8 Auspicious Houseplants and Flowers for CNY, and Where to Get Them

Usher in good fortune in the Year of the Snake.

With Chinese New Year fast approaching, homeowners are busy preparing their homes for the festivities. Beyond cleaning and organising, incorporating auspicious plants and flowers as decor will certainly liven up your home’s decor. Plus, they’re also said to attract luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

Intrigued? Here are some plants and flowers to get for your home this Chinese New Year - and where you can buy them!

1. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) - A symbol of wealth, prosperity, and health

Lucky Bamboo is one of the most popular plants for Chinese New Year. Despite its name and appearance, it’s not actually a bamboo but a type of tropical water lily. Its stalks can be shaped and twisted into various forms, including the auspicious number 8 symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

As the name suggests, the lucky bamboo is a great indoor plant that’s said to bring good luck wherever it is placed. It's Interesting to note that its meaning depends on the number of stalks you place. For instance, two stalks represent love, while three signify happiness and career growth.

There are 5 elements that make a lucky bamboo plant even luckier; the earth element, represented by stones surrounding the stalks; the metal element, seen in decorative coins, gold accents, or a metal pot; the water element, essential for nourishing the plant; the fire element, symbolised by a red ribbon or other red accents; and finally, the wood element, embodied by the bamboo itself.

To keep your lucky bamboo thriving, place it in a spot with indirect sunlight. If grown in water, change the water weekly and ensure the roots remain fully submerged. For soil-grown plants, water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

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2. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) - A symbol of good luck and financial success

Originating from the tropical regions of South America, the money tree is one of the most popular houseplants during Chinese New Year. Known for its long green leaves, it is believed to symbolize good luck and financial prosperity. To make the most of its positive energy, place your money tree in a spot where you’ll see it daily as a reminder of your goals and aspirations. Or take inspiration from this condominium where the owner positioned their money tree by the entryway, right next to the altar.

The money tree is very easy to care for. Place it in bright, indirect light and provide high humidity to keep it thriving by misting it frequently. Or set the pot on a tray filled with clay pebbles and water. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering, and fertilize monthly for optimal growth and health.

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3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) - A symbol of good fortune

Peace lilies, similar to flamingo lilies but with elegant ivory-white flowers, are known to symbolize good fortune and are great for removing negative energy from your space.

Apart from being symbolic, peace lilies are a beautiful and practical addition to your home, not just for Chinese New Year but year-round. They are among the most effective air-purifying plants, capable of removing harmful chemicals like trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and ammonia, promoting a healthier living environment.

Peace lilies thrive in filtered light or partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid letting water stand. They also prefer high humidity, so mist the leaves occasionally. The plant requires a large pot and should be kept somewhat pot-bound.

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4. Jade plant - A symbol of wealth and good fortune

The Jade Plant is another auspicious plant for Chinese New Year. Its shiny green leaves, resembling jade stones, are believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Additionally, the plant's resilience, symbolising lasting wealth, makes it an ideal addition to your home to enhance financial abundance.

As a member of the succulent family, the Jade Plant is one of the easiest plants to care for. It requires minimal moisture—just place it in a semi-shaded area and water it sparingly every other day.

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5. Flamingo flowers (Anthurium) - A symbol of success and prosperity

Flamingo flowers (or Anthuriums) are perfect for brightening up your home this Chinese New Year. Their vibrant red or pink flowers symbolise success and prosperity, believed to bring good fortune to all who admire them. In addition to their symbolic beauty, flamingo flowers also purify the air by filtering out ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene. Talk about good fortune!

Meanwhile, as the shape of flowers looks like hearts, they are also perfect for Valentine’s Day as well.

Flamingo flowers love warm, humid environments and bright sunlight, but keep it indirect so as not to scorch the leaves. After thoroughly watering your flamingo flowers, allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before re-watering.

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6. Pussy willow - A symbol of growth and the arrival of prosperity

Another popular flower seen in homes during Chinese New Year is the pussy willow. Named for its silvery tufts that resemble tiny cat paws, these willows are among the first to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring. Pussy willows typically come in white or grey, but some vendors dye the naturally white buds in vibrant celebratory colours like red, pink, yellow, or orange to suit the festive occasion.

In Chinese culture, a pussy willow symbolises growth, whether it be in one’s personal or professional lives, and the coming of prosperity. The tall branches represent upward growth and success, while the furry blossoms are linked to an abundance of good fortune.

A bundle of pussy willows is a great choice for those seeking a long-lasting houseplant, as it can thrive for months. It prefers cool temperatures, so keep it away from heat sources. If in a vase, change the water twice a week. For potted pussy willows, maintain consistently moist soil without overwatering—water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

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7. Peonies - A symbol of feminine beauty, innocence, affection and charm

Peonies, often referred to as the "flower of riches and honour," hold great significance in Chinese culture. These stunning blooms symbolise wealth, honour, and prosperity. Historically, peonies were exclusive to Chinese emperors, which is why they are associated with wealth. Red peonies are considered especially auspicious compared to their pink counterparts.

Their radiant redolence and stunning allure when in full bloom represent feminine beauty, innocence and charm. Since Chinese New Year falls in advance of Valentine’s Day, peonies are a suitable flower to be displayed in your home to set the mood.

Peonies thrive in cooler outdoor climates but can also be enjoyed as fresh cut flowers indoors. To care for them, trim the stems and refresh the water every two to three days. Peonies need minimal water, as excess moisture can cause the stems to rot and buds to drop. For added freshness, you can add a drop of bleach to the water to prevent any unpleasant smells.

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8. Orchid - A symbol of fertility, good fortune and abundance

Orchids are undoubtedly one of the most popular flowers to be displayed during Chinese New Year. Historically regarded as a symbol of nobility they are synonymous with beauty, good taste, and are believed to bring good fortune, fertility, and abundance. Orchids also signify refinement, luxury, and innocence.

There are many varieties of orchids, but the butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis), also known as the moth orchid, is the most popular. It symbolizes happiness, vitality, and longevity, making it an ideal Chinese New Year gift for couples wishing to start a family.

Orchids prefer indirect sunlight and regular watering. Water thoroughly, allowing the water to drain through the pot’s bottom holes. Ensure there is no standing water in the pot, and let the soil dry completely before re-watering.

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