Your guide to auspicious Chinese New Year flowers and fruits

Fertility, abundance, refinement, luxury, and innocence are what these flowers bring, so they’re ideal for that special someone. There’s a formidable variety of orchids out there, but don’t get fooled into believing that you need one of each for the magic to work. They’re all good juju – and just one flower pot should do the trick. That being said, orchids tend to be at the higher end of the price scale, so you’ve been warned, choose wisely.

Because its fleshy leaves resemble pieces of jade, this plant is believed to bring wealth and good fortune to its household. This is why it is also commonly called the Money Plant. The cherry on top is that since this is part of the succulent family, it’s really one of the least fussy plants to look after on this list. Just stick it in a sunny spot and curb the urge to over-water!

Chrysanthemums bloom even during winter and therefore have long been associated with resilience and longevity, so if you’re trying to develop some inner strength this year, this auspicious plant could be perfect as your Chinese New Year decor. Besides, its bright colours and ball-like shape make the chrysanthemum a visual delight.

Customarily placed in an expensive vase to reflect their lofty status in Hong Kong, these flowers represent romance, prosperity, and growth. So if you’re a single person in need of a bit of lovin’ in your life, you might just have to fight off the suitors once you have some peach blossoms set up at home. Be warned though, a peach blossom tree can grow to a mighty size and take up a lot of space. But hey, the things we do for love, right? 

Fear not, there’s nothing lewd about this plant. Much like the other flowers on this list, pussy willows symbolise growth and the coming of prosperity. Vendors often offer them in bundles where they can be as tall as the height of a person. They’re usually white or grey in colour, but vendors have also found a way to add some striking colours. Pussy willows can last for months and make for a great house plant even after Chinese New Year is over.

Also known as Chinese sacred lilies, narcissi are one of the most auspicious flowers around that symbolise good fortune and prosperity, and they smell like an absolute dream. Therefore, we suggest you fill your house full of them, then hit up the Happy Valley Racecourse; surely it’s a no-fail plan? These flowers can grow pretty rapidly, especially in warmer temperatures. We recommend buying them closer to CNY so they’ll be in full bloom when friends and family come over to bai neen.

A cuter, more portable bamboo plant than what pandas eat – or what makes up for scaffolding – Lucky Bamboo is particularly popular for Chinese New Year. As the name suggests, this baby attracts all the good luck you need. The bamboo stalks can curl and twist into interesting shapes, almost like loopy straws, and are great for novice gardeners to take care of. You can even hang red ribbons and lucky ornaments on it for even better feng shui. 

Also known as sword lily, a bouquet of this symbolises a particular Chinese New Year greeting (bou bou gou sing; 步步高陞) which indicates a rise in career and self-development, as the flowers bloom steadily from the base to the tip. You’ve got to go for the red variety during CNY, the most auspicious colour of them all. You can also keep things simple with a simple branch or go for the bunch – either way, it’s good feng shui and pretty at the same time. 

Feminine beauty, innocence, affection, and charm – peonies are particularly auspicious for Chinese New Year. The flower is also great for wooing that special someone, too. Since CNY falls in advance of Valentine’s Day, there’s no harm in decorating the house full of peonies to set the mood.