The lunar Chinese New Year 2023 is here. January 22 will officially mark the beginning of The Year of the Rabbit. Did you know that there are special lucky plants that are related to this holiday? It's a great idea to celebrate in the company of some new flowers. Time to unwrap the present we prepared for you! The present is, of course, a lucky Chinese New Year plants top list.
What Countries Celebrate Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is not exclusive to China. Many countries like Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines also celebrate this holiday. The holiday goes under many names, too. Japan uses the word “Shogatsu,” and Vietnam refers to the holiday as “Tết.”
What Is the Most Popular Plant for Chinese New Year?
When you think of China, don’t you instantly imagine bamboo? Well, you’re not wrong (almost). Lucky Bamboo is the most popular good-luck plant in China. However, it’s not really a bamboo; it is a kind of Dracaena (Dracaena sanderiana). This beautiful greenie is used in many decorations during the celebrations of Chinese New Year, especially in combination with paper charms. Lucky Bamboo is believed to increase income and can be given as a gift as a sign of friendship or kept at home to maintain healthy Feng Shui energies.
Psst… We have a secret to share. Pay attention to the number of stalks. Each number represents a particular positive effect. Three stalks usually mean happiness, while 888 is a true bingo number bringing ultimate fortune.
Are Flowers Appropriate for This Holiday?
Yes! Flowers are always welcome for the Chinese New Year. Japan prefers plum flowers, and Thailand’s all-time New Year’s favorite is jasmine. A signature flower of the holidays in China is the gorgeous Chrysantemum. These blossoming beauties, especially purple and golden ones, are associated with wealth and longevity, so you should definitely consider getting some for a boost of extra luck.
Popular Chinese New Year Plants and Flowers for Lunar New Year
Finally, we present to you our best extra lucky plant candidates. Here are the most popular flowering and non-flowering plants to get your hands on during the Chinese New Year holiday season.
Flowering Plants
In Chinese New Year, everything needs to be coming up roses, so of course, everyone is looking for some pretty flowering plants. Ready to find your personal favorite? Check out the list!
Chrysanthemum
- Latin Name: Chrysanthemum spp.
- Description: Chrysanthemum is a signature flower for New Year in China. Even though the plant comes in many colors, golden and purple hues are preferred. This plant is also strongly associated with the fall, so it’s really a jack of all trades in Chinese flower decorations.
- Benefits: These flowers symbolize longevity, one of the core values in China.
- Best place: If these plants are placed indoors, they should be put next to a window (but out of direct sunlight). Outdoor mums usually enjoy more sun as long as they are adequately watered.
- Maintenance: Medium
Yellow Mai Flower
- Latin Name: Ochna integerrima
- Description: Yellow Mai is Vietnam’s New Year’s blooming darling. This pretty flower symbolizes a warrior Mai that protected her village from an evil serpent. According to the legend, the plant’s golden hue comes from the shirt that the brave girl wore in her lifetime. Each New Year, Mai is returns to earth and protects her people from evil spirits once again… At least that's what people say.
- Benefits: Yellow Mai is said to protect the household from evil energy and banish ghosts.
- Best place: Ochna integerrima is a tree, so it feels at its best outdoors, preferably in zones 10-11. This plant should receive plenty of sunlight to thrive.
- Maintenance: High
Orchid
- Latin Name: Cymbidium
- Description: Orchids are trendy decorations and gifts in Asia. These flowers come in a variety of different colors. Cymbidium orchids (or boat orchids), a popular choice in China, are usually white in color.
- Benefits: If you’re given an orchid as a present for Chinese New Year, chances are, the person is telling you that you’re important to them. These delicate flowers are also symbols of vitality.
- Best place: Orchids thrive indoors in partial sun, granted that the temperature levels are benign.
- Maintenance: Low
Ornamental Cabbage
- Latin Name: Brassica oleracea var.acephala
- Description: Did you expect to see a cabbage on the list? This flowering plant is a popular New Year’s choice in Japan! The flowering cabbage is cultivated for its white, purple, or pink rosette.
- Benefits: Brassica oleracea is a cabbage, so you would be entirely right to ask, “So, can I eat it?” The answer is yes, but we don’t recommend it. Flowering cabbage is supposed to be a lucky symbol for Chinese New Year, but it’s not fit for your plate because of its bitter taste.
- Best place: Ornamental cabbage can be grown outdoors and indoors if you find a pot big enough to fit this greenie. It needs bright light and mild to cool temperatures to thrive.
- Maintenance: High
Peony
- Latin Name: Paeonia
- Description: Since the Tang Dynasty, the peony has carried the proud name of the "king of flowers." Indeed, it's hard to argue about the royal status of the peonies that come in vivid colors and bear a fragrant scent.
- Benefits: These flowers are used in medicine. The name "peony" refers to the Greek god of medicine, Paeon. These flowers also symbolize beauty, wealth, and peace in Asia.
- Best place: Peonies can be grown outdoors and indoors. All they need is proper watering and 6-8 hours of full sun.
