Time for Lunar New Year plant decorations again

THE Lunar New Year 2026 is approaching soon and I am sure those celebrating the occasion are already planning their festive home decorations, including plants.

By now, many shops, florists and nurseries are already stocking up many beautiful options – fresh ones and fakes alike!

Some have even imported beautiful items meant for the celebration.

Recently, I took some photos of a lovely plant display at the lobby of a seaside resort not far from the city.

Of course, there are more artificial flowers on sale now. The good points, I guess, are them being maintenance-free and lasting long enough until one gets tired of them and seeks for new ones.

For indoor decorations, choose those that are not too fragile – the sturdy ones with healthy foliage are just nice for display.

The leaves undergo photosynthesis; thus, they help freshen the air inside one’s home.

Good examples are the jade plants, jungle bush and the dracaena varieties such as ‘Lucky Bamboo’and the evergreen Japanese bamboo, while indoor ferns, adiantum, asplenium and calathea orchids are also recommended.

As in fashion, accessories do enhance appearance. Hanging baskets make for attractive displays on the veranda, windowsills or even the car porch.

There are various types to choose from, from those made of organic materials such as rattan and driftwood, to metal and plastic cases.

Petunias, ‘Creeping Charlie’, ‘Wandering Jew (silver inch) and orchids in baskets can add beautiful touches to your open-house events.

You cannot go wrong in choosing fresh flowers for your Lunar New Year displays, with orchids, chrysanthemums, dahlias and roses being the most evergreen, yet still outstanding options.

To help keep the freshness longer, change the water regularly and snip off the ends of the stalks after every few days.

Live branches with leaves are ideal for décor as they usually outlive the flowers, especially ferns and heliconia.

Back to artificial flowers, today there are really good varieties that some even cannot distinguish from the fresh ones.

I have seen really good-quality fake pussy willows, orchids, hydrangeas and ivy.

However, one thing that these artificial flowers cannot compare with the fresh ones is that they are without the fragrance.

Many have asked me: ‘What are the auspicious plants and flowers for the Lunar New Year?

Well, here is my list:

• mandarin tree, as a symbol of wealth, luck and abundance, as the fruit’s bright, vibrant colour represents gold;
• peach blossoms, which symbolise love, happiness and growth, believed to be able to attract and manifest good relationships;
• chrysanthemums represent longevity and vitality, with the yellow or golden varieties regarded as most auspicious;
• orchids, seen as a symbol of fertility, elegance and refinement, as well as representing success in career;
• bamboo and dracaena species signify resilience, growth and good fortune;
• narcissus is associated with prosperity and good luck, and;
• plum blossoms symbolise hope and perseverance.

Happy Gardening, and Happy New Year!