where Léon & George is based today!

The remarkable ease of purchasing potted, grown houseplants inspired a tremendous wave of new plant owners. Plant and garden societies sprouted wildly, and fashion and interior design trends were replete with florals and botanical prints.

Earth-First Decor: the 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s and 1970s were all about reverence for greenery and nature. Pothos varieties, Staghorn Ferns and more were used to create fecund indoor jungles, often paired with macrame, hand-built ceramics, and nature-themed decor. Many of the current trends in plant styling are throwbacks to this fertile time of peace, love and plant worship.

Minimal Accents: the 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s looked to the future (and sometimes to space!) for stylistic inspiration. Popular materials were minimal and fresh, like glass, lucite and industrial metal. Plant styling took a backseat during the 1980s, and stylish designers limited their greenery to thoughtfully placed focal plants which played well with gleaming surfaces and geometric designs.

The 1990s brought with them a resurgence in popularity of the orchid. From Susan Orlean’s The Orchid Thief to high-fashion prints worn by the likes of Madonna, orchids were the ultimate iconoclastic plant variety of the 90s, blending femininity with their famously sculptural silhouettes.

The Aughts to Today

Houseplants experienced a resurgence in popularity in the early 2000s, and have remained steadfast components of interior decor trends for the last two decades, with water-wise varieties holding court in the spotlight for the last twenty years. As our climate changes and we embrace minimalism, (then maximalism!) the junglelow (and the drought garden!), vibrant, easy-care varieties like succulents, cacti and hardy plants like Snake Plants or sansevierias continue to reign supreme.

Credit: Encyclopedia Brittanica & Mirror80

Interior Design, Lifestyle, Batch 2Léon & GeorgeJune 14, 2021Education, Interior DesignComment

A Complete Guide To Buying Plants Online

Buy plants online: everything you need to know

Buying plants for your home isn’t always as simple as it seems. Which plants will look good in your space, and more importantly, which ones will thrive? And once you’ve narrowed down your selection, how do you get them home? Needless to say, finding the time and energy to get beautiful greenery can be overwhelming.

But lucky for you, times have changed. Gone are the days of spending a sunny Saturday under the fluorescent lights of a crowded Home Depot, sifting through picked over plants and ugly pots and then lugging it all home. Nowadays, there’s a new way to shop for houseplants, and you can do it all with just a few clicks from home. At Léon & George, we make it simple for you to find, customize, and purchase your dream plants, elevating and improving your indoors with zero stress along the way. If you’re a newbie to houseplants, or you’ve simply never bought plants online, here are a few things to know.

Where to buy plants online

There are several things to look for when researching reputable online plant shops. First and foremost, look at reviews to see what other people have experienced in terms of plant quality, packaging, and customer service. Live plants are perishable products, and real customer reviews help you understand how seriously a company takes shipping these sometimes delicate items. Keep in mind that when it comes to buying plants online, you often get what you pay for, so make sure to check your plants are guaranteed. All Léon & George plants are insured for their journey to you, and also come with a 45 day guarantee in case they don’t adjust well to their new environment.

Choosing the perfect plant online

One of the perks of when you buy plants online is that you can painlessly get an idea of which plants will work well in your space (and which won’t!). On the Léon & George website, you can easily filter by size, light requirements, and care levels. If you’re still not sure which plants to get, simply email us with a few pictures and a plant stylist will send you tailored recommendations for your space. Our blog also serves as a wealth of resources, with everything from plant care guides to design inspiration and more. Looking for the perfect plant for your bathroom? What about the bedroom? Browse around and see which plant speaks to you!

Choosing a planter online

Finding the perfect planter can be tough. As a start, it’s crucial that your planter has proper drainage, the key to a healthy and happy plant. You’ll also want to make sure it’s the right size, as planters that are too big can lead to weak root systems and sad looking plants.

There are hundreds of places to find planters online, but we decided to do that work for you. Once you’ve chosen your plant, simply select the pot style you like best and we’ll put it all together for you. It’s plant shopping for the 21st century, and we promise you’re going to love it! Our timelessly designed planters and wood stands are handmade by artisan ceramists and woodworkers, and made to beautify not just the home you live in now, but the home you might. In short, they’re made to last.

