The Year of the Snake is slithering closer, and you know what that means – it’s time for a great festive home makeover! Across Singapore, families are gearing up to welcome the Lunar New Year, and a huge part of the celebration is decking out homes with gorgeous flowers and plants. But these blooms aren’t just for show.
According to the Chinese saying, “花開富貴” (blossom flowers bring wealth), the right plants could set the stage for a year filled with good fortune, prosperity, and success.
A home bursting with vibrant colours, the sweet scent of blossoms filling the air, and the promise of prosperity all around. That’s the magic of Lunar New Year florals! Whether you’re keeping traditions alive for the kids or simply love an Instagram-worthy festive spread, fresh plants are a must for the season.
As nurseries start dazzling with festive blooms, you’ll spot a mix of modern animal-themed décor (hello, Snake plushies!) and timeless lucky plants. Think luscious kumquats, mini lime trees, and those classic pussy willows. Why are these plants so special? It’s not just their good looks – their names, shapes, and colours are tied to wealth, abundance, and positive energy.
If you’re wondering which lucky greens deserve a spot in your home this Lunar New Year, you’re in for a treat. Here are 25 lucky plants and flowers that might just bring a touch of extra luck and sparkle to your celebrations this year.
Bring Fortune Home with These Auspicious Chinese New Year Plants
1. Apricot Blossoms
These tropical beauties with bright yellow blooms are said to shower luck and resemble gold sprinkled on the ground when they fall. The Chinese name “man di huang jing” literally means “gold all over the floor.”
2. Adeniums
Known as “fu gui hua” or wealth plant, adeniums are admired for their rotund basal stem symbolising prosperity. The bigger the stem, the more fortune it represents.
3. Azaleas
Azaleas bloom in unison, symbolising harmony. Their vibrant pink hues add festive cheer, and they thrive in semi-shaded areas.
4. Buddha’s Hand
This quirky citrus plant produces fragrant fruit resembling Buddha’s hands, symbolising good luck and protection. The deep yellow hues also add to the festive spirit.
5. Guzmania Lingulata
Also called pineapple flowers, these plants are tied to prosperity as “ong lai” in Hokkien means “fortune arrives.”
6. Marigold
Marigolds, or “wan shou ju,” represent longevity with their radiant golden blooms.
7. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums in gold and purple shades signify longevity and wealth, making them a Lunar New Year staple.
8. Flamingo Lily
These heart-shaped red and pink flowers symbolise prosperity and double up as Valentine’s Day décor. They also purify indoor air.
9. Jade Plant
The emerald green leaves resemble jade stones, symbolising wealth and fortune. It’s low maintenance, perfect for busy parents.
10. Money Plant
This versatile climber with coin-shaped leaves is linked to wealth while purifying air from harmful chemicals.
11. Lucky Bamboo
Often shaped into spirals and clusters, lucky bamboo represents strength and prosperity. The number of stalks has symbolic meanings—two for love, seven for health.
12. Oncidium Orchids
Also called Dancing Ladies, these yellow orchids resemble tiny gold coins, symbolising abundance and fertility.
13. Kalanchoes
Known as “wan zi qian hong,” or thousands of red and purple flowers, these easy-to-grow plants signify prosperity.
14. Peace Lily
A top air-purifying plant with elegant white blooms, Peace Lilies also symbolise purity and harmony.
15. Phalaenopsis Orchids
With butterfly-like petals, these orchids symbolise happiness, vitality, and longevity.
16. Pussy Willow
These springtime staples represent new beginnings and growth. Keep them hydrated to prevent wilting.
17. Red Cymbidium Orchids
Also called “hong pao” or red cracker, these bold flowers symbolise celebration and prosperity.
18. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
Referred to as “Jin Qian Shu,” this hardy plant is linked to good luck and harmony but should be kept out of reach of pets.
19. Tangerine and Kumquat Trees
These fruit-bearing trees symbolise wealth and prosperity with their golden fruits, often called “lucky trees.”
20. Peonies
Peonies, especially in red, are symbols of wealth and peace in Chinese culture.
21. Peach and Plum Blossoms
Peach blossoms represent romance and growth, while plum blossoms symbolise courage and perseverance.
22. Pitcher Plant
Their bag-shaped pitchers resemble money bags, making them symbols of wealth accumulation.
23. Cockscomb
Resembling a rooster’s comb, this plant is linked to good luck as the rooster’s crow signals a new beginning.
24. Gerberas
Bright and cheerful, gerberas remove toxins from the air while symbolising a prosperous year ahead.
25. Celosia Plume
This plant’s flame-like blooms are said to resemble a phoenix’s tail, adding a mythical touch of luck to your home.
Celebrate with Blooms This Chinese New Year
Sprucing up your home with these lucky plants isn’t just about tradition—it’s a fun way to bring beauty and positive energy into your space. Plus, getting the kids involved in choosing and caring for the plants can turn it into a meaningful family activity.
As the Year of the Snake arrives, why not start fresh with vibrant, meaningful greenery? Which of these lucky plants will you be adding to your festive decor this year?
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