Guide to Choosing Orange Plant Varieties for Chinese New Year

Orange plants are more than just vibrant decorations during Chinese New Year—they symbolize good fortune, wealth, and happiness. Selecting the right variety ensures your home not only looks festive but also carries auspicious meanings.

1. Understanding the Symbolism

• Color Significance: Orange represents prosperity, energy, and warmth. During Chinese New Year, bright orange plants are thought to attract wealth and positive energy.

• Fruit Symbolism: Orange fruits, especially mandarin oranges, are symbols of abundance and good luck. “Ju” (橘) sounds like “luck” (吉) in Chinese.

• Plants as Gifts: Giving an orange plant as a gift conveys wishes of fortune and happiness for the coming year.

2. Types of Orange Plants to Consider

A. Ornamental Orange Trees

1. Calamondin Orange (Citrus × microcarpa)

   • Small, decorative fruit that stays on the tree for months.

   • Hardy and easy to grow indoors.

   • Symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

2. Kumquat (Fortunella spp.)

   • Classic Chinese New Year plant.

   • Bears bright orange, edible fruits that resemble gold nuggets.

   • Feng Shui tip: Display near entrances to invite good fortune.

3. Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus reticulata ‘Satsuma’)

   • Seedless, easy-to-peel fruit.

   • Smaller than standard oranges, ideal for indoor pots.

   • Long-lasting color and aroma enhance festive appeal.

B. Flowering Orange Plants

1. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

   • Deep orange blooms symbolize auspiciousness.

   • Often used in decorative arrangements.

   • Easy to care for and blooms last through the New Year period.

2. Orange Begonia (Begonia spp.)

   • Bright, vibrant flowers that add color indoors.

   • Represents happiness and positivity.

3. Calendula

   • Hardy, cheerful orange flowers.

   • Easy to grow in pots or garden beds.

3. Choosing the Right Plant

When selecting an orange plant, consider:

• Space: Indoor vs. outdoor placement. Smaller varieties like calamondin or kumquat are ideal for apartments.

• Maintenance: Some citrus require more sunlight and watering. Marigolds and begonias are lower-maintenance options.

• Longevity: If you want a plant that lasts beyond New Year, opt for citrus trees that can be kept year-round.

• Fruit vs. Flowers: Decide if you prefer edible fruits or purely decorative blooms. Both carry positive symbolism but have different care needs.

4. Feng Shui Tips

• Place orange plants near the entrance or in the southeast corner of the home to attract wealth.

• Avoid placing them in dark, damp areas where they can wither quickly.

• Keep plants healthy and vibrant—wilted leaves or fruits are thought to bring bad luck.

5. Recommended Orange Plants for CNY

• Calamondin Orange (Ornamental Citrus)

  • Symbolism: Wealth and prosperity

  • Maintenance: Medium

• Kumquat (Ornamental Citrus)

  • Symbolism: Wealth, good fortune

  • Maintenance: Medium

• Satsuma Mandarin (Fruiting Citrus)

  • Symbolism: Luck and abundance

  • Maintenance: Medium

• Marigold (Flowering Plant)

  • Symbolism: Happiness and auspiciousness

  • Maintenance: Low

• Orange Begonia (Flowering Plant)

  • Symbolism: Positivity and cheerfulness

  • Maintenance: Low

• Calendula (Flowering Plant)

  • Symbolism: Cheerfulness and fortune

  • Maintenance: Low

By carefully choosing the right orange plants and displaying them thoughtfully, your home will radiate festive cheer and attract good fortune for the year ahead.