- Maintenance: Medium
From Thailand to Vietnam, the love for flowers unites a lot of Asian countries in the celebration of the new lunar year. Even if you already feel fortunate and don’t need a lucky charm, there is always a place for a pretty flower.
Non-flowering Plants
Some plants don’t need flowers to stand out. Even though some of the plants on this list are technically flowering species, they are prized for other reasons like their pretty stalks or sun-kissed orange fruit. Here are our best suggestions!
Lucky Bamboo
- Latin Name: Dracaena sanderiana
- Description: Lucky Bamboo is one of the most popular Chinese New Year plants for a good reason. This elegant greenie can spark up any room. Don’t forget to tie a lucky little charm to the stalk for the best effect!
- Benefits: Dracaena sanderiana is believed to bring fortune and prosperity. This plant makes you as lucky as can be… Just don’t forget to count the stalks. The number of stalks defines a specific luck effect!
- Best place: Lucky Bamboo is commonly grown indoors. Make sure it gets enough bright sun.
- Maintenance: Low
Bone-Knitted Lotus
- Latin Name: Sarcandra glabra
- Description: Reporting for duty: Another rare and beautiful greenie! The name “Bone-Knitted Lotus” might not be something you hear every day, but it’s valued as a part of New Year’s decorations in Japan. This plant has ovate leaves and produces pretty red berries.
- Benefits: Sarcandra glabra is used as traditional folk medicine in South Asia and is prized for its anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects. No wonder it’s such a lucky plant!
- Best place: Bone-Knitted Lotus can be grown outdoors and indoors, depending on the climate. Typically, it grows best in partial sun.
- Maintenance: Medium
Round Kumquat
- Latin Name: Citrus japonica
- Description: In the mood for some fruit? Look no further than Round kumquat, a beautiful evergreen tree famous for its pretty golden citrus fruit. Although the fruit is not eaten raw, it can be used in many delicious recipes, along with the peel. Citrus japonica also produces elegant white flowers.
- Benefits: Round kumquat is a popular houseplant in Asia because it is said to bring prosperity to the household. It is considered an excellent gift for New Year and appears as a main ingredient in marmalade, jams, sauces, and delicious fruit salads.
- Best place: Round kumquat is known for its resistance to cold, so it can easily grow outdoors. The dwarf version of the plant is a great houseplant and a really slow grower, too, so it would not occupy that much space for a tree.
- Maintenance: Medium
Jade Plant
- Latin Name: Crassula ovata
- Description: Time for a fan-favorite Chinese New Year plant, Crassula ovata. You may have seen or owned many of these in your lifetime, but did you know they have a charm of luck? The shiny ovate leaves are irresistible and could be a great addition to any living space.
- Benefits: The Jade plant is called the “money plant” and “lucky plant” because it is believed to make your pockets full more quickly.
- Best place: Crassula ovata needs a lot of bright sunlight both indoors and outdoors. The south-facing window would be a great option!
- Maintenance: Low
Chinese Money Plant
- Latin Name: Pilea peperomioides
- Description: This pretty greenie boasts coin-shaped leaves, and is one of the most popular houseplants. Pilea comes from China, which makes it a perfect symbol for Chinese New Year.
- Benefits: In addition to being a lucky charm, Pilea is a perfect air purifier. It can even filter formaldehyde gas!
- Best place: The Chinese Money plant is usually grown indoors. It feels most comfortable next to a north-facing window.
- Maintenance: Low
You made it to the end of the list, so congratulations; now you know the best non-blooming lucky plant options for Chinese New Year! Your green soulmate is waiting for you in the garden depot.
FAQ
What Tree Is Associated with Chinese New Year?
Round kumquat (Citrus japonica) is the ultimate symbol of the Chinese New Year. The bright orange fruit reminds of joyful paper lanterns, and the lush green leaves are a treat to feast the eyes on… The ultimate Chinese New Year winner in the tree league!
What Is the Luckiest Plant and (or) Flower of the Year 2023?
You can’t get luckier than Lucky Bamboo. If we were to give our nomination, it would definitely go to this greenie. As for the flowers, the majestic beauty of the Chrysanthemum probably takes the cake. However, you have to remember: All plants are as lucky as YOU make them feel. Take care of your green pets!
What Is the Luckiest Chinese Indoor Plant?
The luckiest Chinese indoor plant is probably the Jade plant. Although not directly associated with cultural symbols, if we compare it to some other greenies on the list, it is popular, easy to maintain, and incredibly charming, making it a perfect candidate.
What Chinese Plants Bring Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity?
Jade plants and Lucky Bamboo are usually the plants that attract wealth to their owners. Beautiful mums are responsible for longevity. As for happiness, just about any green pet can bring you that… Just give it some attention and love.
Can We Give an Orchid for the Chinese New Year?
Yes! In fact, orchids are one of the most popular choices as Chinese New Year lucky plants. In China, white Cymbidiums are the most beloved ones.
What’s better than a New Year? Two New Years in a row! We hope this list encourages you to find your perfect lucky charm. Now that you know more about your options, it’s time to go and celebrate the Happy Chinese New Year in the company of your lucky leafy friends.
