Flowers are popular decorations at most Lunar New Year celebrations. To meet public demand, the Taipei Flower Market will be open 24 hours a day from February 12 to 16, though with availability may also come higher prices.

With the Lunar New Year (LNY) less than two weeks away, Taipei Flower Market is working tirelessly to welcome the influx of flower buyers. They've announced that starting February 12, they will be open for 108 hours straight, until Lunar New Year's Eve, February 16.

Taipei Flowers Auction Company Chairman Jao Huan-mei (饒煥美) explains that this year's flower production is more abundant because the leap month extended the growing cycle by about three weeks, resulting in a 10% to 20% increase in supply. Due to this, prices for most varieties are projected to drop by about 10% compared to the same period last year.

However, flowers that carry special cultural meaning, like chrysanthemums and lilies, will likely see price increases. During LNY, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and good fortune, lilies represent harmony and happiness, and silver willow symbolizes abundant wealth.

Florist Ching Chih-ming (景志銘) says that lilies and chrysanthemums are usually more traditional because they last longer, and their prices will definitely rise, but they hope the increase won't be as drastic as in the past.

The current wholesale price of 10 stems of chrysanthemums is between NT$150 and NT$200 (US$4.7-US$6.3), and a price increase of up to 50% is expected next week. As for lilies, a bunch of 5 stems currently costs between NT$250 and NT$300 (US$7.9-US$9.5), with a similar price increase expected next week.

As the Year of the Horse approaches, people are spending good money on flowers to add to the festive atmosphere, hoping that their presence will encourage good luck to bloom in the coming year.