Pothos plants, also known as devil’s ivy or money plants, are a popular choice for indoor gardens because of their hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
However, even the hardiest of plants can fall victim to sunburn, which can cause leaves to turn yellow, brown, or crispy. If you have a sunburnt pothos, don’t despair – there are steps you can take to revive it.
Read also: Pothos Leaves Turning White – Top 5 Causes and Possible Quick Fixes
How to Revive a Sunburnt Pothos
1. Identify the Extent of the Damage
Take a good look at your sunburnt pothos and assess the extent of the sunburn. If the damage is minimal and only a few leaves are affected, your plant has a good chance of recovery.
However, if the damage is severe and widespread, it may be best to propagate the healthy sections of the plant and discard the damaged parts.
2. Move the Sunburnt Pothos to a Shaded Area
Sunburn occurs when a plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight. To prevent further damage, move the sunburnt pothos to a shaded area or place them in front of a sheer curtain. This will allow the plant to rest and recover from sun damage.
3. Check for Pests
Sunburn can also be caused by pests such as spider mites or scale insects, which can damage leaves and cause them to turn brown. Inspect the sunburnt pothos carefully and if you find any pests, treat them with an appropriate pesticide.
4. Trim Away Damaged Leaves
Remove any yellow, brown, or crispy leaves from the sunburnt pothos. This will not only improve the plant’s appearance but also prevent the spread of any pests or diseases.
5. Water the Plant Properly
Pothos plants prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
6. Fertilize the Sunburnt Pothos
Sunburn can cause a plant to lose nutrients, so it is important to fertilize it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This will help the plant to recover and grow new healthy leaves.
7. Provide the Right Amount of Light
Pothos plants can tolerate low light, but they prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant was sunburnt because it was exposed to too much direct sunlight, consider moving it to a location with less intense light.
8. Monitor the Plant’s Progress
Keep an eye on your sunburnt pothos and make sure it is recovering well. If you notice any signs of distress or if the plant is not responding to your efforts, it may be best to consult with a local nursery or a professional.
Why Pothos Get Sunburnt
Understanding why pothos gets sunburnt is the first step in preventing it from happening.
1. Direct sunlight
Pothos plants are not accustomed to direct sunlight, and prolonged exposure can cause sunburn. Direct sunlight is intense and can cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown.
2. Heat stress
Pothos plants are sensitive to temperature changes, and extreme heat can cause the leaves to become sunburnt. When the temperature is too high, the plant will lose water faster than it can absorb it, causing the leaves to dry out and turn brown.
3. Lack of humidity
Pothos plants prefer high humidity, and a lack of it can cause the leaves to become sunburnt. In dry conditions, the leaves will lose moisture quickly, causing them to dry out and turn brown.
4. Lack of water
Pothos plants require consistent moisture to thrive, and a lack of water can cause the leaves to become sunburnt. When the soil is too dry, the leaves will lose moisture quickly, causing them to dry out and turn brown.
5. Pests and disease
Pests and disease can also cause pothos leaves to become sunburnt. Spider mites, scale insects, and fungal infections can damage leaves, causing them to turn brown and crispy.
How to Tell Your Pothos is Sunburnt
1. Look for Discolouration
One of the most obvious signs of sunburn on a pothos plant is discolouration of the leaves. Sunburnt leaves will turn yellow, brown, or crispy, and may even appear translucent.
2. Check for Curling or Shriveling
Sunburnt leaves may also appear curled or shrivelled, and they may feel dry to the touch.
3. Look for Burned Leaf Tips or Margins
Sunburn can also cause leaf tips or margins to turn brown or black, which is another indication that the leaves are damaged.
4. Check for Signs of Pests or Disease
Sunburn can also be caused by pests or disease, so it’s important to look for signs of infestation, such as webbing or discolouration, as well as any signs of fungal growth.
5. Check the Environment
Sunburn may also be caused by environmental factors, such as direct sunlight, heat stress, lack of humidity, or lack of water. It’s important to take note of where your plant is located and if it receives direct sunlight and if the environment is too hot or too dry.
