Summer sunshine feels amazing — for us, at least. But for many houseplants, it can be a bit too much of a good thing. If your plant lives near a sunny window or spends time outside during summer, it might be at risk of sunburn. In this article, we’ll show you how to spot sun damage, prevent it, and help your plant recover.
How to Recognise Sun Damage in Plants
Sun damage looks different on plants than it does on humans — no red skin here. Instead, you might notice:
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Faded or translucent patches on the leaves
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Brown, crispy edges or spots
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Damage mostly on the side facing the window or sunlight
☀️ Keep in mind: symptoms don’t always appear right away. It can take a few days for sunburn to become visible.
Which Plants Are Most Sensitive?
Not all houseplants enjoy sunbathing. Some species with thin or large leaves are more sensitive, such as:
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Philodendron and Monstera
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Alocasia and Calathea
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Ferns
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Anthurium
Plants with thick, fleshy, or grey-green leaves (like Sansevieria or Crassula) tend to tolerate more light — but even they can suffer when the sun is too intense.
👉 Not sure if it’s sun damage? Send us a photo via Instagram DM or email, and we’ll take a look with you.
How to Prevent Sun Damage
💡 Avoid placing your plant right up against a south-facing window. If that’s the only option, try:
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Sheer curtains
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Window film
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Keeping a bit of distance (about 1 metre)
🌿 Planning to move your plant outdoors? Let it acclimate gradually. Start with a shaded or semi-shaded spot, and avoid harsh midday sun.
➡️ Want to learn more? Check out our blog: Which houseplants can go outside in summer?
What to Do If Your Plant Already Has Sun Damage
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Carefully trim away badly damaged leaves with clean scissors
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Don’t add extra fertiliser — let your plant recover first
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Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light
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Make sure the soil still drains well
🌱 Your plant will eventually grow new, healthy leaves. Sunburned leaves won’t recover, but sun damage is rarely fatal if addressed in time.
In Short:
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Provide bright, indirect light | Expose to full sun, especially midday sun |
| Acclimate plants to outdoor light | Move from shade to sun all at once |
| Remove severely damaged leaves | Fertilise a stressed or damaged plant |
🪴 Still unsure where to place your plant? Check out our blog on Understanding your plant’s light needs, or simply reach out. We're happy to help!