If your jade plant is sunburned, you’re not alone. Many jade plants suffer from sunburns, especially during the summer months when the sun is at its strongest. In this post, we’ll discuss why you might have a jade plant sunburn, how to heal the plant from the sunburn, and some tricks to help acclimate your jade plant to full sun!
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We’ll also discuss some varieties of jade plants that do better in the sun than other varieties.
Related: Jade Plant Falling Over, Yellow Leaves on Jade Plant, Sunburned Aloe Vera
Sunburned Jade Plant: What It Looks Like
The most common things you’ll notice on your jade plant if it’s been sunburned include:
- Leaves that are discolored or have a bleached appearance
- Leaves that are wilted or drooping
- Scorched leaves with brown splotches (this is usually the most severe form of sunburn and can often lead to leaf drop)
If you notice any of these symptoms on your jade plant, it’s likely that it has a sunburn. There can also be some other reasons why your jade plant may have leaves with marks on them but the ones above are most likely from sunburn.
One way to assume it’s more from a sunburn than pests (like scale) is that these problems with the leaves will be more random and not in one specific area. Also it’s a good bet if you’re jade plant is in direct sunlight, it’s likely sunburn.
Why Is Your Jade Plant Sunburnt?
Jade plants are a succulent and like most, if not all, succulents they come from regions with a lot of sun. If you’ve got a new jade plant, or an indoor jade plant, they’re more likely used to not getting full sun.
And most indoor jade plants prefer to not get direct sunlight anyway!
One thing to keep in mind is that the sun does move in the sky throughout the year, so the spot you’ve had your jade plant in may be getting more sunlight than it did before!
Jade Plant’s Preferred Sunlight Amount
Jade plants like bright light but can tolerate indirect sunlight. If you live in a region with harsh summers, it’s best to gradually introduce your jade plant to direct sunlight.
If you’re growing your jade plant outside, it’s best to keep it in a space that gets shade during the middle of the day. And if you live in a place that freezes, it’s best to keep it in a pot so the plant can come inside during winter.
How To Heal A Jade Plant With Sunburn
If you have a sunburned jade plant, don’t worry! With a little care, your plant will be back to its old self in no time. Just be sure to give it the proper amount of sun and water, and avoid fertilizing until the sunburn has healed.
If you think your jade plant has a sunburn, the first thing to do is move it to a shaded area. If possible, try and find an indoor spot that gets bright light but isn’t in direct sunlight.
You’ll also want to give your jade plant a good watering. Be sure to let the soil dry out completely before watering again to avoid overwatering.
Once your jade plant is in a shaded area with bright light, give it time to heal. In most cases, the sunburn will fade and the leaves will return to their normal color.
If the sunburn is severe, you may see some leaf drop. This is normal and nothing to worry about. The leaves will eventually grow back.
Do I Need To Remove The Burnt Leaves?
If your jade plant has burnt leaves, you may be wondering if you need to remove them. In most cases, they can stay on the plant. The leaves will eventually grow back. However, if the sunburn is severe and you’re seeing a lot of leaf drop, you may want to remove the leaves that look like they’re about to fall off.
If The Stems Burnt, Do I Need To Remove Those?
If the stems of your jade plant have been sunburned, you may need to remove them. Sunburned stems are more susceptible to rot and can cause the entire plant to die. If you notice any signs of rot, such as black or brown lesions on the stem, you’ll need to remove that stem immediately. If the stem is only slightly sunburned, you may be able to leave it on the plant.
Preventing Sunburn On Your Jade Plant
The best way to prevent sunburn on your jade plant is to slowly introduce it to direct sunlight. If you’re growing your jade plant outside, start by placing it in a shaded area and gradually move it into direct sunlight over a period of weeks.
If you’re growing your jade plant indoors, place it in a spot that gets bright light but isn’t in direct sunlight (at least during the middle of the day – morning and evening light is okay).
Can Jade Plants Grow in Full Sun?
Yes! Some jade plant varieties are more tolerant of full sun than others. If you live in a region with harsh summers, it’s best to choose a sun-tolerant variety of jade plant.
You can also acclimate most jade plants to grow in full sun.
Best Jade Plant Varieties For Full Sun
Some of the more sun-tolerant varieties of the money plant include: ‘Lemon lime’ and ‘Hummel’s Sunset.’ But keep in mind most jade plants can grow in full sun if acclimated!
Acclimating Jade Plants To More Sun
To acclimate a jade plant to tolerate more sun, you can start off with an hour or two of direct sunlight each day and slowly increase the amount each week. Once your jade plant has acclimated to the sun, it should be able to tolerate full sun.
Final Thoughts On Jade Plant Sunburn
Remember, jade plants like bright light but can tolerate indirect sunlight. If you live in a region with harsh summers, it’s best to gradually introduce your jade plant to direct sunlight to avoid a sunburned jade plant.
If you’re growing your jade plant outside, it’s best to keep it in a shaded space during the middle of the day. And if you live in a place that freezes, it’s best to keep it in a pot so the plant can come inside during winter.
Jade plants are sun-loving succulents and do best when they get plenty of bright light. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to turn red or brown. If your jade plant has been sunburned, move it to a shaded area and give it time to heal. And be sure to slowly introduce it to direct sunlight if you’re growing it outside or in a sunny window!
