Volotour Greetings! Today, I Will Introduce You to Hoa Mai
Hoa Mai – The Pure Beauty of Spring
Hoa Mai is a signature flower of the Vietnamese New Year (Tết), especially popular in Southern Vietnam. It not only possesses a radiant beauty but also holds profound cultural and feng shui meanings.
1. General Information
Scientific name: Ochna integerrima
Family: Ochnaceae (Mai family)
Other names: Yellow apricot blossom, Hoàng Mai
Origin: Southeast Asia, mainly in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
2. Characteristics of Hoa Mai
Trunk: Small-sized, woody tree, can be shaped into bonsai
Leaves: Oval-shaped, glossy green, shed in winter for the tree to bloom during Tết
Flowers:
Common colors: Bright yellow (rare varieties include white and red Mai)
Petal count: 5-12 petals (5-petal Mai is the most common; multi-petal varieties like Mai Giảo can have up to 12 petals or more)
Mild fragrance, typically blooms at the end of the lunar December
3. The Cultural Significance of Hoa Mai in Vietnam
Symbol of Tết (Lunar New Year): The blooming of Mai signals a prosperous and joyful new year.
Luck & Fortune: The golden color represents wealth and prosperity.
Perseverance & Strength: Hoa Mai blooms after enduring the harsh winter, symbolizing resilience and strong willpower.
4. Popular Hoa Mai Varieties in Vietnam
Five-petal yellow Mai: The most common type with vibrant yellow flowers.
Mai Giảo: Multi-petal Mai (9-12 petals), usually more valuable.
Mai Tứ Quý: Blooms year-round, with flowers that turn red at the center when they wither.
White Mai: A rare variety with pure white petals.
Wild Mai: Grows naturally in mountainous areas, smaller flowers with a distinct fragrance.
5. How to Grow & Care for Hoa Mai
Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Sunlight: Requires plenty of sunlight to bloom beautifully.
Watering: Moderate watering, avoid overwatering.
Pruning: Helps the tree grow symmetrically and produce more flowers.
Bloom timing for Tết: Remove leaves around the 15th-20th day of the 12th lunar month to encourage timely blooming.
6. Hoa Mai in Feng Shui
Placement direction: Southeast (sunrise direction, bringing positive energy).
Element: Belongs to the Wood element, providing positive energy.
Lucky number: The 5-petal Mai represents “Ngũ Phúc” (Five Blessings – Wealth, Honor, Longevity, Health, and Peace).
7. Conclusion
Hoa Mai is not only a beautiful flower but also a symbol of luck, prosperity, and resilience. That’s why many Vietnamese families display Mai trees during Tết as a wish for a successful and peaceful new year.
