Inviting prosperity for CNY with auspicious plants

Chai Thye has created a mini garden in her walk-up flat. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON and AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

IT is believed that the Year of the Wood Dragon offers new opportunities and is an auspicious time to initiate new projects.

Lau Gok Bee hopes to take advantage by acquiring dragon bamboos, which she intends to place at the altar in her home.

She was spotted selecting the bamboo at a plant nursery in Jalan Nyaman 1, Taman Bukit Indah, Kuala Lumpur.

Josse Leong and her husband YS Mah in search of chrysanthemums.

“These are ideal for the occasion and possess enduring qualities,” she said.

Meanwhile, mother and daughter duo Tan Lai Peng and Tan Pei San were also in search of auspicious plants to adorn their home for Chinese New Year.

“I’m fond of orchids. They bring a burst of colour to the home and it’s an added bonus that these symbolise abundance and prosperity,” said Pei San.

Jenny Ho, the owner of plant nursery, Home Retreat, said in Chinese culture, the selection of prosperity plants is not solely based on their aesthetic appeal but also in the auspicious meanings they carry.

Theresa Lau, 38, looking for the perfect bloom.

“These plants symbolise luck, wealth and positive energy, which are central themes of Chinese New Year celebrations,’’ she said, adding that dragon lime trees are also popular this season.

“Unlike regular lime trees, such as the four seasons lime tree and golden lime tree, dragon lime trees bear larger and more luscious fruits,” she said.

Lime trees are commonly bought in pairs and serve as decorative ornaments at the entrances of both homes and offices.

Lau choosing dragon bamboos.

“Additionally, coloured pussy willows have also become highly sought after.

“They are often ordered as gifts with requests to embellish them with red packets and tassels,’’ said Ho.

Another crowd-pleaser is the ficus bonsai, also known as ginseng bonsai.

These S-shaped bonsai trees are particularly favoured by corporate customers.

The golden lime tree produces oval-shaped fruits.

“If maintained well, these can thrive for more than 10 years, and are available in various sizes,” Ho said.

For Ah Chai @Chee Chay Thye, and her neighbour Chee Kam Foong, plants play a pivotal role in ushering in prosperity to their home.

Both women live in walk-up flats in Seri Petaling, and have overcome space constraints by creating charming mini gardens within their apartment.

Coloured pussy willows are all the rage this year.

“I adore plants and have several prosperity plants in my house.

“I’ve adorned the pots with red ribbons for that extra touch of luck,” said Kam Foong.

“They definitely add vibrancy and positive energy to my home, but more importantly, they make me a very happy woman,” added Chay Thye.