Sunburn
Our analysis of 48 verified rescue cases across 35 plant species shows exactly what causes sunburn and the most effective fixes.
Quick Summary
Pothos sunburn occurs when plants accustomed to indoor or low-light conditions are suddenly exposed to direct sunlight. Symptoms include bleached, white or brown crispy patches on leaves, particularly on variegated varieties which are more sensitive. New leaves are especially vulnerable. Unlike root rot, sunburned leaves remain firm and crispy rather than soft and mushy.
Most Effective Solutions
- 1 Move plant immediately to bright indirect light away from direct sun
- 2 Mildly affected leaves can remain as they still photosynthesize
- 3 Trim severely damaged leaves with sterile shears - they will not recover
Affected Plants
35 speciespothos
Epipremnum aureum
peace lily
Spathiphyllum
string of pearls
Curio rowleyanus
bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae
calathea
Goeppertia spp.
monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa
boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
hoya
Hoya spp.
parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans
spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum
zz plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
chinese evergreen
Aglaonema spp.
ficus elastica
Ficus elastica
majesty palm
Ravenea rivularis
scindapsus pictus
Scindapsus pictus
bromeliad
Vriesea/Guzmania spp.
pachira aquatica
aloe vera
Aloe vera
rubber plant
Ficus elastica
jade plant
Crassula ovata
portulaca oleracea
orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
air plant
echinocereus
fiddle leaf fig
Ficus lyrata
san pedro cactus
golden barrel cactus
cereus cactus
prickly pear cactus
ball cactus
echeveria
Echeveria spp.
sedum
Sedum spp.
crassula
graptopetalum
aeonium
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sunburn?
How do I fix it?
- Move plant immediately to bright indirect light away from direct sun
- Mildly affected leaves can remain as they still photosynthesize
- Trim severely damaged leaves with sterile shears - they will not recover
Which plants are most affected?
Can it be prevented?
Which of the 7 Killers
is threatening your plants?
We analyzed 1,616 documented plant deaths to identify the 7 causes behind 78% of all losses. Answer 5 questions — we'll tell you exactly which ones apply to your setup.
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How do you decide when to water your plants?
Question 2 of 5
Where do most of your plants live?
Question 3 of 5
What's your home environment like?
Question 4 of 5
Have you lost a plant in the last 6 months?
Question 5 of 5
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