Why the bamboo plant is sought after during the Lunar New Year

By : Jason Gerald John

MALACCA: The “lucky bamboo” plant is much sought after by the Chinese community to usher in the Year of the Rat. It is noted for bringing bring good luck, prosperity, health, harmony and peace.

It is one of the plants recommended by feng shui masters as it creates a space where you feel safe and more energised to meet the demands of today's high-pressure world.

The Lee Nursery in Jalan Panglima Awang, hopes the bamboo, or Dracaena sanderiana, will bring luck and extra prosperity to the family business.

They have been cultivating lucky bamboo under natural conditions according to feng shui methodology so their energy is more robust, according to Christine Goh.

She said the tree is tough and resilient, and does not require much direct sunlight. It can even grow in the bathroom, not usually the sunniest of rooms in the house.

"It is very easy to take care of. It only needs to be watered,” she said. "And it is more meaningful if the lucky bamboo is given as a gift.”

She says the nursery is selling two types - the curly bamboo and the towering tiers of stacked bamboo canes which are sold for RM25 to RM168, depending on the size.