The flower companies in Kunming City, southwest China's Yunnan Province are embracing a peak season from mid-December with 180,000 pots of Cymbidium orchids ready for shipment to destinations across the country as the Chinese New Year nears.
The Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29, 2025, is a traditional holiday that people celebrate with family reunion among flowers, fireworks and good food.
Cymbidium orchids, also known as boat orchids, are a popular choice among Chinese. Their elegant blooms symbolize prosperity and well-being, and their winter-spring blooming season perfectly aligns with the festive period.
At a flower farm in Songming County, workers recently have been busy pruning, packaging, and shipping the blooms as consumer demand is growing ahead of the Spring Festival in the upcoming January.
"Pink, yellow, and red are the most popular colors. We have over thirty varieties on offer," said Zhang Huayou, head of a local flower farm.
The orchids are shipped when their buds are just about to open, ensuring they reach retailers in perfect condition and extend their shelf life.
While the orchids remain a classic choice for the Spring Festival, consumer preferences are evolving. This year, smaller-sized varieties and mixed floral arrangements are gaining popularity and seeing increased sales.
"Australian Dendrobiums and Oncidiums are also selling well. Smaller plants take up less space so we can display them densely and increase the volume of flowers we produce. The sales of smaller plants are gradually growing this year," said Che Lirong, head of another flower farm.
Sales for cymbidium orchids rise as Chinese New Year nears
