This plant, Sansevieria, is one of the hardest to kill indoors. People love it because it can live without much care. But plants can be hurt by too much sunlight, even if they are healthy.
Sunburn can happen to snake plants too, just like it can to people. If you see brown or white spots on the leaves of your snake plant, it might be burned by the sun.
Do not worry! This blog post will show you how to spot sunburn in snake plants, treat it, and keep it from happening again.
There are ways to help your plant get better and grow again, even if it’s been hurt.
How to Identify Sunburn on a Snake Plant
When plants get too much direct sunlight, they get sunburned. Snake plants like light that comes from the side or a small amount of straight sunlight.
They might get hurt if they get too much sun. Some usual signs that a snake plant has been burned by the sun are:
1. Brown or White Patches on Leaves
- Most of the time, sunburn shows up on plants as brown, white, or yellow spots on the leaves.
- Most of the time, these spots feel dry and crispy.
- The part of the leaf that is sick may feel thin and papery compared to the healthy parts.
2. Curling or Wrinkled Leaves
- If there is too much sun on your snake plant, the leaves may curl up or look wrinkly.
- This takes place because the plant is trying to lower the amount of light it takes in.
3. Dry, Brittle, or Cracking Leaves
- When leaves get too much sun, they often dry out and break.
- The leaves might even crack or break off if the damage is bad enough.
4. Slow or Stunted Growth
- Snake plants might stop growing if they are in the sun for too long.
- The deep green color of the plant may fade and make it look dull.
What to Do If Your Snake Plant Gets Sunburned
If you notice sunburn on your snake plant, follow these steps to help it recover:
Step 1: Move It to a Shadier Spot
- First, take your plant out of full sunlight.
- Not in direct sunlight, but in bright light that comes from the side.
- A good spot is near a window with a thin curtain or a window that gets a lot of sun.
Step 2: Trim the Damaged Leaves
- You can leave the leaf as is if the red spots are small. Over time, the plant will get better.
- You can cut off the burned parts if the damage is bad enough.
- Cut the hurt spot with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Cut off a leaf near the dirt at the base if it is badly burned.
Step 3: Water It Properly
- If the plant gets burned, it may lose water, so it may need some water.
- Do not water too much! Root rot can happen when there is too much water.
- If the dirt around your snake plant is dry, don’t water it.
- Put water on the ground and let the extra run off.
Step 4: Keep the Air Humid
Dry air can make the problem worse. If the air in your home is dry, you can:
- Place a small tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
- Mist the leaves lightly (but not too much, as snake plants don’t like wet leaves).
- Move the plant to a room with higher humidity, like the bathroom.
Step 5: Avoid Fertilizing for a Few Weeks
- Adding fertilizer can stress the plant out while it’s getting better.
- Do not add any fertilizer for at least three to four weeks.
- Mix a mild houseplant fertilizer with water until it’s half as strong the next time you feed.
Step 6: Be Patient and Let It Heal
- You shouldn’t expect plants to grow right away because they do.
- You can expect your snake plant to look better in a few weeks.
- Check the leaves often to make sure the issue isn’t getting worse.
How to Prevent Sunburn in Snake Plants
To keep your snake plant safe from sunburn in the future, follow these tips:
1. Keep It in Bright, Indirect Light
- Snake plants like bright light that comes from the side.
- A few feet from a sunny window is the best place.
- Make sure it only gets a few hours of direct sunshine in the morning or late afternoon if you want to put it there.
2. Use Curtains or Blinds
- If your plant is near a window, use sheer curtains to filter the light.
- This will protect the plant from harsh midday sun.
3. Rotate the Plant Regularly
- Every two to three weeks, turn your snake plant so that all of its sides get the same amount of light.
- So one side doesn’t get too much sun, this helps.
4. Slowly Introduce More Sunlight
- If you want to move your snake plant to a sunnier spot, do it gradually.
- Start by placing it in the sun for an hour a day, then slowly increase the time over a few weeks.
- This helps the plant adapt without getting burned.
5. Choose the Right Pot and Soil
- Use a well-draining soil mix to prevent too much moisture loss.
- A pot with drainage holes will help prevent overwatering and stress.
6. Avoid Placing It Outdoors in Harsh Sun
- If you keep your snake plant outdoors, place it in partial shade.
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially in hot summer months.
Sunburn can be stressful for your snake plant, but with the right care, it can recover. If you see brown or white patches, dry leaves, or wrinkling, your plant might be getting too much sun.
To help it heal, move it to a shadier spot, trim damaged leaves, water carefully, and be patient. Prevent future sunburn by keeping it in bright, indirect light and using curtains or gradual exposure.
Snake plants are tough and can bounce back from sunburn with a little care. By following these steps, your plant will soon be healthy and thriving again!
