Orchids absolutely love a bright spot, which is why most of us naturally gravitate toward placing them on a windowsill. However, there’s a catch: they can’t handle direct, scorching sunlight. Providing a bit of shade is crucial if you want to prevent your exotic beauties from getting a nasty case of sunburn.
Signs Your Orchid Has a Sunburn
Spotting a sunburned orchid is actually pretty straightforward. You’ll notice sudden, obvious discolorations on those normally lush green leaves. Look for:
- Yellow to brown spots or patches.
- A darker ring or border surrounding the spot.
- Spots that stay the same size and shape over time rather than spreading.
Sunburn vs. Fungal Infections: The Key Difference
It’s easy to get worried when you see leaf discoloration, as it can also be a sign of fungal infections, pests, or bacteria. The big giveaway that you’re dealing with a burn rather than a disease is the “spread.” Infections are progressive—they start small and slowly take over the entire leaf.
Sunburn spots, on the other hand, are static. They keep their original size and won’t get any worse after the initial damage occurs. The rest of the leaf will stay perfectly green.
Don’t Reach for the Scissors Just Yet
When it comes to orchid care, a good rule of thumb is to only remove parts of the plant that are completely dried out (if they haven’t fallen off on their own already). This applies to sunburned leaves, too! As long as there is still some green on the leaf, it’s still providing vital nutrients to the plant. Don’t be too quick to snip them off.
How to Protect Your Orchids from the Sun
To keep your orchids from getting scorched in the first place, you’ll want to set up some sun protection—especially for south-facing windows. During the middle of the day, the sun can get so intense that a burn is almost guaranteed without a buffer.
Sheer curtains or drapes are great for filtering light, and frosted window films work wonders, too. If you have outdoor awnings, keeping them extended during the lunch hour will also provide the shade your plants crave.
Watch Out for Hot Glass
One last tip: keep an eye on the temperature of the window glass itself. In the heat of summer, the glass can get hot enough to damage any leaves touching it. Make sure your orchids are sitting far enough back so they aren’t making direct contact with the pane.
