Guide to Choosing Different Orange Plant Varieties for Chinese New Year
Oranges, or citrus plants, are an essential part of Chinese New Year decorations and celebrations. They symbolize good fortune, wealth, and happiness due to their bright, golden appearance and round shape, resembling gold coins. Whether you’re looking for a tabletop plant or a garden tree, here’s a guide to the best orange plant varieties you can buy for Chinese New Year.
1. The Symbolism of Orange Plants
Wealth and Prosperity: The golden color of oranges represents money and wealth.
Luck and Abundance: Their round shape signifies completeness and family unity.
Phonetic Symbolism: In Chinese, the word for orange (橙, chéng) sounds like the word for success (成, chéng).
2. Popular Orange Plant Varieties for Chinese New Year
A. Kumquat Trees (金桔, Jīn Jú)
Description: Small, bright orange fruits that are edible and slightly tart. The leaves are dark green and glossy, offering a vibrant contrast.
Symbolism: Kumquats symbolize prosperity and are one of the most popular citrus plants for Chinese New Year.
Best Uses:
Perfect for indoor or outdoor decoration.
Commonly displayed at entrances or in living rooms.
B. Mandarin Oranges (柑, Gān)
Description: Slightly larger than kumquats, with a sweeter taste and easy-to-peel skin. They are a traditional gift during New Year visits.
Symbolism: Mandarins symbolize good fortune and are often given in pairs to signify double happiness (雙喜, shuāng xǐ).
Best Uses:
Potted plants for display.
Fresh fruit for gifting or offering at altars.
C. Calamondin Oranges (酸橙, Suān Chéng)
Description: Small, tart oranges that are commonly grown as ornamental plants. The trees produce abundant fruits that remain on the plant for months.
Symbolism: The abundance of fruit represents continuous prosperity and success.
Best Uses:
Decorative tabletop plants.
Suitable for small spaces like apartments.
D. Pomelo Trees (柚子, Yòu Zi)
Description: A larger citrus fruit with a thick rind and sweet, mildly tangy flesh. Pomelo trees are less common as potted plants but are highly symbolic.
Symbolism: Pomelos represent family unity and abundance due to their size and round shape.
Best Uses:
As fruits for altars or gifting.
As an ornamental centerpiece in large gardens.
E. Tangerine Trees (桔子樹, Jú Zi Shù)
Description: Mid-sized fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor, popular for their easy maintenance.
Symbolism: Tangerines symbolize wealth and luck, often associated with phrases like "大吉大利" (dà jí dà lì, great luck and prosperity).
Best Uses:
Potted plants for doorways or balconies.
F. Bitter Orange (香橙, Xiāng Chéng)
Description: A fragrant orange used more for ornamental purposes than consumption. It has a deep orange color and is very hardy.
Symbolism: Despite its name, the tree’s bright fruit and lush leaves symbolize resilience and optimism.
Best Uses:
Outdoor gardens.
Displays in courtyards.
G. Buddha’s Hand Citrus (佛手柑, Fó Shǒu Gān)
Description: A unique citrus variety with finger-like extensions resembling a hand. It is highly fragrant and often used in religious offerings.
Symbolism: Buddha’s Hand represents blessings, protection, and prosperity.
Best Uses:
Tabletop displays.
Religious or ceremonial use.
3. Tips for Choosing the Best Orange Plants
Fruit Appearance
Look for plants with vibrant, golden-orange fruits that are evenly distributed.
Ensure the fruits are firm, shiny, and free from blemishes or bruises.
Leaf Health
Leaves should be dark green, glossy, and free from yellowing or spots.
Healthy leaves indicate that the plant is well-nourished and will thrive.
Plant Shape
Choose plants with a balanced and symmetrical shape, as this enhances their aesthetic appeal and feng shui significance.
Fruit Quantity
A plant with abundant fruits symbolizes plenty and is considered more auspicious.
Size and Space
Small plants like kumquat or calamondin are suitable for compact spaces.
Larger varieties like mandarin or tangerine trees make an impressive statement in spacious areas.
4. Care Tips for Orange Plants
Light and Placement
Citrus plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near windows or in well-lit areas.
For outdoor plants, ensure they are protected from frost and strong winds.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water only when the topsoil feels dry.
Fertilization
Use a balanced citrus fertilizer during the growing season to promote fruit production and healthy foliage.
Pruning
Trim dead or yellowing leaves and branches to maintain the plant’s shape and health.
Temperature
Citrus plants prefer temperatures between 15–25°C. Avoid placing them near heaters or in overly cold areas.
5. Feng Shui Placement for Orange Plants
Main Entrance: Placing an orange plant at your home or business entrance attracts wealth and positive energy.
Living Room: A bright, healthy citrus plant enhances family harmony and prosperity.
Wealth Corner: Positioning the plant in the southeast corner of your space aligns with feng shui principles for financial success.
Orange plants are a meaningful and beautiful addition to Chinese New Year celebrations. Whether you choose a vibrant kumquat tree, sweet mandarin oranges, or the unique Buddha’s Hand citrus, these plants bring a touch of nature, good fortune, and prosperity to your home. With proper selection and care, your orange plant will flourish and radiate positive energy throughout the festive season!
