The Lunar New Year 2025 has seen an influx of rare and unique ornamental plants hitting the market, with some fetching prices in the billions of Vietnamese dong.

These extraordinary specimens, valued as highly as luxury assets, are capturing the attention of plant enthusiasts nationwide.

2.2 billion VND starfruit tree attracts attention

A centuries-old starfruit tree with a gnarled, unique appearance is on display at the Tet flower market in Lam Son Square, Thanh Hoa City. Owner Thien Phu from Vinh Long is selling the tree for a staggering 2.2 billion VND (nearly $90,000).

Phu shared that he purchased the tree from a local couple 20 years ago.

“When I acquired it, the tree already had its distinctive rugged texture and exposed root clusters. To bring it to its current state, I spent years shaping and nurturing it,” Phu said.

The starfruit tree stands 4 meters tall, with its trunk and roots displaying ancient-looking textures. It bears flowers and fruit year-round, symbolizing prosperity.

A pair of pine trees priced at 2.7 billion VND

At the Ha Long flower fair in Quang Ninh, a pair of pencil pine trees has been listed at 1.2 billion VND and 1.5 billion VND, respectively. The trees were transported from Lam Dong to Ha Long for the occasion.

The staggering prices of these trees left many flower enthusiasts astonished.

In addition to the pine trees, the fair features numerous pots of peach blossoms and orchids, some priced in the hundreds of millions of VND. The ornamental plants are showcased in unique forms to appeal to Tet shoppers.

13 billion VND golden apricot tree steals the show

In Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, a massive golden apricot tree named “Majestic Ancient Beauty" is turning heads with its extraordinary value and history.

This tree, owned by Dinh Van Trong, boasts a canopy spanning 5.5 meters and a height of 6 meters. With an age of over 100 years, its rugged trunk and elegant structure make it one-of-a-kind.

The tree was officially recognized as Vietnam’s most valuable ancient apricot tree by the Vietnam Record Organization on September 20, 2024. Trong revealed that the tree is now being sold for 12.9 billion VND ($530,000), though it was worth over 15 billion VND three years ago.

4 billion VND orchid masterpiece

At the Tet flower market near My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, a stunning golden moth orchid arrangement named “Golden Dragon Orchid" is drawing crowds.

The arrangement features over 2,868 golden orchid stems shipped from Da Lat. Standing nearly 6 meters tall with a canopy width of 2 meters, the display weighs over 2 tons, including its intricate pot.

The pot itself, weighing over 1 ton, is adorned with carvings of nine dragons and gilded in 24-karat gold, using approximately 20 taels of gold.

The orchid arrangement is listed for 3.868 billion VND ($160,000). Smaller orchid displays at the market range from 5 to 70 million VND, depending on their design and size.

Hanh Nguyen