The Lunar New Year is just a couple of weeks away and many families are already sprucing up their homes with fresh flowers and plants. Why? This is because flower blossoms are believed to bring fortune, according to the popular Chinese saying 花開富貴 (“blossom flowers bring wealth”). While some nurseries are churning out some fun animal-themed products this year, others are sticking to time-honoured classics like kumquats and lime trees, pussy willows, money plants and kalanchoes, which are popular for their auspicious-sounding names or colours. Here are 12 lucky plants and flowers that are auspicious for the lunar new year by Woman's Weekly:
1. Chrysanthemums
With their bright gold or purple hues, chrysanthemums are an auspicious choice for the season. The plant is also said to symbolize longevity, while those with gold blooms represent wealth and prosperity.
2. Flamingo Lily
Flamingo lilies come in an auspicious red or pink colour symbolising prosperity. With blossoms shaped like little hearts, these flowers are perfect for Valentine’s Day too and if you care for them properly they’ll last a long time. What’s more, flamingo Lilies can remove formaldehyde, xylene and ammonia from the air.
3. Jade Plant
This South African native, which is also known as Crassula, is often in demand because of its emerald green leaves which resemble the shape of jade stones. The plant is regarded as a symbol of prosperity, wealth and fortune. Tip: It requires very little moisture – water sparingly every alternate day. Place it in a semi-shaded area.
4. Money Plant
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this versatile and hardy plant can remove formaldehyde, benzene and xylene from the air, making it great for purification. And with its coin-like leaves, the money plant symbolises fortune and good luck.
5. Lucky Bamboo
Bent, twisted and twirled into various shapes such as the number eight, the lucky bamboo is the Chinese symbol for strength. The plant is decorated with red ribbons and lucky ornaments, and the number of bamboo stalks in one pot represents different things. For example, two is said to be an expression of love, while seven stands for good health.
6. Oncidium Orchids
Also known as Dancing Ladies, these orchids with their tiny yellow petals look like they are sprouting gold coins. Besides their delightful shape, orchids have long been considered to be symbolic of fertility and abundance.
7. Phalaenopsis
Known as hu die lan in Mandarin, this plant is a popular festive plant as its petals resemble the wings of a butterfly, symbolising happiness, spring, vitality and longevity.
8. Pussy Willow
Pussy willows signify the start of spring. Also known as catkins, this plant with furry buds needs a change of water twice a week if it is in a vase. If it is potted, water twice a week. Fresh water ensures the plant lasts longer and prevents mosquitoes from breeding.
9. Red Cymbidiums
Also known as boat orchids, these flowers are prized for their large and elegant blooms. Its colour has spurred the Chinese name hong pao, which means red cracker. Just as auspicious-sounding are the yellow cymbidiums, which are called huang jing, or yellow gold, in Mandarin.
10. Tangerine or Kumquat Tree
A perennial favourite during Chinese New Year, these potted shrubs are ideal for indoor decorations during Chinese New Year and are available at all flower markets. They represent “lucky tree bearing fruits” and are great for ushering in wealth.
11. Peonies
Peonies are often associated with richness and peace in Chinese mythology because of how they grow in clusters. The red versions of these flowers are particularly more auspicious than the pink ones.
12. Pitcher Plant
Left: @alexandleavesThey’re a little less popular but pitcher plants are also highly regarded plants for the Lunar New Year. Because of the fact that these plants look like money bags, they’re considered lucky.
