Sunburn on house plants: signs and what to do
Strong sun can scorch leaves, mostly after a move from a dim spot. Burned tissue does not heal. Protect new leaves and move plants in small steps.
This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.
What you need
- A sheer curtain (optional)
- Clean scissors
Steps
- Look at the leaves that face the window. Sunburn shows as pale, bleached or brown, dry patches. They often sit in the middle of the leaf.
- Think back. Did you move the plant to a sunnier spot in the last two weeks? A plant from a dim spot burns fast in strong sun.
- Move the plant 50 cm to 1 m back from the window. Or hang a sheer curtain between the plant and the glass.
- Turn the pot a quarter turn. The burned side then faces the room.
- Cut off badly burned leaves with clean scissors. Leave leaves that are only a little damaged. They still make food for the plant.
- Water when the soil is dry 2 to 3 cm down. Hot, sunny spots dry the soil fast.
- To move a plant to more light, do it over one to two weeks. Move it a little closer each few days.
Check your plant
Answer the questions. The guide shows what to do.
Warnings
- Burned patches do not turn green again.
- Midday and afternoon sun through a south or west window is the strongest.
Questions and answers
What does sunburn look like on a house plant?
Pale or bleached patches that turn brown and dry. They often show on the side facing the window.
Will burned leaves recover?
No. The burned part stays brown. New leaves will be fine if the light is right.
How do I give a plant more light without burns?
Move it in small steps over one to two weeks, or use a sheer curtain to soften the sun.