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Sunburn Spots on pothos

pothos with sunburn spots

What's Happening

Direct sunlight exposure causes photoxidative damage to pothos leaves, appearing as brown crispy spots or bleached patches. Variegated varieties (Neon, Marble Queen) are particularly vulnerable due to reduced chlorophyll in white/cream sections. Symptoms appear within 24-48 hours of exposure and affect exposed leaf surfaces.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Immediate relocation: Move to bright indirect light only

  2. 2

    Remove damaged leaves: Trim affected foliage with sterile scissors

  3. 3

    Acclimate gradually: If moving to brighter location, increase exposure over 7-10 days

  4. 4

    Check grow light distance: Maintain 12-18 inches from LED grow lights

  5. 5

    Use light meter: Target 200-500 foot-candles for standard pothos

What You'll Need

sheer curtain plant stand grow light

How to Prevent It

Position 3-5 feet from south/west windows or use sheer curtains. Acclimate new plants to light over 7-10 days. For grow lights, use the hand-heat test—if you feel warmth at leaf level, it's too close.

Related Problems

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sunburn spots on my plant?
Direct sunlight exposure causes photoxidative damage to pothos leaves, appearing as brown crispy spots or bleached patches. Variegated varieties (Neon, Marble Queen) are particularly vulnerable due to...
How do I fix sunburn spots?
Immediate relocation: Move to bright indirect light only. Remove damaged leaves: Trim affected foliage with sterile scissors.
How do I prevent sunburn spots from happening again?
Position 3-5 feet from south/west windows or use sheer curtains. Acclimate new plants to light over 7-10 days. For grow lights, use the hand-heat test—if you feel warmth at leaf level, it's too close.