Too much light is less common indoors, but it happens fast, usually when a plant is moved to a sunnier spot or taken outside without a gradual change.
Signs include pale, bleached or faded areas on the leaves, brown or brittle leaves, and leaf scorch. Iowa State University warns that moving houseplants too quickly into strong light causes leaf burn, discoloration and leaf drop, and that on succulents the damage can be permanent.
Treat scorched patches as lasting damage; the aim is to stop more. Move the plant back to where it was, or filter the light with shade cloth or other shade material. If it is a plant that does want more sun, build up the exposure slowly, as the next lesson explains.
Houseplants that are shade-loving understory plants generally do best in part or full shade when grown outdoors, including on balconies. Watch any plant closely for the first few weeks after a move to brighter light.
Key points
- Bleached, faded or brown, brittle patches point to too much light.
- Sudden moves into strong light cause most scorch.
- Stop further damage first; do not expect scorched areas to heal.
Try this
If a plant sits in a sunny window, check the leaves nearest the glass for pale or papery patches.
Check yourself
Read more in the reference
Sources
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