Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc stands beside a pot of yellow American lemons, ready for delivery to a customer. Photo: DANG LINH
At Thanh Truc ornamental plant nursery on 3 Thang 2 Street, Rach Gia Ward, potted mango, ruby guava, American yellow lemon, and Indian pomegranate trees are placed alongside familiar ornamental plants. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, owner of Thanh Truc ornamental plant nursery, said: “In recent years, the demand for ornamental plants has stagnated, while the demand for potted fruit trees has gradually increased. For about two years now, seeing that many customers are asking for them, I started importing fruit trees to sell. Initially, I only sold a few types, then gradually expanded. Currently, I sell mango, ruby guava, American yellow lemon, Indian pomegranate… mainly sourced from nurseries in Ben Tre.”
According to Ms. Truc, the biggest advantage of fruit trees in pots is their suitability for urban living conditions, where most families do not have large plots of land for gardening. A small yard, balcony, or rooftop with sufficient sunlight is enough to grow many types of trees. Prices vary, from 150,000 VND to several million VND per pot. Larger, beautifully shaped trees that already bear fruit can cost 3 million VND or more. Many trees are collected from households that no longer need them, then cared for and brought to market. “Because the trees adapt well in pots, buyers don’t have to worry about them dying. As long as they get enough sunlight, are watered properly, and prioritize the use of organic fertilizers and biological products to prevent disease, they will thrive. I see that the demand for growing ornamental fruit trees is now higher than for regular flowers. Many people prefer to grow, care for, and wait for the harvest,” Ms. Truc said.
Not limited to familiar domestic varieties, the market for potted fruit trees in Rach Gia is increasingly featuring imported varieties. According to Mr. Duong Huu Nghia, a fruit tree trader on Bui Vien Street in Rach Gia Ward, in recent years, customers have shown particular interest in new varieties such as Indonesian plums, Californian plums, Chinese or American jujubes, Taiwanese sweet kumquats, and many other fruit trees of foreign origin. “Many domestic fruit trees have been grown for a long time, but now customers like to explore and experience new and exotic varieties. Many imported varieties adapt well to Vietnam's climate, so they are attracting the attention of plant enthusiasts,” Mr. Nghia said.
According to Mr. Nghia, while ornamental plants mainly serve the purpose of visual enjoyment, fruit trees offer much more value. Growers have greenery to relax in and can also enjoy the fruits of their labor. "Growing fruit trees indoors provides both green space and clean fruit to eat; many varieties can even be shaped into beautiful bonsai. People like them because, besides their aesthetic value, they also have practical use, which is why more and more people are switching to growing fruit trees," Mr. Nghia shared.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for self-sufficient, clean food at home has increased significantly. For households in densely populated areas, owning a few potted fruit trees is not only a hobby but also helps connect family members through daily plant care. Many people prefer organic farming, limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This is one of the reasons why potted fruit trees are more popular than before. “Homegrown fruit allows for better control over the care process, giving me more peace of mind. Especially for children, I want a source of clean fruit for daily consumption. Besides, the feeling of personally caring for and harvesting the fruit is very enjoyable,” shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Tim, a resident of Rach Gia ward.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cay-an-trai-trong-chau-hut-khach-a489541.html
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