Ouch! Orchid Sunburn!

It’s hard to believe, but orchids can get sunburned just as easily as humans. Many of us take precautions such as sunscreen, hats and special clothing to avoid the sun’s harmful rays, but what can you to do prevent burns to your plants this summer when the sun’s rays are at their strongest? Orchids need sunlight to grow; however, many varieties prefer indirect sunlight. Whether you keep your orchids indoors or outside, you need to take precautions against sunburn.

Indoors
Sunlight can be amplified by the windows in your home. Some direct sunlight is okay but prolonged exposure can result in sunspots. Try a north or east facing window to avoid the strength of late afternoon exposure. Additionally, be sure that the leaves of your orchid plant are not directly touching your windows.

Outdoors 
The pattern of the sun changes throughout the year, so areas that may be shaded in winter may be in full sun during the summer.  Sun and shade also change seasonally due to fallen leaves or routine tree and shrub pruning.

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Feeling the Burn - The After Effects on Your Orchid  
The good news is that sunburned plants recover easily. The bad news is orchid sunburns are permanent. Burn spots may be removed with clean shears or if you prefer to be patient, the burned leaf will eventually shed during the natural growing cycle. 

​Diagnosing Orchid Sunburn
​Plant sunburn is easily diagnosed.  Many times, a burn will present itself as black or yellow, rounded spot in the middle of a leaf at its highest point. Over time, the burn spot will turn to a white papery spot surrounded by an otherwise healthy looking green leaf.

Tips for Prevention

• Observe light patterns at different times throughout the day to determine exposure levels
• Acclimate plants to a new location by gradually increasing sun exposure over a period of time 
• Relocate plants to a more shaded location during the summer months
• Install shade cloth for an added layer of protection
• Learn the light tolerance levels of the different orchid varieties
• Circulate the air surrounding your plants to keep them cool
• Water often to ensure that your orchids are hydrated