The Year of the Tiger is just around the corner, and many Chinese families are sprucing up their homes with colourful flowers and plants. According to Chinese tradition, flower blossoms symbolise growth and usher in prosperity and abundance.
Kuala Lumpur-based plant nursery assistant manager Lee Mei Kuan, 29, has stocked up on over 30 popular plants for the Lunar New Year. According to Lee, some hot-selling plants at her nursery include lucky bamboo, orchids, pussy willow and money plant.
“As our government has relaxed the Chinese New Year SOP, especially with larger reunion dinners and house visits allowed, people are in high spirits and eager to welcome the Year of the Tiger in a more relaxed way.
“Many people are coming out to buy some of their favourite festive plants to ensure their house is decked up for the upcoming festival,” said Lee during an interview in Kuala Lumpur.She added that there is also a demand for pots in various colours, ornament plant trimmings such as tassels, and plastic miniature lanterns.
She also noticed a growing demand for indoor plants, especially among younger customers.
“Alocasia, cyrtosperma, monstera and caladium are among the more popular plants, even though they are costlier. Perhaps they like these plants because they are trending on social media," said Lee, who has seen a 50% increase in sales for auspicious Chinese New Year plants since the first week of January.
Here are the top five trending plants for the Year of the Tiger.
Pussy willow
This Chinese New Year classic symbolises wealth and prosperity. They are long-lasting and make perfect gifts. As they can last for months, the plants remain as beautiful house decorations even after the Lunar New Year. Popular colours for 2022 include red, yellow, pink and orange.
Lime tree
These plant-bearing fruits are used as ornamental plants during the Lunar New Year because they represent happiness and prosperity.
Succulent
Also known as the jade plant or crassula ovata, this plant is part of the cactus family. Its thick leaves can retain water, which symbolises good fortune and luck. These plants are auspicious when presented as house-warming gifts.
Twisted bamboo
This plant remains one of the must-haves for the Lunar New Year. Twisted bamboo is an evergreen plant which signifies that you can "twist your luck from bad to good". The bamboo, braided to resemble a pineapple, or ong lai, symbolises good fortune.
Chrysanthemum
These plants come in vivid hues, including purple, yellow and pink. Chrysanthemums represent longevity, while plants with gold blooms usher in prosperity.
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Chinese New Year trending plants
Many people are coming out to buy some of their favourite festive plants to ensure their house is decked up for the upcoming Lunar New Year, says Lee. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran
Golden lime tree fruits are popular as ornamental plants during the Lunar New Year because they represent happiness and prosperity. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin
Stalks of pussy willow dyed in crimson red. Photo: Filepic
Twisted bamboo: May you be able to 'twist your luck from bad to good' this Lunar New Year.
Chrysanthemums represent longevity and prosperity.
The bright green leaves of succulents symbolise wealth and fortune.
