How to protect your poinsettias over the holidays [Video]

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 …