'Hunting' for rare and unique plants to welcome Tet

In recent years, many people have tended to "hunt" for unique and rare plants to celebrate Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).

According to folk beliefs, the papaya tree has feng shui significance, symbolizing the wish for a prosperous and harmonious new year, so many people seek to buy it to display during Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

Attracting customers

As Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, the atmosphere at spring flower markets and ornamental plant businesses in Hai Phong city becomes vibrant and bustling. To prepare for this year's Tet, Ms. Le Thi Tuoi from Tu Minh ward imported more than 20 bonsai papaya trees.

Each bonsai papaya tree costs between 1.5 and 2.6 million VND, depending on its shape and the number of fruits on the tree. Trees with gracefully curved trunks, balanced foliage, and evenly distributed, abundant fruit from base to top are usually ordered early by customers.

"Customers choose papaya bonsai because it's both unique and symbolizes prosperity and abundance. The tree is compact and can be placed in the living room or office lobby while still standing out. Compared to traditional peach or kumquat trees, papaya bonsai creates a fresh and unique feeling, suitable for families who want to refresh their space for Tet," Ms. Tuoi shared.

Each bonsai papaya tree costs between 1.5 and 2.6 million VND.

With its unique beauty and auspicious feng shui significance, the Buddha's hand fruit is a popular choice for placing on the five-fruit offering tray during Tet (Lunar New Year). However, in recent years, bonsai Buddha's hand trees with eye-catching shapes have appeared on the market, sparking curiosity among many plant enthusiasts. Many elaborately shaped Buddha's hand trees are now seen at spring flower markets throughout the city.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, a small business owner selling ornamental plants on Truong Chinh Street, Le Thanh Nghi Ward, said: "Caring for and nurturing Buddha's hand bonsai trees requires a lot of time and effort. During the Lunar New Year, due to the sudden increase in demand, the price of each Buddha's hand bonsai tree ranges from 1.7 to 1.8 million VND."

According to Mr. Hung, the appeal of the Buddha's hand citron lies in its unique shape, symbolizing the hand of Buddha, signifying peace and good fortune. In addition, its mild, pleasant aroma and high durability are also factors that make many people choose it. "Some trees can be enjoyed for several months, and the fruit still retains its beautiful color, not spoiling as quickly as some other types of trees," Mr. Hung said.

The emergence of exotic plants, costing millions of dong but still attracting customers, shows that consumer tastes are changing. Many people no longer just buy plants for decoration; they now consider it a hobby, a way to express their aesthetic sense and individuality.

Create a unique focal point.

Buddha's hand citron trees are priced from 1.7 to 1.8 million VND.

Besides novel varieties, peach and apricot bonsai trees with their unique shapes still hold a significant place in the market. Instead of traditional peach branches, many customers are opting for elaborately shaped peach bonsai trees with old, mossy trunks and large, gnarled bases, exuding an air of antiquity.

The pristine white plum blossom bonsai trees, pruned and shaped into upright or horizontal forms, also attract attention. The price of these bonsai trees is not fixed but depends on their age, shape, and care. Some trees cost several million dong, or even more if they have a beautiful and rare shape.

Many people are willing to visit numerous flower markets to find a plant they like. For them, ornamental plants during Tet (Lunar New Year) are not just for decoration but also carry spiritual significance, conveying wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Huy from Tan Hung ward said: “In previous years, my family usually bought peach blossoms or kumquats. However, for the past two years, I've switched to unique and unusual plants like bonsai papayas or Buddha's hand citrons. I find these types of plants not only novel but also create a very unique highlight for the Tet holiday space. Although the price is a little higher, I think it's worth it, because celebrating Tet is about enjoying the atmosphere and emotions. A beautiful, uniquely shaped plant placed in the living room makes me feel happier and more excited when spring arrives.”

The trend of seeking unique and exotic plants for Tet (Lunar New Year) reflects a change in people's tastes and consumption patterns. As living standards improve, the need to beautify living spaces is also becoming more important. A bonsai papaya tree laden with fruit, a fragrant Buddha's hand citron tree, or a delicately shaped peach or apricot blossom tree not only adds to the festive atmosphere of spring but also demonstrates care and investment in the joyful family gatherings at the beginning of the year.

HUYEN TRANG

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/san-cay-doc-la-don-tet-535815.html