The kumquat plant has always been a hot favourite during the Lunar New Year as it is believed to bring wealth and good fortune.

This year, several nurseries here are offering the popular plant trimmed to look like miniature trees.

Madam Sharon Goh, director of Candy Floriculture, a nursery in Thomson Road, says: 'Younger-generation customers are looking for something unique. Trimming the kumquat plant into a bonsai style makes it very interesting and elegant.'

To cater to this new demand, nurseries all over Singapore are also importing a plethora of unusual plants, such as pitcher plants and cacti, for Chinese New Year.

Both are not particularly auspicious, since the pitcher plant is carnivorous and some cacti have sharp spikes. But nurseries have put a new spin on them.

Mr Lee Meng Kwan, assistant general manager of World Farm, a nursery in Bah Soon Pah Road, says: 'The pitchers hold water and water to the Chinese represents wealth.'

The cactus plants are topped with a flower that is the colour of Chinese New Year - red.

And it seems many Singaporeans are open to these new interpretations, with World Farm selling more than 500 pitcher plants.

'I will buy whatever looks nice and catches my eye. It's okay if it isn't traditional', says Madam Nancy Lim, 48, a manager in an insurance firm.

Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times' LIFE!