Tips

“The Significance and Care of Kumquat Trees: A Guide for Before and After Tet”

The kumquat tree is a popular choice for many families during the Tet holiday. But what is the significance of this citrus tree, and how can one care for it before and after the festive season? Let's explore the traditions and tips surrounding this beloved symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

During the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese families often pick out meaningful plants to decorate their homes, such as apricot, peach, and kumquat trees. Kumquats, in particular, are believed to bring good fortune and success for the upcoming year. Let’s explore the significance of kumquat trees and learn how to care for them during and after the festive season.

1. The Significance of Kumquat Trees in Traditional Lunar New Year Celebrations

The reason why kumquat trees are so popular during the Lunar New Year lies in the similarity between the pronunciations of the words for “kumquat” and “good luck” in the Han language. As such, displaying kumquat trees in homes during this festive period is believed to bring good fortune and blessings for the coming year.

When choosing a kumquat tree, people usually look for those with lush green leaves and abundant, evenly colored orange fruits. This symbolizes prosperity and the promise of a bountiful and prosperous new year filled with good health.

Finding a tree with a mix of ripe and unripe fruits, along with new buds, is considered especially lucky, as it represents completeness, success, and good fortune. Kumquat trees are also symbolic of health, peace, longevity, and luck in love.

2. Caring for Kumquat Trees During and After the Lunar New Year

During and after the Lunar New Year celebrations, kumquat trees may start to lose moisture and their leaves may begin to wither. To preserve the auspicious energy the trees bring, here are some care tips to keep in mind:

Caring for Kumquat Trees During the Lunar New Year Celebrations

Use a small spray bottle or a hand pump with a capacity of 0.5 to 1.5 liters to spray or sprinkle clean water on the leaves once or twice a day. Also, water the roots adequately to ensure the leaves remain fresh and minimize leaf drop after the festive period.

Decorating Kumquat Trees for the Lunar New Year

Decorating Kumquat Trees According to Feng Shui: During the Lunar New Year, when decorating homes and displaying plants, it’s essential to consider feng shui principles to attract good fortune and wealth while avoiding potential pitfalls.

Decorating Kumquat Trees with Color: Homeowners should pay attention to color harmony when choosing decorations. The orange-yellow color of kumquat trees goes well with red or yellow accents.

Decorating Kumquat Trees with Hanging Ornaments: Many families opt for simple decorations, such as hanging meaningful New Year wishes like “Prosperity and Good Health” or “Happy New Year.” Alternatively, you can use string lights or tinsel garlands to make the tree more attractive and eye-catching.

Kumquat Trees with Shaped Pots: Besides traditional pots, artisans have come up with creative pot designs, forming unique and beautiful shapes. These include figures like the God of Earth, the God of Wealth, the Three Stars of Fortune, and the animal representing the current year in the Chinese zodiac. These shapes symbolize peace, abundance, and prosperity and are a novel way to decorate kumquat trees, increasingly favored by many families.

Caring for Kumquat Trees After the Lunar New Year

After the celebrations, when the fruits have been plucked, use root-stimulating products diluted with water as instructed, and spray the mixture generously on the leaves and roots. Then, pluck off half to a third of the remaining leaves. Within about ten days, new roots will start to form.

After 5-7 days, loosen the soil around the roots and water or fertilize the kumquat with mineral fertilizer to promote new growth and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Every 15-20 days, regularly fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer. You can use trace element fertilizers and ecological garden growth solutions to help the tree thrive, resulting in denser and greener foliage and rounder fruits.

By following these simple care instructions, your kumquat tree will thrive, bringing good fortune to your home throughout the year.

According to folk beliefs, kumquat trees not only possess aesthetic appeal and harmonize the five elements according to one’s birth sign but also bring good luck and prosperity to the household. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to care for them properly so they can maintain their beauty throughout the year.

For further reading: Simple guide to care for your kumquat tree all year round

Frequently asked questions

Kumquat trees are considered a symbol of luck, prosperity, and happiness in Vietnamese culture. Their presence during the Tet holiday is believed to bring good fortune and positivity for the coming year.

Pruning should be done after Tet, preferably in late February or early March. This allows the tree to recover and promote new growth for the following year.

Water your kumquat tree regularly, especially during the dry season. Ensure the soil is well-drained and moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.

Common pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. Keep an eye out for signs of infection and treat with appropriate pesticides or fungicides. Diseases to watch for include citrus canker, yellow dragon disease, and kumquat scab.

If the roots become crowded and start to circle the pot, it’s time to repot. Choose a larger container and refresh the potting mix to provide more room for growth.

Yes, kumquat trees can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny spot. Ensure the room has good air circulation and maintain a comfortable temperature. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even growth on all sides.

A well-drained, slightly acidic soil mix is ideal. You can create your own mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite or pumice, and compost or well-rotted manure.

The fruits are typically ready for harvest when they turn a vibrant orange color and are slightly soft to the touch. Taste-test a few to ensure they are sweet and flavorful.

Yes, kumquat trees can be propagated from cuttings. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and provide a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth.

You can decorate the trees with traditional red envelopes, lucky charms, and colorful ribbons. Place the tree in a prominent spot in your home, preferably near an entrance, to welcome guests and showcase its beauty.