How to Keep Funeral Flowers Fresh Longer in Singapore’s Climate
Fresh cut flowers, with their visual appeal and wide array of colours, have long been appreciated and used in funeral stands and wreaths. In the tropical climate of Singapore, keeping these condolence flowers fresh for the length of the funeral wake, usually 3-7 days, can be challenging. There are a few ways to make your flowers last longer, watering, avoid direct sunlight, choosing the right flowers, adding flower food.
Understanding Singapore’s Climate
Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate throughout the year – hot and humid with abundant rainfall. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, the average daily 24 hour temperature hovers around 28.6 degrees Celsius while relative humidity is consistently high at about 82%. During recent years the temperature has been increasing in the island, with maximum temperature hitting records of 36-37 degrees Celsius. These conditions accelerate flower wilting and browning, making it essential to take appropriate measures to extend their lifespan.
Technique 1: Watering
Watering has a large impact on flower longevity. Ensure that the stems are trimmed at an angle before placing them into vases filled with clean water – this promotes better water absorption leading to longer-lasting flowers. Here in LRDF we do just that, however if the funeral precessions last longer than 3 days, it is wise to add more water to your funeral wreaths. This is done by watering the base of the arrangement, usually there are large green floral foam that you can rehydrate with fresh water.
Technique 2: Avoid Direct Sunlight
Try to place condolence stands and wreaths away from direct sunlight. Usually for funeral wakes in HDB void decks, we will usually instruct our drivers to place the floral arrangements away behind a wall, away from the sun so that the flowers will last longer. This is less of a worry if the wake is held in one of the new funeral parlours like Woodlands Memorial – Funeral Parlour, Singapore Casket and Singapore Funeral Parlour. These venues are fully indoor and have air-conditioning which helps our fresh flowers last longer.
Technique 3: Choosing the Right Flowers
Opting for more resilient flower species like orchids or chrysanthemums can significantly prolong their life in such climates. These species adapt well to warm temperatures and high humidity levels common in Singapore. Avoid flowers like Hydrangeas which are susceptible to hot weather and needs a lot of water. Another option is to use silk flowers for the condolence flower stands, here are LRDF we use silk hydrangeas for our stands.
Technique 4: Using Flower Food
Using flower food when watering helps with the longevity of flowers. Flower food ingredients usually consist of sugar, citric acid, and vinegar. These helps feed the flowers and give the flowers the proper environment for them to live.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to understanding the climate and how it affects flowers. By combining this knowledge with practical care techniques, we can help ensure that your condolence flowers stay fresh for a more extended period in Singapore’s challenging weather conditions. This not only allows the gesture of sympathy to be appreciated longer but also lets the bereaved family feel comforted during their time of sorrow.
Remember, while these tips are handy for keeping condolence flowers fresh longer, nothing beats professional assistance from florists experienced in dealing with Singapore’s unique climate challenges. At Little Red Dot Florist, we’re always ready to help – reach out to us today!
How long do condolence flowers usually last in Singapore?
Condolence flowers usually last a few days, depending on the flower type, venue conditions, and care. In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, flowers placed outdoors or at HDB void decks may wilt faster than flowers displayed in air-conditioned indoor funeral parlours.
How can I keep funeral flower stands fresh for a longer wake?
To keep funeral flower stands fresh, add clean water to the floral foam, keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight, and place it in a shaded or cooler area where possible. For longer wakes, rehydrating the base of the arrangement daily can help the flowers stay fresher.
Which condolence flowers last longer in Singapore’s weather?
Orchids, chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies, and some tropical flowers usually last longer in Singapore’s warm weather. More delicate flowers such as hydrangeas may need more water and may wilt faster in outdoor or non-air-conditioned wake venues.
Do indoor funeral parlours help flowers last longer?
Yes, indoor funeral parlours can help condolence flowers last longer because they are usually sheltered and air-conditioned. Venues such as funeral parlours, memorial halls, and indoor wake spaces protect flowers from direct sun, heavy rain, and outdoor heat.
Should I choose fresh or silk flowers for a funeral stand?
Fresh flowers are the traditional choice and offer natural beauty, fragrance, and softness. Silk flowers can be useful for certain blooms that do not hold up well in Singapore’s heat, such as hydrangeas. Some condolence stands may use a mix of fresh and silk flowers to balance appearance and durability.