How to protect your poinsettias over the holidays

Poinsettias need a bit of love and attention to keep them alive through the holiday season.

Warren Greenhouses are known as the experts in Kitchener, Ont.

“Our specialty is definitely poinsettias,” said Sheila Holm, who owns and runs the business with her husband Mike Holm. “We have around 20,000.”

Their team has been preparing for the holidays since late summer. The poinsettias are planted in July and then brought into the greenhouse in August, where they continue to be cared for.

Caring for your plants

Despite being considered a Christmas plant, poinsettias don’t enjoy the cold weather.

“They freeze extremely quickly,” Sheila said.

Keeping them happy and healthy begins the moment you buy them.

“You don’t want to put them in an unheated vehicle or leave them in a garage,” she explained, adding they don’t like those protective sleeves they’re placed in for transporting. “A little bit of condensation will build up, but best to have it off between immediately and 24 hours.”

That’s especially important to remember when buying in large quantities, which greenhouse often see this time of year.

“There are lots of schools, teams and groups. Anybody who wants to raise funds for their cause,” said Sheila. “That’s probably our main outlet for poinsettias. Fundraising.”

As for the watering schedule, Mike said they don’t like being watered from the top.

“[It] can mark or damage the leaves. The best way to do it is either to put it directly in the soil or let it soak up through the bottom.”

Mike also said consistency is key and remember not to let them dry out.

Poinsettias enjoy moderately bright light and, as a rule of thumb for temperature, if you’re comfortable, the poinsettias are probably comfortable too.

“Poinsettias never take a day off, so you have to keep an eye on them daily,” said Mike.

Whether they’re red, white, pink or spotted, the plants should all be treated the same.

As for your health, Sheila shared this advice for people and pets.

“You wouldn’t really want your animal eating the whole thing. It may make them a little sick, but it’s not poison,” she said. “They’re edible, I guess, if you want to. They don’t taste good, don’t eat them. But it won’t kill you.”

According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University poinsettias are not very toxic to pets.

“They do contain a milk sap that can irritate the mouth, but symptoms are usually mild if they develop,” a post on the school’s website reads.

Poinsettias may not be fit for a festive feast, but they will make a beautiful centrepiece.