Plant care guide
Spider Plant Sunburn: Scorched Leaves and How to Fix Them
Updated
Why does my Spider plant have sunburn?
Sunburn on a spider plant is leaf scorch from more direct sun than the leaves are used to, often after a move to a sunnier window or outdoors. The scorched tissue will not recover, but the plant usually keeps growing once the light is corrected.
What to do first
Move the plant out of direct midday sun into bright, indirect light. Trim badly scorched leaves if you like, and when moving it somewhere brighter, step the light up gradually over several weeks.
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) tolerate a wide range of light, but direct sun can burn them. NC State Extension describes the spider plant as preferring medium light and intolerant of direct sunlight. Clemson Cooperative Extension is a little more lenient. Its spider plant factsheet says the plant can tolerate some direct sun, but midday light may scorch the leaves.
Iowa State University Extension compares leaf scorch to a sunburn on the leaves. The damage is permanent. The good news is that a scorched spider plant is not usually a dying one. Fix the light and judge it by its new leaves.
Is it sunburn or brown tips?
Spider plants are known for brown leaf tips, which have different causes. Sort out which one you have before you act.
Signs that point to sunburn:
- Damage appeared soon after a move to a sunnier spot, or after the plant went outdoors.
- Scorched, dry patches sit on the parts of the leaves most exposed to the sun.
- Leaves on the shaded side of the plant look normal.
- The damage stopped spreading once the light changed.
Signs that point to tip burn instead:
- Browning starts at the very tips and works back along the leaf.
- It affects leaves all around the plant, regardless of which side faces the window.
- There is white crust on the mix or pot rim, a sign of salt buildup.
Clemson links tip burn to too much fertilizer, water high in soluble salts, low humidity and very dry soil. NC State adds chlorine and fluoride in tap water. If that pattern fits, see our spider plant brown tips guide.
Common ways spider plants get scorched
A move to a brighter window
Iowa State’s houseplant diagnosis guide says scorch often follows a quick change to a very different light level. A plant that grew in medium light has leaves adapted to it. Moving it straight into a sunny window can burn those leaves.
Summer outdoors
Wisconsin Extension’s spider plant article notes that outdoors the plant needs bright light but can sunburn in full sun. Iowa State warns that houseplants moved straight from indoors to bright outdoor light will scorch or drop leaves. Clemson’s houseplant pests factsheet gives the same advice for summering plants outside. Start them in mostly shade, because even sun-tolerant plants can burn until they adapt.
Hot midday sun through glass
Clemson specifically names midday light as the risk. A south- or west-facing window in summer gives the strongest exposure.
What to do
- Move the plant now. Choose bright, indirect light, which Clemson recommends for spider plants. Wisconsin says they grow well indoors in medium to bright light all year.
- Check the water. Feel the mix below the surface. A plant in a hot, sunny spot may have dried out faster than usual. Clemson advises letting spider plants dry only slightly between waterings.
- Decide what to trim. Scorched tissue will not turn green again. Trim badly damaged leaves at the base, or cut off just the brown portion with clean scissors. Iowa State notes that trimming improves appearance but does not fix the cause.
- Leave green tissue in place. A leaf with a small scorched patch is still mostly working leaf. Remove it only when most of it has browned.
- Watch the new leaves. New growth from the centre of the clump should come in undamaged once the light is right.
Prevent it next time
- Acclimate slowly. Iowa State advises moving plants to a new light level gradually over several weeks.
- Use shade first outdoors. Put the plant in shade first, then give it more light in stages. Keep it out of full sun.
- Filter strong windows. A sheer curtain or a spot a little back from the glass softens midday sun.
- Do not overcorrect. Very dim corners slow growth. NC State notes that plantlets form in response to day length. Clemson and Wisconsin both describe the plant as best in medium to bright light.
For more on light, water and plantlets, read the spider plant care guide.
Related guides
Other spider plant problems we cover: propagation, curling leaves, leggy growth.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Chlorophytum comosum
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: Spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum
- Iowa State University Extension: Diagnosing Houseplant Problems from Improper Environmental Conditions
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests
How this guide was put together: NC State Extension, Clemson Cooperative Extension, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension and Iowa State University Extension guidance.