Help! My Plant Got Sunburned

Too much of a good thing can be bad. Learn the signs of a sunburned plant.

A leaf with a large, white, scorched patch.

Signs of Sunburn

Sunburned leaves will have large white, yellow, or brown patches. The affected areas may feel dry and crispy. Unlike a watering issue, which often affects lower leaves first, sunburn can happen to any leaves that are exposed to intense, direct sun.

The Fix

Unfortunately, the burned parts of the leaf will not recover. You can trim them off if you like, or leave them. The most important thing is to move the plant out of the direct sun to a spot where it receives bright, but indirect, light. A sheer curtain can be a great way to filter harsh sunlight.

A plant sitting behind a sheer curtain.