The Best CNY Flowers and Plants Decorations 

Aside from feeding one’s appetite with Chinese New Year cookies, perhaps one also needs some eye candy such as flowers. Yes, flowers are an irrefutable essential during this festive season of joy and happiness. After all, flowers themselves are so pleasant to look at that they can instantly lift our spirits. Here are some types of flowers and plants you could get for this Spring Festival.

Orchids

This unmistakable iconic flower is at the top of the list. Apart from being our national flower, orchids represent fertility and abundance. They exude a luxurious feel and can take your house decorations up a notch. As their fragrance is subtle, they also represent humility despite their exquisite appearance.

Peach blossoms

Peach blossoms are highly popular during Chinese New Year and are held in high regard, often displayed in precious vases and porcelain. They are especially popular among the young adults as they represent love, wealth, and maturity. In addition, their fruit also represents longevity. Read more about peaches here.

Plum blossoms

Plum blossoms are displayed during Chinese New Year as they represent perseverance and endurance. This is because they grow in in harsh and cold conditions, and hence their beauty yet resilient “character” makes them one of the Four Gentleman. The Four Gentleman are the flowers used in traditional Chinese bird-and-flower paintings, which consist of orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum plants. Plum blossoms look like peach blossoms, however what differentiates them is that plum blossom petals look rounder, while peach blossom petals curve to a pointed end. Plum blossoms also have no stem, growing up from the branch while peach blossoms bloom out of a few short stems.

Peonies

Peonies are known for their beauty, innocence, charm, and affection. They are called the flower of riches and honour. The red ones particularly, are more auspicious. Their vibrant hue and large size make them a statement decoration and fill the place with much love, as appropriate during this season of family gatherings.

Pussy willows

The pussy willow is one of the most popular flowers, as we can find them for sale in markets during Chinese New Year. The buds of this willow look beautiful, almost like silk and when the shoots come out, they look like birds. Pussy willows are representative of growth and the arrival of prosperity and good fortune. To take care of them, water them twice a week if they are in a vase and thrice a week if they are in a pot.

Narcissus

Otherwise known as Chinese sacred lilies or water fairy flowers, they exude a floral scent so be sure to get it if you want your house to smell lovely. They look like daisies with white petals and a yellow centre, however they have different petal structures. They are a lucky flower for they represent wealth and fortune and hence are displayed during Chinese New Year. However, they grow fast in warmer temperatures so be sure to get them nearer to the house visitation dates. To grow them, place them in a shallow dish and fill it with water and pebbles.

Kalanchoes

These succulents are also called wan zi qian hong which means “thousands and millions of red and purple” because of their small flowers. They are brought in during Chinese New Year as they represent wealth and prosperity. These flowers are ideal for those who are not avid gardeners, as they are easy to plant. These flowers can be kept indoors as they prefer indirect sunlight. Be careful not to wet the soil or the roots may rot.

Chrysanthemums

This flower represents longevity while the golden hue of the chrysanthemum symbolizes wealth and prosperity. They make for an ideal flower to boost the atmosphere as they are brightly coloured and gives off sunshine energy. To take care of them, place them away from sunlight and in shaded areas. Water them twice a day until water flows out at the bottom of the pot and avoid watering the petals as they are fragile.

Jade plant

Another succulent on this list, jade plants have rounded emerald-like leaves that resemble jade, hence its name. As jade is a precious stone, this plant symbolizes wealth, fortune, and riches. Since they are succulents, you may water them sparsely every alternate day and place them in a semi-shaded area.

Lucky bamboo

They are called Dracaena sanderiana and are not bamboos. However, they are very popular during Chinese New Year as they symbolize strength. The stalks are bent, twisted, and configured to from different shapes, such as the number eight. The number of stalks in the pot also symbolizes different things. For example, two symbolizes wishes of love, while seven symbolizes good health. You may also decorate your plant with red ribbons and lucky charms to add more colour to it. To care for it, just place it in a vase of water with pebbles to hold it in place. Change the water every seven to ten days.

Kumquat trees

They are called jin ju (金桔) which means golden tangerines and are popular during Chinese New Year as their fruits symbolize wealth and prosperity. However, as they are potted trees, they are usually placed outside the door in pairs and are also commonly sighted in offices or in malls. They are also more expensive, so be prepared to fork out more.

Conclusion

All in all, flowers are a great way to adorn and to beautify your homes. Traditional decorations are also great for amping up the Chinese New Year factor and you may read the article here to find out more about which ones to get. Lastly, don’t forget some Chinese New Year cookies that are a delicious treat for you and your loved ones. We hope that you will have a Happy Chinese New Year!