Core Insights - The National Botanical Garden has opened its fourth Chrysanthemum Exhibition, featuring tens of thousands of chrysanthemums alongside other flowers, creating a vibrant autumn scene [1] - This year marks the first introduction of a cross-section display of the large chrysanthemum, showcasing its internal tying techniques to the public [2] Exhibition Highlights - The exhibition features three main areas: the core area, the "Elegant Fragrance" premium chrysanthemum area, and the "Chrysanthemum Sea" self-bred small chrysanthemum area [2] - The core area, covering 8,000 square meters, displays over 20,000 small chrysanthemums from 24 varieties, combining traditional gourd elements with colorful chrysanthemums to create a visually rich experience [2] - The "Elegant Fragrance" area showcases over 200 varieties with approximately 1,500 pots of chrysanthemums, including both traditional and new varieties, with the unique "Independence Chrysanthemum" set to bloom early for the National Day [2] Self-Bred Varieties and Events - The "Chrysanthemum Sea" area features over 100 self-bred chrysanthemum varieties with independent intellectual property rights, totaling more than 1,500 plants, with a flowering period from late September to early November [3] - The exhibition will host various educational activities, including lectures and interactive sessions to explore plant mysteries, alongside multiple themed exhibitions and a creative market showcasing over 100 plant-derived products [3]

Core Insights - The tropical plant market has seen explosive growth, becoming a popular trend among younger generations, particularly post-90s and post-00s demographics [2][3] - The pricing dynamics of tropical plants are closely tied to supply and demand, with significant price fluctuations observed over time [19][27] Group 1: Market Trends - Since 2021, tropical plants have become one of the most sought-after items among younger consumers, following pets and trendy collectibles [2] - The sales of tropical plants on platforms like Taobao have increased for three consecutive years, with specific plants like the deer horn fern selling over 500,000 units during the 618 shopping festival [3][19] - The market for tropical plants is characterized by rapid price changes, where initial high prices can drop significantly within a year due to increased supply and competition [14][19] Group 2: Business Evolution - The founder of Lucong, known as "Old Yan," transitioned from a traditional retail model to a wholesale and then to a cultivation model, reflecting the changing dynamics of the market [9][27] - The shift from importing tropical plants to domestic cultivation has allowed for lower prices and increased availability, with many growers now entering the market [16][19] - The business model has evolved to focus on online sales, with traditional markets struggling to adapt to the new trends in consumer preferences [12][19] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The consumer base for tropical plants has shifted, with a notable increase in younger male buyers, indicating a change in the demographic profile of plant enthusiasts [21] - Many consumers approach plant care with a mindset similar to pet ownership, seeking emotional fulfillment and stress relief through plant cultivation [21][23] - The deer horn fern has gained popularity as a decorative item, often referred to as a "living painting," appealing to consumers looking for aesthetic home decor [21][27]