Top 5 trending plants to welcome the Year of the Dragon

Bonsai plants are among Lee's bestsellers during the Lunar New Year. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

As the Year of the Dragon approaches, numerous Chinese households are adorning their homes with vibrant flowers and plants.

Kuala Lumpur-based plant nursery owner Lee Kok Leeh, 60, observes that more of his customers are opting for smaller plants. This could be due to the rise in urbanisation in the Klang Valley, where people face space constraints in apartments and flats.

"Homes nowadays are smaller, and there isn't much space to decorate with big potted plants. People prefer smaller decorative plants for dining tables, cabinets or balconies. To meet their demand, we plant our lime trees and kalanchoe in smaller pots that fit into smaller homes. Smaller plants are also more affordable, making them accessible to more people," says Lee, who has been selling Chinese New Year (CNY) plants since the first week of January.

Kalanchoes are vibrant succulent plants, known for their colourful blooms.

He has stocked up on nearly 25 popular plants for the upcoming celebrations. Some of his bestsellers include lucky bamboo, lime trees, pussy willow and bonsai, traditional favourites that customers eagerly seek during this festive season."The trend for CNY plants hasn’t changed much over the years. Most customers prefer to buy items that symbolise good luck and fortune," says Lee, who has been in the business for close to 40 years.

Lee adds that red pineapple and kalanchoe are also popular as they represent happiness and prosperity.

Red pineapples symbolise happiness and prosperity, often exchanged as gifts during Lunar New Year celebrations.

"In Hokkien, pineapple sounds like 'prosperity' (ong lai), making it an auspicious plant. People really like it during festivals. Red pineapples are often given as gifts for the Lunar New Year.

"The majority of customers purchasing red pineapples are from the older generation. Youngsters prefer to buy other plants that are deemed trendier and visually appealing for Instagram," says Lee, who sources most of his CNY plants from China and Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

He notices that the younger generation prefers lucky bamboo plants with all the trimmings, while the older generation opts for practical and more affordable items.

"Most young folks may not be familiar with decorating plants, maybe due to a lack of time or interest in plant decoration. Typically, young men opt for bamboo plants as gifts for their girlfriends and family. In contrast, some older Chinese aunties prefer buying plants and decorating them on their own, which could be a way to save money," shares Lee, who has ordered 3,000 lucky bamboo plants for the festive season.

He adds that orchids are also a popular choice among the younger generation, enhancing decor with a touch of sophistication.Here are five most sought-after plants during the Lunar New Year.

Lucky bamboo

Scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana, these plants are revered in Chinese culture for their symbolic significance and positive connotations.

Lucky bamboos are one of the must-have plants during Chinese New Year as they symbolise good luck and prosperity.

Despite not being a true bamboo species, these resilient plants are associated with good luck, prosperity and fortune. They are believed to bring positive energy into homes and workplaces.

Lime tree

The lime tree, also known as the kumquat plant, is very popular during CNY as it symbolises wealth and prosperity. Traditionally, these plants are positioned at the front door entrance to usher in luck and good fortune.

Lime plants in smaller pots are a preferred choice among some of Lee's customers.

The belief is that the lime fruits possess the ability to absorb negative energy, serving as a protective charm to ward off bad luck from entering homes.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums, available in vibrant hues such as purple, yellow and pink, hold cultural significance beyond their aesthetic appeal. In many Asian cultures, they symbolise longevity and rejuvenation.

Chrysanthemums signify prosperity.

Plants with yellow blooms are believed to usher in prosperity.

Sunrise succulent

Beyond their charming appearance, sunrise succulents represent resilience and prosperity as drought-resistant plants that store water in leaves, stems or roots.

With their distinctive pink hues, sunrise succulents represents prosperity and endurance, adding a touch of festive elegance.

The symbolism of good fortune and luck associated with succulents makes them a meaningful and trendy choice for the Lunar New Year, reflecting a desire for abundance and endurance in the coming year.

Pussy willow

The fluffy catkins on pussy willows resemble a touch of silk, symbolising growth, prosperity and the promise of a flourishing year ahead. Pussy willows are often associated with the concept of new beginnings, as their buds represent the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.

Pussy willows represent growth, prosperity and new beginnings.

The plant is believed to bring good fortune and wealth, making it a popular choice for CNY decorations. While traditionally white, modern interpretations of pussy willows showcase a vibrant spectrum of hues, with dyed variations in pink, gold, red and blue.