88% confidence Based on 20,000+ analyzed cases

Sunburn on zz plant

What's Happening

Direct, intense afternoon sun (especially in summer) burns ZZ leaves. Symptoms include bleached, white, or yellow-brown crispy spots on the parts of the leaves facing the window.

How to Fix It

1
Relocate: Move 3-5 feet back from the window or add a sheer curtain.
2
Cosmetic prune: Sunburned spots are permanent. You can trim individual leaves for aesthetics, but do not remove entire stalks unless they are 50%+ burned.
3
Rehydrate: Check soil moisture as heat from sun often dries out the pot faster than usual.

What You'll Need

sheer curtain plant stand grow light

How to Prevent It

Introduce brighter light gradually over 2 weeks. ZZ prefers 1000-2500 lux; avoid direct sun over 5000 lux for extended periods.

Same Problem on Other Plants

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes sunburn on my plant?

Direct, intense afternoon sun (especially in summer) burns ZZ leaves. Symptoms include bleached, white, or yellow-brown crispy spots on the parts of the leaves facing the window.

How do I fix sunburn?

Relocate: Move 3-5 feet back from the window or add a sheer curtain.. Cosmetic prune: Sunburned spots are permanent. You can trim individual leaves for aesthetics, but do not remove entire stalks unless they are 50%+ burned..

How do I prevent sunburn from happening again?