Happy Chinese New Year 2024

chinese new year 2024 february 10 year of the dragon supporting plants

The Dragon, majestic and powerful, stands as a symbol of strength, good fortune, and transformation in Chinese culture. Embracing the spirit of the Dragon, we usher in the 2024 Chinese New Year with open hearts and vibrant anticipation. To honor this magnificent creature and the rich traditions that accompany it, we've curated a collection of 8 auspicious plants.

These selections are not only steeped in symbolism but are also believed to attract luck, prosperity, and positive energy. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, adorning your living spaces, or simply basking in their beauty and significance throughout the year of the Dragon.  Selection may vary by location.

8 Favorable Plants for Chinese New Year

white orchid in blue pot in window1. Orchids

Orchids – a sign of fertility and abundance, is a graceful plant that offers lovely blooms that will brighten any home.  Available in an assortment of colors and varieties, the phalaenopsis or moth orchid is a favorite for its longevity.

Care for your potted orchids by watering the bark medium thoroughly.   Be sure to let the water run through the holes at the bottom and allow the medium to entirely dry out before re-watering.  Do not allow the orchis to sit in standing water. Keep your orchid in bright, indirect, sunlight and away from drafts!

lucky bamboo in clear low bowl of natural stones on stand surrounded by candles2. Lucky Bamboo

The lucky bamboo is the Chinese symbol for strength. And by adding these elements, you can add even more luck to your Lucky Bamboo:

  • Earth - stones around the stalks
  • Metal - decorative coins, metallic or gold pot
  • Water - fertilizer to feed your bamboo
  • Fire - a bright red flowing ribbon
  • Wood - Wooden charger or the setting in which you set your bamboo

These Chinese New Year plants are extremely easy to care for! When grown in water, simply refresh the water every week and make sure the roots are covered. Keep your Lucky Bamboo out of direct sunlight.

anthurium also known as flamingo flower and laceleaf houseplant in white pot on wood countertop3. Anthurium - Flamingo Flower

Anthurium or Flamingo Flower symbolizes prosperity. We also know that the Anthurium helps to keep the air in your home clean but filtering out ammonia, formaldehyde and xylene from the air.  That is a kind and generous plant. 

They love bright sunlight, but keep it indirect as to not burn their tender leaves.  After watering thoroughly, allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

large peace lily houseplant in lovely home setting4. Peace Lily

Peace Lily Spathiphyllum, believed to have healing and cleansing powers are available in solid to variegated varieties. Variegated Peace Lilies are very popular. The soil for the Spathiphyllum 'Peace Lily' Variegated should be kept moist but not soggy. Let the soil dry between waterings, but do not allow to wilt; this causes the leaves to yellow. These plants do well in lower light situations but prefer bright/filtered but indirect light. The plant requires a large pot and should be kept somewhat pot-bound.

chinese money plant pilea houseplant

5. Chinese Money Plant - Pilea peperomioides

According to The Joy of Plants, “Place a coin in the soil with your Chinese money plant, and it’ll spontaneously start to attract wealth. If you suddenly become very rich, give your plant a real gold pot - it will have earned it.”

Care for your Chinese Money Plant:

  • Give your new plant bright and indirect light (which will help with pictures) as well as an area of your home that has moderate to high humidity.
  • Steer clear of drafts, heater vents and dry, hot air.
  • This plant needs a sandy, peat moss-based soil and a pot or container that has good drainage.
  • Be sure to water your Chinese money houseplant once a week, but let the soil dry completely before watering again.
  • During its growing season, make sure to fertilize one a month.

money tree houseplant6. Money Tree - Pachira aquatica

Money Tree Plants symbolize financial success.  Their beautifully braided trunk and long green leaves are visually stunning and make this plant a lovely addition to your home or office, especially as a Chinese New Year plant.

Care: Place in bright, indirect light. Money Tree plants prefer high humidity.  It would benefit by a plant humidifier, frequent misting or by placing the pot in a tray of clay pebbles and water.  Be sure to allow the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil to dry out before re-watering.

small potted orange tree7. Orange Citrus Trees

Oranges symbolize abundance and happiness and represent ‘the lucky tree bearing fruits.’  It is traditional to place mandarin oranges along with a red envelope next to children's pillows in every Chinese household to bring them good fortune.  Having an orange tree is good-luck so how about giving an orange tree this Chinese New Year?

Orange trees needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day, especially if you want it to bear fruit!

flowering quince fruit tree8. Flowering Quince Fruit Trees

There was a legend of a mythological beast that would devour the crops of the people until they discovered it was afraid of the color red and firecrackers.  In today’s celebrations, crackling explosions, red lanterns, flowers, and other decorations are displayed.  In California, the bright red blossoms of flowering quince bloom in perfect sequence with the festivities and ideally, these stunning blooms are believed to bring prosperity for the New Year.

Selection may vary by location