Indoor plants get sunburn: Here's what it looks like and how to stop it happening

It's easy to think that giving your indoor plants sunlight is a good thing.

But just like us, too much of a good thing can be damaging, and your plants can end up getting sunburnt after spending time in the sun.

Your plants are most at risk during spring and summer. While you can't cover them in sunscreen and let them enjoy the rays, there are some things you can do to protect them.

If you've decided to move your plants outside for some extra sun, or are popping them into a new spot that gets plenty of direct sunlight, you could be making a huge mistake.

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Sure, putting your plants in the sun sounds like a good idea, but you could be burning them. (Getty)

The key to changing the level of light your plant is used to is making the move gradually, so they have time to readjust and get used to their new spot first.

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Chucking your plant straight out into the sun, especially if it isn't one that thrives in full sunlight, can lead to a scalding.

It only takes a few hours for your plants to get sunburnt and there isn't much you can do once the damage has been done.

How to know if your plants are sunburnt?

Indoor plants get sunburnt from too much bright, direct sunlight and turns the leaves white or yellow. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There's actually quite an easy way to tell if the leaves on your plants are sunburnt. Just like our skin, the leaves on your plants will change colour if they get too much sun, but instead of red they'll turn yellow or white — especially if it's severe.

Leaves can also change colour if the plant is getting too much water or not enough light, but usually the cause of this change is sunburn. You'll notice this in the leaves on the top of the plant, where the light hits. Leaves at the bottom that are closer to the soil and get some shade won't have so much of a change.

How to prevent sunburn in your plants

The main thing you need to know is what your plant needs and the conditions it will thrive in. Keep them away from bright, direct sunlight if they won't be able to tolerate it.

Some plants like succulents absolutely love direct sunlight and will thrive outside in the sunshine during summer, whereas other plants like the peace lily, which like low-light conditions, are more likely to get burnt if they're moved to a bright spot.

It doesn't mean that you can't position your plants to get a bit more sunshine or even take them outside when the weather warms up, you just need to do it gradually.

Instead of moving a plant from an area like the bathroom and putting it straight out into the sun, make the transition a slow one. Start by moving it to a shady spot or placing it in the morning spot for an hour or two, then back to its shady spot. Then gradually increase the amount of sun your plant is getting over a few weeks. The best way to go about this is to always go for less sun than too much, especially if your plant doesn't like bright, direct sunlight.

What can I do if my plant is sunburnt?

Unfortunately, once a plant is sunburnt, the leaves won't return to their normal colour. The best option is to cut off the sun damaged leaves and move the plant back into an area where the light is best for its variety.

If you are careful with your plants, you should be able to save them from getting too much sun.

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