Flowers That Love Singapore’s Humid Weather

Orchids: Singapore’s National Flower

Native orchids are well-adapted to the climate and require minimal care. The most famous orchid is Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. This hybrid orchid was bred in Singapore and comes in vibrant shades of pink, purple and orange. Other native orchids like the bulbophyllum, coelogyne and dendrobium orchids also do well with little maintenance.

To care for orchids, place them in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight or shade. Orchids need humidity, so mist them regularly. Allow potting medium to dry out slightly between waterings and feed with a balanced fertilizer during flowering.

Anthuriums: Tropical Flowers that Love Humidity

Anthuriums’ bright red, orange or pink flowers, called spathes, last for weeks and make a stunning statement in this tropical climate. They love humidity, so Singapore’s weather is perfect for them. Mist them regularly or place them on top of the pebbles with some water. They also need shade from direct sunlight, so a spot with filtered or dappled light is best.

Water anthuriums when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure excess flows out the drainage holes. They can tolerate short periods of drought but prefer moist soil. Overwatering causes root rot, so check if the soil is soggy before watering again. Repot if roots start circling the pot, usually every 2-3 years.

Heliconias: Exotic Flowers for a Tropical Vibe

Heliconias are stunning tropical flowers that thrive in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. With paddle-shaped leaves and colourful inflorescences, heliconias add an exotic vibe to any space. They are low-maintenance and easy to care for. They do best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially in hot or dry weather.

Heliconias come in a vibrant array of pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows. Some popular varieties for Singapore include:

• Heliconia Golden Torch – Produces golden yellow flower bracts.
• Heliconia Red Christmas – Has bright red bracts and green foliage.
• Heliconia Lady Di – Features pink and red bracts with narrow, green leaves.
• Heliconia Dwarf Jamaican – Produces short red and yellow flower bracts.

Bougainvillea: Drought-Resistant Flowers for Sunny Spots

Originally from Brazil, bougainvillea can tolerate periods of drought once established. Bougainvillea needs full sun to produce its vibrant flowers. They can still bloom with slightly less sun, but you may get fewer flowers. Too much shade will prevent it from blooming altogether.

Water bougainvillea regularly. Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Once established, bougainvillea can tolerate some drought but will still need occasional deep watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

Hibiscus: Large, Colourful Blooms for Tropical Gardens

Native to tropical Asia, the hibiscus comes in a variety of colours like pink, red, yellow and orange. The blooms only last a day or two, but the shrub produces new buds continually, so you can have an endless sea of vibrant flowers all summer long.

To care for a hibiscus, plant it in a spot with plenty of sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. Water the shrub regularly to keep the soil moderately moist. Fertilise once a month during the growing season. Prune the hibiscus in early spring before new growth starts to shape it and promote flowering.

Hydrangeas: Thirsty Flowers that Need to be Hydrated

While hydrangeas may produce smaller blooms in Singapore compared to cooler regions, with the right care and conditions they can thrive in the city’s tropical climate.

Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers that must be constantly hydrated. To keep hydrangeas happy, water them regularly by changing their water and misting them. If the flower head looks slightly droopy, dip them in cool water as hydrangeas drink water from their coloured sepals! While hydrangeas can tolerate some sun, too much direct light can burn their leaves. A spot with shade for part of the day will keep them looking their best. Place them in a spot with dappled shade or partial sun.