Pattern
Damage can be one-sided and concentrated on the most exposed tissue.
Houseplant problems
Sunburn on plant leaves
A plant accustomed to filtered light can scorch after sudden exposure to strong sun. Damage usually faces the window and stays in place instead of spreading like an infection.
Timing
It often follows a move, a cleaned window or the first spell of intense sun.
Tissue
It first pales and then turns crisp; it will not become green again.
More useful detail
How to narrow down the cause
What supports this cause
A clear match between location, timing and the sun-facing side supports a scorch diagnosis.
What can look similar
Cold injury, leaf-spot disease and spray damage can create similar dead areas.
Problem
What to do step by step
- 1
Move the plant out of harsh midday sun without placing it in deep shade.
- 2
Increase direct light gradually over several weeks when the species can tolerate it.
- 3
Judge recovery by healthy new leaves rather than the dead patch.
Observation
What to watch next
- The patches stop expanding.
- New leaves are acclimated gradually.
- The plant no longer touches hot glass.
Important
Misting or feeding cannot repair dead tissue. A stable, suitable light exposure is the useful correction.
Sources and further reading: Royal Horticultural Society: leaf damage on houseplants
From advice to your own plan
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Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.Prepared by Florli. Reviewed October 15, 2026. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition. How Florli creates its guides.