A Florist Guide to Keeping Chinese New Year Flowers and Plants Fresher for Longer

Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate renewal and prosperity, with flowers and plants playing a key role in the festivities. Keeping these blooms fresh and vibrant ensures they bring beauty and good fortune throughout the celebrations. Here’s how to care for popular Chinese New Year plants and flowers:

1. General Tips for All Flowers and Plants

• Start Fresh: Choose plants and flowers that are in good condition—vibrant colors, no signs of wilting, and firm stems or leaves.

• Proper Placement: Keep flowers and plants away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and drafts, as these conditions can cause rapid drying or wilting.

• Hydration: Ensure plants have adequate water, and change water for cut flowers daily to prevent bacterial growth.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Allow for airflow around the plants and arrangements to prevent mold and fungal growth.

2. Care for Popular Chinese New Year Plants

Lucky Bamboo

• Symbolism: Prosperity and good luck.

• Care Tips:

  • Place the bamboo stalks in a clean vase with 1–2 inches of water.

  • Change the water every 7–10 days to prevent algae growth.

  • Use filtered or distilled water to avoid chemicals that can harm the plant.

  • Keep in indirect sunlight to maintain vibrant green leaves.

Orchids

• Symbolism: Fertility, abundance, and refinement.

• Care Tips:

  • Orchids prefer bright but indirect sunlight and a humid environment.

  • Water sparingly—once a week is usually sufficient. Ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

  • Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity without overwatering the roots.

  • Keep orchids in a room with stable temperatures, avoiding extremes.

Kumquat Trees

• Symbolism: Wealth and success.

• Care Tips:

  • Place the tree in a sunny spot, as it thrives in bright, indirect light.

  • Water when the topsoil feels dry, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

  • Remove any yellowing leaves or overripe fruits to encourage healthy growth.

Peach Blossoms

• Symbolism: Longevity, prosperity, and romance.

• Care Tips:

  • Keep peach blossom branches in a clean vase with fresh water.

  • Change the water every two days to keep it fresh and bacteria-free.

  • Mist the branches occasionally to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments.

Pussy Willows

• Symbolism: Growth and the arrival of spring.

• Care Tips:

  • Place the stems in a vase with a small amount of water to prevent them from drying out too quickly.

  • Avoid overwatering, as pussy willows can rot if submerged for too long.

  • For decorative purposes, you can let them dry out completely, and they will last for months.

Chrysanthemums

• Symbolism: Longevity, happiness, and vitality.

• Care Tips:

  • Trim the stems at an angle before placing them in a vase of water to improve water absorption.

  • Change the water daily and remove any wilted leaves or flowers to keep the arrangement fresh.

  • Display them in a cool area with indirect sunlight.

3. Additional Tips for Flower Arrangements

• Trim Stems: For cut flowers like lilies or chrysanthemums, trim stems diagonally every few days to improve water uptake.

• Remove Foliage: Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth.

• Flower Food: Use commercial flower food packets or a DIY mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and a drop of bleach to nourish the flowers and keep the water clean.

• Humidity Control: If the air is dry, mist arrangements to mimic a natural environment, especially for tropical flowers like orchids.

4. Handling Special Cases

• Blooms in Bud Stage: If you purchase flowers in bud form, place them in slightly warmer areas to encourage blooming, then move them to cooler spots once they open.

• Overripe Flowers or Fruits: Remove any wilting flowers or overripe fruits from arrangements or plants to prevent them from releasing ethylene gas, which can cause nearby flowers to age faster.

5. Feng Shui and Placement

• Keep plants and flowers in areas of high activity, such as the living room or dining area, to symbolize vitality and energy flow.

• Avoid placing plants in bathrooms or cluttered corners, as these areas are not conducive to good energy in feng shui traditions.

By following these care tips, your Chinese New Year flowers and plants will stay fresh and beautiful throughout the celebrations, bringing prosperity and joy to your home.