Top 6 auspicious plants to usher in the Year of the Snake


'Phalaenopsis are favoured as they can last up to two months after CNY,' says Soh. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

The Lunar New Year is just days away, and many Chinese families are sprucing up their homes with colourful flowers and plants. Nurseries are experiencing brisk sales, as auspicious plants for the festive season remain in high demand.

Among the top sellers are lime trees, which symbolise prosperity and new beginnings, according to plant nursery co-owner Abby Soh, 57. This year, Soh's nursery in Kuala Lumpur has stocked up on 400 lime trees in preparation for the season.

"Most Chinese families buy a new lime tree every year to invite fresh luck and prosperity into their home. We have ordered about 20 types of popular CNY plants. It includes red pineapple (representing prosperity), bamboo plant (good luck), kalanchoe (longevity) and pussy willow (wealth and prosperity).

"Many CNY plants at the nursery are sourced from China, Vietnam, Ipoh, Perak and Cameron Highlands, Pahang. In Malaysia, we can't bring in many plants as our weather isn't ideal for most flowers. Instead, we focus on hardy plants that can last longer during the festive season," she said during an interview.

Pussy willows are popular during Chinese New Year because their soft, fluffy buds symbolise new beginnings. Photo: FilepicPussy willows are popular during Chinese New Year because their soft, fluffy buds symbolise new beginnings. Photo: Filepic

She said customer preferences vary by age, with middle-aged buyers preferring traditional choices like pussy willow, lime trees and chrysanthemums. Younger customers, however, lean toward low-maintenance, smaller plants such as bamboo and succulents, likely due to limited space in condominiums.

"We have also noticed more young visitors coming to take photos for their social media at our nursery. However, our plant selection is driven by CNY traditions, not online trends," she added.

With orchids growing in popularity, Soh has stocked up on 1,000 phalaenopsis, commonly known as moth orchids, for the season.

"Though priced from RM95, these vibrant pink and purple phalaenopsis are favoured as they can last up to two months after CNY. Other orchid species like tiger orchids, dancing lady and golden showers are less popular due to their shorter bloom period."

Soh said her customers are willing to spend generously on prosperity plants during the Lunar New Year.

"On average, they spend between RM50 and RM400 on plants. The top favourites are lime trees and yellow chrysanthemums. Twisted bamboos are also popular because people believe these plants can 'twist' luck in one's favour."

The nursery, a family business for 40 years, offers CNY plants starting from RM4.90.

Here are the top five plants trending at Soh's nursery for the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Lime tree

This plant is a cherished symbol of prosperity during CNY celebrations. Placed at entrances, this perennial plants are believed to welcome luck while their fruits are thought to absorb negative energy, protecting homes from bad luck. Their vibrant appearance also enhances the festive atmosphere.

Lime trees are popular during Chinese New Year as they symbolise prosperity. Lime trees are popular during Chinese New Year as they symbolise prosperity.

Orchids

Orchids are popular during CNY as they symbolise fertility, abundance and elegance. These beautiful blooms are associated with harmony, luxury and prosperity, making them a meaningful gift and festive decoration. Their vibrant colours and graceful shapes add a touch of refinement and positivity to the celebrations.

Orchids symbolise prosperity, making them a popular flower during Chinese New Year celebrations. Photo: The Star/Kamarul AriffinOrchids symbolise prosperity, making them a popular flower during Chinese New Year celebrations. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin

Lotus bamboo

Lotus bamboo, often associated with the goddess Kuan Yin in Chinese culture, symbolises spiritual growth, purity and peace. Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, is closely linked to the lotus flower, which represents enlightenment.

Lotus bamboo, often associated with the goddess Kwan Yin in Chinese culture, symbolises spiritual growth, purity, and peace. Lotus bamboo, often associated with the goddess Kwan Yin in Chinese culture, symbolises spiritual growth, purity, and peace.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, available in vibrant hues such as maroon, yellow and pink, hold cultural significance beyond their aesthetic appeal. In many Asian cultures, they symbolise longevity and rejuvenation. Plants with yellow blooms are believed to usher in prosperity.

Chrysanthemums are popular during Chinese New Year because they are considered symbols of longevity, vitality, and prosperity. Photo: FilepicChrysanthemums are popular during Chinese New Year because they are considered symbols of longevity, vitality, and prosperity. Photo: Filepic

Kalanchoes

Kalanchoes are known for their long-lasting flowers, which can bloom for several weeks. Their flowers are small but grouped into dense clusters that come in bright colours like red, orange, yellow, pink and white. Their blooms symbolise longevity and prosperity.

Kalanchoes are vibrant succulent plants, known for colorful blooms. Kalanchoes are vibrant succulent plants, known for colorful blooms.


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