PlantPal

Pale patches after a move into sun

Look at the side that faces the light. A sudden change can leave dry, bleached patches.

A rubber plant leaf with sun damage.
A rubber plant leaf with sun damage. Photo: Secretlondon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to check first

Think back to a move outdoors or to a sunnier window. Scorch tends to appear on exposed leaves, with sheltered leaves less affected. Wet, enlarging spots point to something else.

What to do now

Move the plant out of the strongest rays while keeping the light it needs. If you want to move it into brighter light later, increase exposure gradually. Leave partly green leaves in place.

What to watch next

Old scorch marks stay visible. If new patches keep appearing in gentler light, especially on shaded leaves, check for another cause.

Sources