How to Care for Tulips: A Complete Guide

Tulips are a timeless favourite in Singapore, loved for their vibrant colours, clean silhouettes, and ability to brighten any room. Whether they’re gifted for celebrations or simply to bring joy, tulips make a striking statement — if you know how to look after them.

Wondering if tulips are hard to take care of? Not really. Tulips are surprisingly easy to care for, but they do need a little attention to stay fresh and upright. From trimming the stems to choosing the right vase, a few simple steps can go a long way.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple tulip care tips to help your blooms last longer and look their best.

Tips to Care for Potted Tulips

Whether you’re growing tulips indoors or on your balcony, potted tulips need the right setup to thrive. Here are five essential tips to help you grow healthy and beautiful tulips at home.

Use Pre-Chilled Bulbs

Tulips need a period of cold dormancy to bloom properly. In Singapore’s tropical climate, this doesn’t happen naturally — so start with pre-chilled bulbs that have been stored at 2–5°C for at least 12 to 16 weeks. Most bulbs sold locally for home growing will already be pre-chilled, but it’s always good to check before planting.

Place in a Cool, Bright Spot

Tulips love bright but indirect light and cooler temperatures. Keep your potted tulips away from direct midday sun or heat sources, which can cause the flowers to wilt quickly. A bright window ledge with morning sun or an airy shaded balcony is ideal.

Use Well-Draining Soil & Pots

Tulips hate sitting in soggy soil. Choose a well-draining potting mix — you can use a blend of garden soil, sand, and perlite. Make sure your pot has proper drainage holes to prevent root rot. Clay pots or ceramic planters are great options as they help wick away excess moisture.

Water Moderately

Tulips prefer evenly moist soil but don’t like being overwatered. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid getting water directly on the bulb. If the leaves begin to droop or yellow too soon, check if the soil is too wet or too dry.

Expect Single-Season Blooms

Tulips typically bloom once per season, especially in tropical climates where re-chilling is difficult. After flowering, let the leaves die back naturally to nourish the bulb. You can try storing the bulb for next season, but many home growers treat tulips as annuals and replant fresh bulbs the following year for best results.

Caring for Tulips Indoors (Forced Bulbs)

Forced tulip bulbs — often given as gifts or sold in pots — can brighten up any indoor space. But to keep them looking their best, it’s important to mimic their ideal conditions.

Keep in an Air-Con Room (18–22°C)

Tulips thrive in cooler temperatures. In Singapore, keeping them in an air-conditioned room between 18°C and 22°C helps slow blooming and prolong their beauty. Avoid placing them near fans, heaters, or sunny windows that can cause them to wilt quickly.

Water Sparingly

Unlike tropical plants, tulips don’t need frequent watering. Check the soil daily and water only when the top layer feels dry. Overwatering can cause the bulb to rot, especially in indoor pots with poor drainage.

Rotate the Pot for Even Growth

Tulip stems tend to grow toward the light. To keep your blooms standing tall and straight, rotate the pot slightly each day. This encourages even growth and prevents the stems from leaning too far in one direction.

Don’t Expect to Reuse the Bulbs

Most forced tulip bulbs are grown for a single bloom cycle. After the flowers fade, the bulbs are usually too depleted to bloom again — especially in warmer climates where re-chilling isn’t practical. It’s best to compost the bulbs and enjoy fresh ones next year.

Best Way to Care for Fresh-Cut Tulips in a Vase

Cut tulips are elegant and minimal, but they do require some care to look their best. Here’s how to help your vase arrangement last longer.

Trim Stems at an Angle

Before placing tulips in a vase, trim the stems diagonally — about 1 to 2cm from the base. This opens up the stem for better water intake and helps prevent wilting. Re-trim every few days to keep the flowers fresh.

Use Cool, Clean Water

Tulips prefer cool water, not warm. Fill your vase with clean, cold water and refresh it daily to prevent bacteria build-up, which can shorten their lifespan.

Keep Away from Heat or Direct Sunlight

Cut tulips are sensitive to heat and light. Keep them in a cool, shaded spot — away from direct sun, appliances, or air vents — to slow blooming and reduce wilting.

Remove Leaves Below Water Line

Leaves sitting in water can rot and breed bacteria. Strip any leaves that will be submerged, and clean the vase thoroughly before use to give your tulips the best chance to thrive.

Use Flower Food or Sugar

If provided, add the flower food sachet to the vase water. No packet? You can mix a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice as a simple homemade alternative to help nourish the blooms and keep bacteria at bay.

Common Tulip Care Problems in Singapore (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best care, tulips can be a little fussy, especially in Singapore’s warm, humid climate. Here’s how to handle some of the most common issues, so your tulips stay beautiful for longer.

Tulips Not Blooming

If your potted tulips aren’t blooming, it’s likely because the bulbs weren’t pre-chilled. Tulips need a cold period to trigger flowering — a challenge in tropical climates.

Solution: Look for pre-chilled bulbs when planting, or choose ready-to-bloom pots or bouquets from trusted florists like Flowers and Kisses.

Flowers Drooping Early

Tulips naturally lean and curve, but if they’re flopping too soon, they may not be getting enough water — or may be sitting in warm conditions.

Solution: Re-trim the stems under running water, use fresh cool water, and move the vase or pot to a cooler area (like an air-conditioned room).

Bulbs Rotting in the Pot

Overwatering and poor drainage can quickly cause tulip bulbs to rot, especially in Singapore’s humidity.

Solution: Use pots with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Mould or Pest Issues

Warm, moist conditions can lead to mould or invite small pests around your tulips.

Solution: Make sure your tulips aren’t sitting in stagnant water, avoid overcrowding, and ensure good air circulation. Remove any wilted leaves or petals promptly.

Shop Fresh Tulips in Singapore at Flowers and Kisses

Tulips are one of the most loved flowers for a reason — vibrant, graceful, and full of charm. And with the right care, they can brighten up your home or make a thoughtful gift that lasts.

At Flowers and Kisses, we offer some of the freshest tulips in Singapore, handpicked and arranged with care. Whether you’re looking for a potted plant, a simple bouquet, or a stunning flower box, our tulip selection is sure to delight.

Looking for the best way to take care of tulips? Start with flowers that are already treated right from the start.

Shop tulips now and experience premium blooms, same-day delivery, and a touch of joy with every petal.