Ordering & delivery: what to expect

You may be wondering how plants are safely shipped from the greenhouse to your home. We ship nationwide (as well as France, Belgium, and Luxembourg!), and no matter where you are, we guarantee that your plant will arrive in pristine condition. Here's what happens when you order a houseplant online:

The plant is personally selected by a member of our prep team. While each plant can vary in size and shape (no two plants are the same!), we make it a priority to select only plants that closely match what you see on our website in size and shape.
We clean, trim, and shine each and every leaf so that it arrives to you glowing, ready to love.
We fit and pot your plant to the ceramic planter you’ve selected, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.
We carefully wrap and package your plant set in a highly customized, innovative box, and ship it via UPS.
Once it’s in transit, it usually only takes a few days to arrive. Unboxing is easy, and your plant will come with simple care instructions to keep it looking great over time.

Greenery to feel good about

Beautiful plants have a big impact in improving our homes and our health. But what if they could do more? Choosing to shop from reputable online plant stores that give back to their communities is a great way to make your dollar count. That’s why with every plant sold we support various initiatives that we believe bring positive lasting impact to society.

Plus, ever wonder why houseplants are so cheap at big box retailers like Home Depot and Lowes? Read more about why shopping at these stores both on and offline hurts the people who work to nurture and grow our favorite plants.

Keep growing along the way

So you’ve ordered plants online, and you love how beautiful they look in your space. But what next? Your plant will need a bit of TLC to thrive, but don’t worry, we promise it’s simple (and guarantee it’s rewarding!). All Léon & George plants come with simple care instructions as well as lifetime plant care support with our digital plant doctor service. Our blog also has many resources for the curious new plant parent.

If you want to know more about what customers think about Léon & George, check out our reviews and see what they’re saying!

Say hello to the new way of plant shopping. Buying plants online at Léon & George is not only easier, faster and more convenient—it’s also a lot more inspiring, too!

FIND YOUR PERFECT PLANT

Plant Care, Lifestyle, EducationLéon & GeorgeJune 19, 2020Education, Plant CareComment

8 Plant-Themed Activities To Do With (Or Without!) Kids

In the mood for some fun plant-related activities to do with kids? We tapped into our resident super mom, Léon & George France operations manager, and creative craft project extraordinaire, Angèle, for some inspiration and ideas she’s either tested out or are on her list to try with her daughter at home.

According to Angèle, you don’t need to be a Pinterest expert, nor do you need special materials beyond what you might find around the house. Above all, she says, “keep things simple, let nature inspire, and voilà! You’ve got activities to keep your kids curious for weeks!” Read on for a handful of different plant-related activities to do at home with (or without!) children.

Build a (paper) cactus garden

Having a cactus in the house is probably not a reality for most parents with young children. But a cactus that doesn’t stick?! These adorable paper cacti are not only fun to make but look great on any shelf (and need even less care than real ones!).

Angèle’s daughter, Michelle, watering her sprouted sunflower seeds.

Sprout seedlings

A classic tried and true home experiment, starting a seedling project with seeds or beans takes almost no time yet will fill subsequent days and weeks with wonder as your kids check in with their mini gardens (I have my daughter document their progress each day with a drawing!).

Construct origami plants and flowers

For older school-age children (and us adults!), making origami is not only a fun way to pass the time but also incredibly therapeutic. I’ll admit there are some relatively complicated patterns out there, but for the difficult ones I have my daughter decorate the paper and I construct. A few of my favorites are the plant seedling, lavender flowers, and Elephant’s Ear.

Make simple macrame hanging planters

Have some rope or yarn lying around the house? This simple pattern for a macrame hanging planter is a unique way to let your kids display their favorite indoor plants with something they made on their own.

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

This paper sprouts! Tutorial + photo by alphamom.com

Make plantable paper

We all know that the best projects are the messiest ones. Let your kids enjoy the truly hands-on nature of making their own plantable paper—and then use it to send letters to all their loved ones!

