Sunburn on anthurium
What's Happening
Anthuriums are tropical understory plants adapted to filtered light (1000-2500 lux). When exposed to direct sunlight—even brief morning sun through windows—the intense UV radiation causes photooxidative damage to leaf cells. Unlike root rot (soft mushy tissue), sunburn presents as crispy brown edges or patches, typically on the most exposed leaf surfaces. The damage is permanent; cells cannot recover from phototoxicity.
How to Fix It
- 1
Immediate relocation: Move to bright indirect light only—east-facing with sheer curtain ideal
- 2
Assess damage: Crispy brown edges = sunburn; soft brown = root rot
- 3
Trim affected tissue: Use sterile scissors to remove sunburned sections for aesthetics
- 4
Check light levels: Use phone lux meter—target 1000-2500 lux maximum for Anthurium
- 5
If using grow lights: Maintain 18+ inches distance; use hand-heat test (no warmth felt)
- 6
Monitor new growth: Healthy new leaves indicate successful relocation
What You'll Need
How to Prevent It
Position 3-5 feet from south/west windows; use sheer curtains or UV-filtering film; avoid placing directly against glass where light intensity magnifies; acclimate gradually to brighter locations over 7-10 days; maintain 60%+ humidity to support leaf resilience.