Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemum flowers look especially bountiful with their multi-layered petals and vibrant colours. The ones with bright yellow flowers signify longevity, while the darker gold types represent wealth and prosperity.
Flamingo Lily
These come in auspicious red or pink colours symbolising prosperity. With blossomes shaped like little hearts, these flowers are ideal for Valentine’s Day too. What’s more, they are hardy plants that can thrive with the right care. Another feature of this plant is that it’s also good for clearing the air of toxins, such as formaldehyde, xylene and ammonia.
Jade Plant
Originating from South Africa, the Jade Plant is also known as crassula and is a popular choice during CNY because of its emerald green leaves, which resembles the shape of jade stones. This plant is a symbol of good fortune and requires little maintenance. Water sparingly on alternate days and place in a semi-shaded area.
Kalanchoes
Known to the Chinese as ‘wan zi wian hong’ meaning thousands and millions of red and purple flowers, this is an easy plant to grow and is said to bring wealth and prosperity.
Lucky Bamboo
The lucky bamboo can be bent and twisted into various shapes, such as the number eight or the chinese character for luck, and symbolises strength and vitality. In addition, the number of stalks in a pot also mean different things. For example, two is said to be an expression of love while seven is an expression of good health. Decorate the long stems with red ribbons or gold ornaments.
Money Plant
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this versatile and hardy plant is often used in homes as a natural air-purifier as it is able to remove toxins (formaldehyde, benzene, xylene) from the air. Its coin-like leaves signify good luck and great fortune.
Oncidium Orchids
These small orchid blooms are also known as Dancing Ladies. Their tiny petals take on the look of gold coins being poured from the stem and are a symbol of fertility and abundance.
Peace Lily
A variety of Flamingo Lily, this one differs with its ivory white flowers. They make a great choice for modern homeowners looking for an elegant and understated floral option and can help to filter the air indoors as well.
Phalaenopsis
Known as ‘hu die lan’ in Mandarin, this is a popular festive plant because of its vibrant colour and abundance of flowers on a single stem. The petals also resemble the wings of a butterfly, symbolising happiness, spring, vitality and longevity.
Pussy Willow
Known in the West as Catkins, these furry blooms signify the start of Spring. The branches require watering twice a week, when planted in a pot, and daily water changes if placed in a vase.
Red Cymbydiums
Nicknamed Boat Orchids, these flowers are prized for their large and elegant blooms. Its colour has also spawned another name for the plant, Hong Pao (red fire cracker) in Mandarin. The yellow version also has the auspicious moniker Huang Jing (yellow gold).
Animal-themed Plants
These puppy-shaped plants are a definite draw in the year of the Dog! The flowes also signify abundance, good fortune and happiness.
Tangerine Trees
One of the most common types of CNY plants, these potted shrubs are ideal for indoor decorations and are easily available at all flower markets in a lead-up to the festive period. They represent good luck, fortune and wealth.
