Find Your Ask the Expert: Any way to save sunburned plants
I have two ferns and a philodendron plant that my mother was caring for while I traveled, but she left them in the sun one afternoon and I came home to sunburned plants. Large areas of the leaves are dark brown on all 3 plants and though they still seem to be living, they look terrible. Is there anything I can do other than continue to care for them as usual? Thanks for your help! J
J,
Unfortunately once the leaves on a plant burn the damage is permanent. It would be great if we could use aloe on them like we do our own sunburns. But the good thing is the will rejuvenate themselves if given a little time and protection. Move the plants to a more hospitable place and cut off all the damaged leaves. Keep them properly water and give them a little time. Within a week or two you should start to see some new growth. You can fertilize when you see the new growth forming. Be careful not to over fertilize. Luckily ferns and philodendron are very resilient.
Remember this too shall pass. Good luck.