Start a cutting collection

Press flowers for bookmarks

Another classic activity with plants, teach your children the beauty of pressing and conserving flowers, and use them to make an art project like a bookmark or a letter.

Practice still life drawing with plants

The basics of still life drawing are accessible to children of all ages. Use the plants around your home to inspire a quiet drawing session (and play the Léon & George Sounds of Nature playlist to really set the mood while you do it!).

What are your favorite activities to do with plants and children? Let us know in the comments!

Meet Angèle

Angèle is the Operations Manager of Léon & George France, and has been helping bring plants and people together in France, Belgium and Luxembourg since 2018. Follow Léon & George Europe on Instagram!

About Brittany

Brittany Gowan is a nature girl in an urban world and the founder of Pause with Plants. The mission of Pause with Plants is to teach and empower all people to integrate nature-focused self-care and wellness into their lives. Though accessible mindfulness, movement and meditative practices that connect us to the Earth, Pause with Plants elevates healthy living and inspires collective environmental action.

Brittany's Instagram accounts @Ihavethisthingwithurbanjungles and @PausewithPlants, combine her background in athletic and executive coaching, MSc psychology and mindfulness practices to show how to stay in the moment with the natural world.

Pet Safe Houseplants

Before we get to which indoor plants are safe for pets, it’s important to understand the definition of “unsafe”. Many common houseplants are labeled as toxic to pets and humans, but that can be a bit misleading.

Why? That’s because most indoor plants that are not considered safe for pets will only cause minor irritation if consumed, and in the majority of cases, only if consumed in vast quantities. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center actually classifies houseplants into three groups based on their toxicity levels, which are outlined below.

The Monstera Deliciosa is a perfect example of a mildly toxic plant that is probably just fine to have in the home with pets.

Mildly toxic plants

Mildly toxic plants may cause minor irritation of the skin or mouth or gastrointestinal distress if consumed. Depending on your situation (i.e. older children, or a pet that seems uninterested in your houseplants), mildly toxic plants are probably just fine to have in the home.

A few plants that are mildly toxic include

Moderately toxic plants

Moderately toxic plants can cause more severe gastrointestinal problems or skin irritation. That said, many toxic plants are also often unpleasant to taste, so even if your child or pet does eat or chew on a piece of the plant, they probably won’t consume much of it.

Some plants in this category include:

Highly toxic plants

Some plants can cause liver or kidney failure or even seizures, particularly in cats. There are not many common houseplants in this category, but one we often see is the Sago Palm.

Non-toxic plants

If for whatever reason you are worried about your pets or children consuming large amounts of indoor plants, your safest bet may be to avoid toxic plants all together (or place them out of reach). Below are some of our favorite easy to care for and 100% pet safe houseplants!

Parlor Palm

An instant miniature jungle, the adorable pet-safe Parlor Palm is also an excellent air-purifying plant.
Shop now →

Braided Money Tree

For those in search of a real indoor tree, the Braided Money Tree is not just pet-safe but also a bearer of good luck!
Shop now →

Cast Iron Plant

For a pet-friendly plant as hardy as it is beautiful, try the Cast Iron Plant (it gets its name for a reason!).
Shop now →

Calathea Medallion

A colorful member of the prayer plant family, the Calathea Medallion is a beautiful, pet-safe addition to any home. In fact, all prayer plants are considered pet-friendly!
Shop now →

Bird’s Nest Fern

Bright, low maintenance, and 100% non-toxic, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a leafy beauty that loves shade and plenty of humidity.
Shop now →

Kentia Palm

A true statement plant, pets will love living in their indoor jungle with the Kentia Palm.
Shop now →

This list is far from exhaustive, but we’ve found them to be some of the most popular pet safe houseplants among our customers. Find our full collection of pet friendly plants here.

The main takeaway

Just because a plant is toxic does not necessarily mean it’s dangerous, especially depending on who may or may not be chewing on them! All the same, stay on the safe side and always check first before introducing a new plant variety to your home.