Fluffy pussy willow branches, plum blossom, golden chrysanthemums and bright pom-pom flowers are a familiar sight in homes across Singapore in the weeks before Chinese New Year. Good pussy willow care is surprisingly simple, but our heat and humidity can turn other festive blooms limp or mouldy within days if you are not careful.
This guide covers how to pick healthy stems at the flower market or florist, how to keep each type looking fresh through the 15 days of the festival, and what to do with them afterwards. If you also bought a potted kumquat, see our separate guide on caring for your kumquat plant after Chinese New Year.
Why These Flowers Are Popular for Chinese New Year
Many families decorate with plants whose names or appearance suggest good fortune. These are commonly seen practices that vary from family to family:
- Pussy willow (银柳, yin liu): the soft silver buds are said to resemble silver coins, so they are associated with prosperity. Branches are often decorated with small red and gold ornaments or packets.
- Plum blossom (梅花): it flowers in late winter in China, so it symbolises resilience and the arrival of spring. In Singapore, many displays use artificial or preserved plum blossom because fresh branches are imported and delicate.
- Chrysanthemum (菊花): yellow and gold varieties suggest wealth and long life, and potted mums are a popular gift.
- Pom-pom flowers and dyed branches: cheerful red, pink and gold arrangements that simply look festive.
Flower markets in Chinatown and neighbourhood nurseries get busy as the festival approaches, so shopping a little early gives you better choice.
How to Choose Healthy Stems and Pots
A few checks at the shop will save you disappointment later.
- Pussy willow: look for firm, straight branches with plenty of closed or just-opening buds. Avoid stems where the fluffy catkins are already falling off or look dark at the base.
- Plum blossom (fresh): choose branches with many tight buds and only a few open flowers. Open flowers drop quickly in warm rooms.
- Chrysanthemums in pots: pick plants with lots of buds, healthy green leaves and no yellowing at the base. Check under leaves for tiny insects.
- Cut chrysanthemums and pom-poms: the stems should be firm and the water in the shop bucket clean. Slimy stems or a sour smell suggest they have been sitting a while.
- Gerberas, lilies and orchids are also common in festive bouquets. Choose lilies with closed buds so they open over the holiday.
Ask the seller how long the stock has been in store and whether the branches were dyed or treated. Dyed pussy willow can stain hands and vases.
Pussy Willow Care: Dry or in Water?
Pussy willow is one of the easiest festive plants to keep, and you have two choices.
To keep the fluffy look for a long time, display it dry. Put the branches in an empty vase with no water. The catkins stay soft and silvery, and the branches can last for many weeks or be kept as a dried decoration.
To grow it, put it in water. In water, the buds may continue to develop, push out yellow pollen and eventually sprout small green leaves or even roots. Some families enjoy this as a sign of growth. If you go this route:
- Cut about 2cm off the base of each stem at an angle with sharp secateurs.
- Use a clean vase and change the water every two to three days so it does not turn cloudy.
- Keep it away from direct afternoon sun and air-conditioner vents.
Hang ornaments lightly so they do not snap the branches, and keep the vase stable if you have pets or young children.
Keeping Each Type Fresh in Singapore’s Heat
| Flower | Best way to display | Main enemy in Singapore | Key care tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pussy willow | Dry vase, or water if you want it to sprout | Dust and knocks | Skip water for a long-lasting fluffy look |
| Fresh plum blossom | Water, cool spot | Warm rooms causing bud drop | Trim stems, keep out of sun and drafts |
| Potted chrysanthemum | Bright, airy spot | Overwatering and root rot | Water when the top soil feels dry |
| Cut chrysanthemum and pom-poms | Clean vase of water | Bacteria in warm water | Change water and trim stems every few days |
General rules that help every arrangement:
- Remove leaves below the waterline. Submerged leaves rot fast in warm water and feed bacteria.
- Trim stems regularly. A fresh cut helps the stem draw water.
- Keep cut flowers away from fruit bowls. Ripening fruit, including the mandarin oranges common at this time of year, releases ethylene gas that can make flowers age faster.
- Mind the location. A shady corner of the living room usually beats a sunny window or a spot by the main door where hot air rushes in.
- Use the flower food sachet if your florist provides one, following the packet instructions.
Potted chrysanthemums prefer bright light but not harsh midday sun. Water at the base rather than over the flowers, and make sure the pot drains, since a decorative outer pot can trap water at the bottom.
Dealing With Common Problems
- Drooping cut flowers: recut the stems and place them in fresh, cool water. Sometimes they perk up within hours.
- Cloudy or smelly water: empty the vase, wash it with a little dish soap, rinse well and refill.
- Pussy willow shedding fluff: this is natural as the catkins mature, especially in water. Displaying dry slows it down.
- Mould on plum blossom or chrysanthemums: humid, still air encourages it. Improve airflow and remove affected parts.
- Tiny insects on potted plants: wipe them off or rinse the leaves. Ask your nursery for a suitable treatment if they persist.
- Pollen allergies: some people react to pollen from lilies and other open flowers. Remove lily stamens carefully with a tissue, which also prevents staining.
After the Festival: Keep, Replant or Compost
Once the 15 days are over, many families clear festive decorations. You have options beyond the bin:
- Pussy willow can be dried and reused next year, or used in dried arrangements. Branches that have rooted in water can sometimes be potted, though willows are temperate plants and often struggle long term in Singapore’s climate.
- Potted chrysanthemums may rebloom with good care in a bright spot. Trim spent flowers and keep watering moderately.
- Cut flowers can go into a compost bin if you have one, or be disposed of with general waste. Remove ribbons, wires and plastic first.
If you are planning your festive spending, see how to budget for Chinese New Year in Singapore to factor in flowers, decorations and gifts.
Explore more: Chinese New Year in Singapore: Traditions and What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pussy willow branches sprout roots if I put them in water? They might. In water the buds can keep developing, push out yellow pollen and eventually sprout small green leaves or even roots. Cut about 2cm off each stem at an angle and change the water every two to three days to keep it clean.
Why is my pussy willow shedding fluff everywhere? Shedding is natural as the catkins mature, especially when the branches are in water. Displaying them dry in an empty vase slows it down. Keep the vase stable and away from knocks, and hang ornaments lightly so they do not snap the stems.
Why do my cut flowers droop so fast near the mandarin oranges? Ripening fruit, including the mandarin oranges common at this time of year, releases ethylene gas that can make cut flowers age faster. Keep the vase away from the fruit bowl, in a shady spot rather than a sunny window or by the main door.
Can I replant my pussy willow or chrysanthemum after the festival? Possibly. Potted chrysanthemums may rebloom in a bright spot if you trim spent flowers and water moderately. Rooted pussy willow branches can sometimes be potted, but willows are temperate plants and often struggle long term in Singapore’s climate.
Is it safe to keep lilies at home if someone has pollen allergies? Some people react to pollen from lilies and other open flowers. Remove the stamens carefully with a tissue, which also prevents staining. If symptoms continue, keep the flowers out of the bedroom or choose another variety, and see a doctor if needed.